Location: South Salem
Distance: 2.1 miles, option for less
Skill Level: easy
Elevation Gain: minimal
Type of Hike: barbell
Trail Condition: trail, road
Wow Factor: ends at a playground

How to get there: From 684, head east on 35.  Turn right on 123 and head south for 2 miles.  Turn left on Shady Lane.  Left on Elmwood Rd.  The park will be on your right.  Head to the far parking lot and park near the playground.

Address: 99 Elmwood Road, South Salem

Summary:

This hike has two loops from the parking lot so you could just do one if you wanted a shorter one.

From the parking lot near the playground, head east, away from the road, and down the little path between the fields.

Follow it uphill a little while and when the trail forks, you can take either way to complete the loop.  There are a few low spots with boardwalks and some seriously defaced trees.

The loop will complete and bring you back to the parking lot in just over a mile.

 

Walk back down the road you drove in on and cross the street.  A little to the left of the driveway, you will see the entrance to the preserve.

Head in and skirt around the field on your left.

Head right at the fork and walk toward an open area with picnic tables.

Find the trail blue again on the right near the small pond.  Head around to the right of the lake.

You’ll cross over three streams on your way around.  There are some nice areas that climb around some exposed bedrock.  The boy scouts have done a nice job with some stairs to help you climb a steep spot.

After the third stream, you walk through a pine grove and come to the road again.  Head left on the shoulder and cross back into the park side.  This loop is a little over a mile by itself.

The playground has baby swings but the playground is mostly for older kids.  There are several wide open fields for playing ball and running.  There are picnic tables and benches.

Facilities: restrooms
Hunting:
Dogs: on leash

Map