Today’s hike brought us to the Whitetail Nature Trail at Green Lane Park. I’ve lived ten minutes from this park for ten years now and have rarely done much more than drive by it. I’m sorry I haven’t visited more but now it will be one of our regular hiking destinations. A few years ago, I tried to hike one of the more popular horse trails which was a muddy mess. I still think it is probably best to stay away from these trails. However, the trail at the nature center and the Whitetail Nature Trail are worth the visit. And you just might get a glimpse at the resident bald eagles.
The Whitetail Nature Trail is just a simple mile loop that starts as a wider path along the lake (don’t be discouraged by the picnic tables and trash cans it really does get better). Eventually the trail juts off and winds it way through the woods. There are several deep ravines as the trail works its way through the woods. There are also markers highlighting various interesting tree and plant species along the trail. I assume you can pick up a guide at the park office at the beginning of the trail but we didn't have one.
We heard cicadas and a pileated woodpecker. We ran into a lot of mushrooms and fungus again during this hike. There were a lot of what appeared to be chanterelles (I wish I knew for sure what these mushrooms look like). We also found this green blue fellow and these little white ones.
On our way back to the car we spotted this fruiting trillium under a winterberry holly. 
If you have an extra hour, I would definitely give this trail a try. It does get a bit steep and somewhat rocky at times so good hiking shoes are probably wise. And if you have the time bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery after your hike.
The Whitetail Nature Trail is just a simple mile loop that starts as a wider path along the lake (don’t be discouraged by the picnic tables and trash cans it really does get better). Eventually the trail juts off and winds it way through the woods. There are several deep ravines as the trail works its way through the woods. There are also markers highlighting various interesting tree and plant species along the trail. I assume you can pick up a guide at the park office at the beginning of the trail but we didn't have one.
We heard cicadas and a pileated woodpecker. We ran into a lot of mushrooms and fungus again during this hike. There were a lot of what appeared to be chanterelles (I wish I knew for sure what these mushrooms look like). We also found this green blue fellow and these little white ones.
On our way back to the car we spotted this fruiting trillium under a winterberry holly. If you have an extra hour, I would definitely give this trail a try. It does get a bit steep and somewhat rocky at times so good hiking shoes are probably wise. And if you have the time bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery after your hike.
No comments:
Post a Comment