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I've had this park on my "want to go" list for too long, so I finally made it a priority. I went on a Sat morning and it was busy, but not overly busy or crowded. Here's a few tips I didn't realize until I was there:
There's an upper and lower parking lot --- upper parking lot has air pumps for bike tires and easier access to mountain bike trails --- lower parking lot has access to the 4 mile gravel trail and easy access to the .5 mile loop --- the 1 mile Upper Access/ Lower Access trail goes from one parking lot to the other
The scenic point is most easily accessed from the upper trail. It is really just an overlook, minimal seating if you wanted to hang out.
There are benches throughout the .5 mile loop. There are not many benches along the 1 mile trail.
The 1 mile trail is a steady uphill or downhill trail depending on where you start. The incline is not TOO steep, but it is a big trail. I started at the lower parking lot and walked all up hill, then back down.
The 1 mile trail is mainly in the sun, not much shade. There is more shade on the .5 mile loop - maybe 1/2 of it is shaded.
I walked the 1 mile trail up, then to the overlook, then back down and then did the .5 mill loop. It totaled right at 2.65 miles and was very enjoyable. I really liked that the trail is paved, wide and easy to follow. There are so many amazing signs keeping you going in the right direction! Even with a full parking lot, my time there was very enjoyable. I also hung out at the scenic overlook and just rested for awhile. There is also a nice viewing area in the lower parking lot by the pavilion.
I really enjoyed this park and would absolutely come back.
I did not see the cave and am not really sure how to find it, so I can't speak to that. But I saw educational...
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If you're a fan of long, sweeping swaths of massive concrete block retaining walls dominating the landscape, then this has been transformed into a park you'll love! It feels like this 'upgrade' has been cut and pasted from the typical vinyl sided subdivision and plopped right into a formerly untarnished natural area... and $4.3 million taxpayer dollars were spent to make it happen.
I hadn't been in a few years, and was surprised to see the bridge crossing over the driveway down to the park. As we continued, the dismay continued to grow as the 'improved' vistas materialized. It WAS a great place to truly get into as undisturbed a state of nature as possible in the county. The saddest part is taxpayers footed the bill to permanently scar the landscape... I can't even form words in a PG-enough fashion to fully criticize and call into question the rationale behind this albatross.
The full lunacy of this project is punctuated by the trees planted along the paved path. Trees were ripped out to make way for this, then new trees were planted just feet from a fully established forest, further displaying the ease with which one can spend other people's money.
Sure, there's still some unpaved portions intersecting the paved monstrosity, but the beauty of the original landscape is gone forever. The 'accessibility' argument is just an attempt to placate the 'naysayers', but there are MILES and MILES of perfectly accessible trails within a 5 mile radius that fulfilled this need, and could have left the unimproved...
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Great walking spot, good hiking spot. If you come here, pee before. It’s a bathroom. No mirror, two stalls, but soap, working sink and toilet, and toilet paper so like you don’t really need more than that for a bathroom, right?
The walk itself was honestly super peaceful and nice. There’s a paved path, and then wonderful little off paths that are more hike-y. I saw a deer once, and I lowkey got scared because it had no fear. Why should I fear the fearless? It was quite a strange awakening, almost spiritual. The trees here are so loving and strong. There’s a pond somewhere, I found it once and it was swampy and nice.
My dog liked it here, and he got super muddy. I’m glad he did. He should have the agency to be free in nature. Also, I know you’re not supposed to, but on the off-paths I did take him off leash because he’s chill like that. On the paved path, I kept him on the leash.
There are garbage pails on the paved path, sporadic and maybe every mile or so. Great if you brought a Dunkin with you and need to throw it out.
Super clean, super good vibes, lots of parking, saw a bike pump, water fountain, etc etc. Nice overlook right at the start of the Mississippi river, too. Definitely...
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