Purple Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting from the east, you can climb switchbacks for a direct, steep route up the hill. You'll see some great views here. When you get to the top of the hill, you'll hike west along the ridge of the hill in the forest. As you descend, you'll get into some cedar trees - look for an interesting rock bench and spring on the west side of the trail as you get near the bottom of the hill.

To complete the loop, you'll hike on part of the trail where the White Trail overlaps the Purple Trail to return to the parking area. While not a difficult trail, there are several creek crossings. Watch out for flash flooding here during storms.

The trail is shared with mountain bikers and equestrians. There is a shooting range at the trailhead, and you'll hear plenty of gun shots when it is open.

The switchbacks in the glade area feature wildflowers at certain times of the year. Black bears and copperheads are a possibility, so use caution. The forested western part of the trail has some interesting moss and lichens.