If you want to start-off the third week of July with a friendly group of people, outstanding scenery and some exercise, join us for another guided hike in the Forest Park! The hike is set for Monday, July 18—meet at 8:30am at P-3 (parking lot 3 on Norling Creek Road) in the Forest Park and be ready for another scenic route, following almost 4 miles of moderate trails on yet another loop designed by the park’s dedicated volunteers.
This will be the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Committee’s third guided hike, with this one led by Kandee McClain. Like the first two hikes, this one will highlight a different set of the many Forest Park trails. Beginning with an easy 0.7 mile stroll on Boulder Trail, you will then climb a short distance to the newer Owl Hoot Trail. This 1.2 mile trail follows an old miner’s ditch which makes it fairly level with some grand views of Forest Park and our valley. A side trip to Mountain Mahogany Meadow will showcase some of the largest Pacific Madrones in the area and a stunning viewpoint. After a short trek down part of Twin Peaks Trail, our hike will finish with a 0.7 mile walk on Canyon Falls Trail. This trail hugs Norling and Jackson Creeks with many seasonal waterfalls and lush, deep woods. The waterfalls may be dry by this time, but the trail is guaranteed to draw you back for a hike during a wetter time of year.
Free trail maps will be provided. Please wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water and leave your dogs at home. For those unfamiliar with Forest Park, there will be someone at the entrance to the park to guide you to P-3. To get to the park, take Highway 238 west of downtown Jacksonville for about ½ mile and then take the right turn off onto Reservoir Road and follow it for about one mile. You will then see the first kiosk at P-1. For further information, please contact Kandee McClain at mnkmcclain@gmail.com.