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    Trail Definitions

    Difficulty Ratings

    Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
    More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
    Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

    Trail Route Type

    Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
    Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
    Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
    Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

    Billy Goat Trail

    0.4 mile  |   More difficult hiking  |   Connector trail   |   Yellow blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking
    Trailhead amenities: none

    This hiking-only trail travels through young hardwood forest to make a small loop off Damsite Trail.

    Blackhawk Trail

    1.6 miles  |   More difficult hiking  |   Connector trail   |   Red blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
    Trailhead amenities: none

    This multi-use trail follows the north shore of Yellow Creek Lake and intersects many roads along its path.

    ​Damsite Trail

    2.5 miles  |   Easiest hiking  |   Loop trail   |   Yellow blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking
    Trailhead amenities: none

    This trail leads to the dam which periodically has a spillway waterfall.

    Laurel Run Trail

    0.5 mile  |   Easiest hiking  |   Loop trail   |   Yellow blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking
    Trailhead amenities: modern restroom

    This easy hike starts at the park office, follows Laurel Run, and is especially beautiful in the spring when wildflowers abound.

    Ridgetop Trail

    2.0 miles  |   Most difficult hiking  |   Loop trail   |   Yellow blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking
    Trailhead amenities: picnic tables, benches

    This challenging trail begins at the beach/day-use area and winds through a variety of habitats.

    Simpson Trail

    6.3 miles  |   More difficult hiking  |   Out-and-back trail   |   Red blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
    Trailhead amenities: none

    This multi-use trail passes through various habitats.