Barred Owl Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Wildlife

Restroom access is available year round on the west side of the Richard Grand Recreation Hall and seasonally in the summer at the shower house located right next to the parking lot. Kiosks in the main camp provide maps and additional information. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Parking is discouraged along the roadside.

When arriving to Hunt Hill, hikers should make their way to the lower parking lot and locate Larry's Shop. The Barred Owl Trail starts directly behind the building.

The trail follows the edge of the forest and prairie before turning into the woods. The trail is relatively flat and there are a few small inclines along the way. The trail ends at Hunt Hill Road. Hikers can take the connector trail to join the Red Oak Trail to head back to the parking area, or hike back along the side of the road.

This trail also serves as the Discovery Trail. Each month 8-15 items (ex. flamingos, gnomes, trolls, snowmen, etc.) are hidden along the trail. Families are encouraged to visit each month and see how many of the items they can find hidden along the trail. Photos posted on social media and tagged to Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary are entered into a monthly prize drawing.

Woodland wildflowers include early meadow rue, bloodroot, and trillium. Ferns including interrupted, maidenhair, sensitive and lady can be seen in the summer. A variety of mushrooms present opportunity for identification practice. Signs of and sometimes even a brief flash of deer, black bear, porcupine, squirrels, and more can be observed along the trail. Ruffed Grouse can be heard drumming.