Hiking at Cedar Creek State Park

Cedar Creek State Park, along the Cedar Creek Backway, is obviously popular for camping, swimming, and gathering. However, the adventurous can “get away from it all” by hiking along the seven established trails which wind through the park. Three of the trails offer casual, relaxed paths through shaded, manicured grounds while the other four offer a challenge that not many will accept.

Fisherman’s Trail
This 1 Ã?½ mile trail begins at the Park’s Athletic Field and meanders along Cedar Creek to the park boundary.

Mostly level, the trail wanders along sunny banks, then meanders through the tall shaded grasses by the creek.

Many fishermen use this scenic trail for access to their favorite fishing spot.

Walking time: one hour.

RATING: CASUAL STROLL

Park View Trail
This rugged 1 �¾ mile trail begins near the Cedar Creek bridge at the park entrance, then climbs the point and follows the ridge above the road.

The clearly marked path provides a shaded aerobic workout at the beginning, then a casual down hill trek to the ponds.

Rewards include scenic views of the park and surrounding forested areas.

Walking time: 2 �¼ hours.

RATING: AEROBIC WORKOUT

Nightingale Trail
A project of the Nightingale 4-H Club, this �½ mile trail is laid out above the park picnic area.

This trail is a wonderful location for a relaxing afternoon snack and short walk.

Mostly shaded and level, this path is perfect for exercising seniors or for introducing young children to nature.

Walking time: �¾ hour.

RATING: CASUAL STROLL

Grassy Ridge Trail
A favorite 1/4 mile shortcut from the park swimming pool area to the Grass Ridge Picnic Area.

Shaded, and simple, this path provides a wooded connection between private, family picnics and swimming fun.

Also nearby is the playground, and the Country Store.

Walking time: 10 minutes.

RATING: CASUAL STROLL

North Boundary Trail
An extension of Two Run Trail, the one mile North Trail winds over interesting shale barrens to an area of large timber.

Alone, it provides an aerobic workout, but combine it with the Two Run Trail, it becomes a day’s adventure!

The up and downhill trek meanders though both sunny and shaded regions.

Walking time: one hour.

RATING: AEROBIC WORKOUT

Stone Trough Trail
Those truly looking for a hiking adventure will enjoy this path which has the additional challenges brought on by the damage created by the 2003 ice storm.

This 2 Ã?¼ mile loop begins at the campground and runs up Long Lick Run then climbs a ridge. There, it passes a stone watering trough, hand-carved from solid rock and believed to be over 100 years old – but only the most dedicated hiker may find it.

Walking Time: two hours.

RATING: EXTREME CHALLENGE

Two Run Trail
The longest of the trails, this 2 �½ mile trail goes up Two Run to its source, then follows a series of abandoned logging roads and animal trails.

Again, only the most adventurous should face this challenge that varies from a wide clear road to narrow uphill climbs. Hikers can continue along Stone Trough Trail to return to the campground.

Walking Time: three hours.

RATING: EXTREME CHALLENGE