Bonus Hike!

  • Difficulty: Easy one yellow star
  • Distance: 1.10 miles
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Stroller Friendly: No
  • Wheelchair Friendly: No
  • Playground: Yes
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Location: John C. Rudy County Park – Pines Parking Area
    • black and white illustration of a battlefield

    Clues for Your Hike

    1. Start at the Eastern Hemlock pavilion and take the sidewalk next to it, then follow it straight onto the gravel road toward the deer fence. Turn right on the small trail right behind the deer exclusion fence.
    2. Continue straight until you see a paved driveway. Turn right just before reaching the pavement. Continue straight on the gravel path under the spruce branches.
    3. Look for sapsucker holes on the tree bark. Continue straight on the paved trail slightly uphill away from the playground.
    4. Continue as the trail curves right along the dog park fence (past two bird boxes).
    5. At the intersection, turn right at the end of the dog park (restroom on the left). Stay to the right at the fork.
    6. Turn right at the observatory sign marker. Continue past the historic trees sign and enjoy exploring the arboretum trees. Look for the post near 12 Bur Oak.
    7. Look for the flagpole and/or the yellow playground. Follow the trail in either direction or go through the grass to get back to the parking area.

    Did You Know?

    • On July 4, 2026, the US will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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