Explore the lower trails of this biologically rich preserve with Docent Naturalists Bobbie Riedel, Susan Dunn, and Nick Yatsko. This moderately-paced hike showcases transitions from shaded riparian corridors to open sun-drenched prairies. You’ll hike a maze of trails with iconic names such as Toad Hollow, Beaver, and the newest Thimbleberry trails. You’ll traverse old roads and new pathways, all the while discovering clues about historic uses of this property.
Meet at the Alma Parking Area. From Highway 17 take the Bear Creek Road exit, opposite Lexington Reservoir. (From southbound Hwy. 17, exit the highway and go under an overpass; road will curve right to a stop sign at Bear Creek Rd., turn left. From northbound Hwy. 17 exit highway and cross the highway via the overpass on to Bear Creek Rd.) Travel 1.0 mile from Hwy. 17 on Bear Creek Rd., as road curves left there will be a pedestrian crosswalk, turn left into the parking lot immediately after the crosswalk.