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Recommended Hikes
No collecting of any kind is permitted.

View Hiking Guidelines
Trailheads Map

Parking may be unavailable during the winter months due to snowy weather.  The pull-offs and small lots are not plowed.

NO DOGS or OTHER PETS ALLOWED

Big Jump Prairie Trail
4.0 mi roundtrip​

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Trailhead: 2.6 miles north of the visitor center, on Lowden Road.
Parking: There is a small lot. Do not block any entrances or gates.
Where to hike: Hike either on the mowed lanes or off–trail. There are 350 acres to explore.
What can be seen along the hike?
​Remote hilly prairie, oak woodlands, a creek, and cliffs. Please do not climb or walk on the rock faces.
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Trail site description, history, and management.

Clear Creek Knolls Trail

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Trailhead: 1.4 miles north of the visitor center, on Lowden Road.
Parking: There is a small lot. Do not block any entrances or gates.
Where to hike: Hike either on the mowed lanes or off–trail. There are 300 acres to explore.
What can be seen along the hike?
​Beautifully restored prairie (former crop fields), and some remnant hill prairies. There is also a creek crossing, so remove your socks and shoes and enjoy the refreshing water. Wear a swimsuit, for the creek ford is fun to play in on a hot day. 

Stone Barn Savanna Trail
1.6 mi roundtrip​ to wetland or
0.9 mi loop trail

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Trailhead: At the dead–end of Stone Barn Road, 2 miles northwest of the visitor center.
Parking: There is pull-off parking in the grass. Do not block any gates or roads.
Where to hike: Walk through the opening near the fence and hike either on the mowed lanes or off–trail. There are 250 acres to explore. 
What can be seen along the hike?
A lovely extensive oak savanna (under restoration), restored prairie openings, wetlands and sandstone cliffs (do not climb the rock as it will break off).

Use a Smart Phone to access a guided hike along this trail.

Jay Meiners Wetlands Trail

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Trailhead: On Naylor Road, 2.4 miles southwest of the visitor center.
Parking: There is a parking lot.
Where to hike: Hike off–trail, for there are no mowed lanes to follow. There are 60 acres to traverse. 
What can be seen along the hike?
​Remnant prairie, wetlands, a portion of Franklin Creek, and a pond with a bur oak hillside. Watch for birds, mink and muskrat along the creek.

Thelma Carpenter Prairie Trail

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Trailhead: On Carthage Road, 2.4 miles northeast of the visitor center. This hike is best reached by taking Lowden Rd north, then Stone Barn Rd east and finally south on Carthage Road.
Parking: There is pull-off parking in the grass. Do not block any gates or roads.
Where to hike: Hike off-trail up the hill of this remnant prairie or along the mowed lanes. There are 60 acres to explore. 
What can be seen along the hike?
There are remnant prairies, prairie restorations, a fallow meadow, and an old farm pond.

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Leave only your footsteps and take only your photos and memories!

UPDATED 07/2026