Rough Creek Inner Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

I don't know if I've ever come across an area with so many consistent wildflowers throughout the year, and you are pretty much guaranteed to have the place to yourself.

After the steep climb up the access trail, things mellow out on this loop. The trail follows an old forest road with gentle grades and is easy to follow. Simply always stay to the left of any intersection if running counterclockwise. This is the innermost loop/trail. Taking a right will spin you out further into the trail system. Staying to the left on the forestry road will keep you on this loop. Use the Trail Run Project mobile app if you have any concerns.

The trail is heavily forested with a splendid mix of hardwoods, and some softwoods, and an ever-present assortment of wildflowers (the most amazing trillium display in Spring, particularly on the adjacent Cherry Cove Trail). This is an infrequently used set of trails and rarely is anyone else out there. A benefit of being a bit out of the way.

The trail can hold water in spots and get a bit muddy, but rarely is it problematic. Cherry Cove Trail is one of my favorite stretches of trail in the country.