South Run Stream Valley Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Wildlife

This 5.1-mile trail begins near the dam at the south end of Burke Lake. It intersects there with the Burke Lake Trail. Elevation changes throughout its length are mild. Most of the trail runs through woods and parallels South Run Stream.

Near the South Run Recreation Center the Lake Mercer South Loop Trail branches off to the south side of Lake Mercer and then rejoins the South Run Stream Valley Trail at the Lake Mercer Dam allowing for a loop around Lake Mercer. The South Run Stream Valley Trail continues around the north side of Lake Mercer and continues eastward for another 2 miles beyond ending at Rushing Creek Road.

The first 1.5 miles are paved and more than doubletrack wide. Then there is a short .15 mile section of gravel service road. The trail then returns to paved, doubletrack+ width for the next 2.85 miles. At that point, it crosses South Run stream and becomes paved singletrack for its remainder.

The trail traverses a deciduous forest with many small animals such as birds and squirrels.