Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hike
Park next to the curb on Wister Lane. There is no official trailhead, but there are seven points where
you can enter the interconnecting loop trails from the four streets surrounding the park. There is no
trail signage in the park.
Walk from Wister Lane to an opening in the woods and a path to the Outer Loop Trail. Almost im-
mediately reach a T intersection. Take the left branch (east). This trail is part of the outer loop formed
by the exterior edges of the four inner loops.
Look to the right (southwest) for several 60- to 70-foot-tall dead pine trunks. This area is a favorite
for the redheaded woodpecker and the pileated woodpecker, which can grow larger than an American
crow. Continue going straight, passing a path that joins the Outer Loop Trail from the right (southw-
est). This is part of the North Loop Trail. In spring, several species of colorful warblers may be seen or
heard. Pass a path on the left that leads to Wister Lane. Make a hard right, heading south.
Take time to look around at the woods filled with more than 1,800 trees, including pine and many
species of oak mixed with a few ash, sycamore, and elm trees. Pass a path on the left that leads to
Shelterwood Drive. Bend right (southwest) at the intersection and continue a short distance, passing a
path on the left leading to West 11th Street. Curve right (west) then continue straight, passing the tail
of a Y crossing Outer Loop Trail. This area has tall oaks, pines, and maples that provide both shade
and solitude. The maples are spectacular in fall, when their foliage turns a brilliant red. The park is
home to thirty-five species of butterflies, which may be seen at various times of the year. The black
swallowtail, colored black with yellow spots, is common.
In about 200 feet a portion of the South Loop Trail crosses the Outer Loop. Make a sharp right
(north), continuing to a T; take the left (west) branch. A small baseball diamond can be seen to the left.
Shortly reach another T and take the right (north) branch. This is the Outer Loop Trail and returns to
the starting point of the hike.
This short hike can be extended to more than 1.0 mile by taking the inner loops. The park's diversity
of flora and fauna is well worth inspecting.
