Exercise Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors

Lots of early junctions with various small connection trails (built mostly to facilitate mowing); just keep trending uphill. It's hard to get terrifically lost back there.

This trail can be approached from several different points. The official starting point is a shared trailhead with the Nature Trail, with a signed split for the Exercise Trail appearing after just a hundred feet or so.

The trail zigs and zags through red and white pines, as it was originally an exercise circuit with equipment and stations and everything. No more, though a few archaeological remains of the circuit can be spotted here and there.

The climb is steady, but pretty gentle, though a few of the switchbacks are very tight. This route is marginally less shady, especially before/after the deciduous trees have leafed out, but still quite pleasant in all seasons. A few Autumn Olives (an invasive berry tree) can be found around 0.1 miles in; these small red berries with white specks and a very tart flavor, can typically be found in August/September/October. They make for a nice snack.

The trail passes from relatively open canopy into pine plantations just before meeting up with the Conifer Trail. Despite being close to a highway and the nature center itself, the peaceful solitude in this stand of woods is quite enjoyable. The return journey, or looping onto the Conifer Trail makes for a pleasant short loop.