Hays Preserve Loop

Dogs Leashed

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

This loop features mixed surface paths that wind through the woods passing by Flint River on the south end and crossing Big Cove Creek on the north end. The loop has hardly any elevation change, making it a great for first time hikers or those looking for a nice, mellow outing.

The loop hike is found at the southern end of Hays Nature Preserve. The loop can be done in either direction, but when going counterclockwise, as mapped, hikers will get to start with a nice easy hike along the wide path that runs along the northern shore of Flint River.

The path soon turns northeast away from the river and heads into the woods, passing by Glass Lake before turning back to the west on the Tupelo Tree Path. Keep an eye open for the path's namesake Tupelo Trees. This sections winds through dense woods with several small bridges and a boardwalk along the wide footpath.

You'll eventually cross Big Cove Creek and connect briefly with the Big Cove Creek Greenway. Follow this wide, multi-use greenway to the Flint Trail. Here you'll head back into the woods, skirt the eastern edge of Barr Lake and wind through the woods for a bit longer before popping back out at the trailhead where you started.

Elm, oak, tupelo, black walnut.