Yellow Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking off of Lincoln drive is sparse at best. Consider starting at Valley Green Inn instead (using Forbidden Drive to access the Yellow Trail.

This is also a very popular bike trail, so be prepared for lots of bikes on warm days.

Rocks can be particularly hard on ankles.

Dogs are often off leash. I have not run into any dogs I was scared of, but be forewarned.

Park at the base of Forbidden Drive directly off of Lincoln Drive. The Yellow Trail starts about 1/4 mile up the Lincoln Drive Trail on the right.

Immediately upon starting you'll climb a 10% grade for about a .2 of a mile. It does not get any easier after this.

Follow the yellow blazes up the path, and make sure you make the first right you can. From here you'll pass under the Henry Street Bridge and come to the one of the best views in the park - Lovers Leap.

The trail from here winds along for approximately 4 miles or so until you get to the cross path for the Valley Green Inn.

There are a number of bailout points along the way in case you want to head down to Forbidden Drive.

There are two places along the way that can trip you up.

1: At approximately mile 5, you'll come to a road that you need to cross. The connection on the other side of the road is slightly to your left and past the gate. From there you can either take the left fork or the right fork. Both will get you where you want to go. The left fork runs higher and has some slight climbing. The right is an easier part of the trail.

2: Approximately 1/2 mile later you'll come to Summit Avenue. Turn right and follow the road up the hill and then back down. Enter the park again at the trailhead. .4 of a mile after you get back on the trail you'll need to turn left. Alternatively, you can stay on the Yellow Trail without proceeding to Summit Avenue.

Once past these two parts you have some fun little steep up and downs to follow and at mile 8.8 you should be back on Forbidden Drive. Follow it south to get back to your car or head north a smidge and cross the bridge to get on the Orange Trail and head south.

Various trees, flowers and fungi. Deer, squirrels, feral cats. Unleashed dogs. Seen a turtle or two as well.