Tree Farm Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

At nearly 3 miles in length, the Tree Farm Trail represents one of the CVNP’s easier trails and includes the picturesque Horseshoe Pond—home to a fair amount of non-deciduous greenery, namely pine and spruce. The space earned its nickname from a former iteration as an evergreen tree farm. In the winter, this trail rocks. You’ll need an hour-plus to do the ski-trail justice (you can be aerobic about it, but we’re betting on a couple stops along the way just to soak up the view). Visit once, and you’re likely to want to beat the locals out of bed to get there as early as possible. Great sunrises here.

What Makes It Great:

A smooth, wide loop, Tree Farm Trail serves as home to a whole host of woodland creatures (rabbits, squirrels, moles, chipmunks and the occasional deer). It’s a bit like “Bambi” come to life, and families in particular are bound to enjoy everything about it. Hikes and trail runs are good here. It has everything great about the CVNP in one place: a beautiful pond (where anglers can be spotted occasionally tossing in a line) with a beautiful loop that doesn’t push visitors to their limits… unless they choose to push themselves with a pair of running shoes.

Who is Going to Love It:

This is one of the most mainstream locations in the park system, since it's a real people-pleaser: Hikers, trail runners, cross-country skiers, birders, photographers, and especially kids and families will love this trail. It’s hard to think of anyone who wouldn’t like it, unless you’re the type who is geared up for a more intense challenge. If that’s you, this might be a pass… but we think that when you get out of the car (or off your bike) you’re going to take a look around and want to explore anyway.

Lots of small mammals here. This trail is also fantastic for bird watching, especially in the spring, when warblers are around! You also can see some waterfowl in the pond.