Bluff Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Starting from the public parking lot on East Bay Road (restrooms available) the trail ascends a set of stairs. From the stairs, there is a very steep dirt path that is dotted with trees to help less experienced hikers. It is this section only (and it's very short—just steep) that would be considered "Intermediate" in difficulty, but once you reach the top, you are at the top of the bluffs. There are typically 2 parallel paths for most of the trail—one right along the cliff's edge (with signs warning that the edge may be unstable) and one 20 feet farther back in the woods. These paths will merge and diverge very frequently.

From the initial ascent along the bluffs themselves, the path is very flat. As you come to the end of the bluffs, the path will gradually descend to 8-10 feet above the lake and continue all the way to the park.

Since there are other trails in the park, you can make your own hike by combining them. If you are only hiking the Bluff Trail, it is recommended to drop down to the beach in any one of a number of openings and paths along the shore and make the return hike along the rocky shore. It's a flat hike back, but the shifting gravel, stones, and downed trees on the beach require some dexterity to maneuver. But, looking up at the bluff you were on top of a short while ago makes it worth it!

While most hikers will focus on the bluffs (because they are so unique) there is decent birdwatching over the lake during migrations.

Beware of the thick poison ivy that is about ankle-to-knee high and on both sides of the trail.