Trail Discovery for Kids: Michaux State Forest, PA

Taking a rest next to the reservoir

July 2012 Highlighted Hike

Beaver Trail

Michaux State Forest, PA

Trail Description

ü  This 2.5 mile out-and-back hike is in Michaux State Forest north of Route 30 and 10 miles east of Chambersburg, PA.

ü  This natural surface trail hugs the reservoir with only one 75 foot climb away from the reservoir and then a gentle slope descending back.

ü  To find the Beaver trailhead, turn left onto Milesburn Road (dirt road) from Rt. 233. At the end of the reservoir, turn right onto Birch Run Road (dirt road). Follow it for less than a mile. Park along the road after the second bridge. Walk back over the bridge to stairs on the left of the road which descend the embankment where the Beaver trailhead sign is located.

ü  The hike is not jogging stroller friendly.

ü  Trail map. To help orient, look for Caledonia State Park in pink. The reservoir is north of it. The Beaver Trail is on the north side of the reservoir adjacent to Birch Run Road.

Age Appropriateness
This hike is appropriate for children five years or older.

What is fun for kids?

ü  Hiking along the reservoir. There are six different locations to access it and play; the largest being a mile down the trail.

ü  Blueberry bushes are abundant along both sides of the trail throughout the hike.

ü  In June, the Rhododendron bushes display huge flowers.

ü  Bring a kayak or canoe and enjoy the lake. The boat ramp is located on the south side of it off of Milesburn Road.

ü  Bushwhack, rock scramble and play in Knob Run. This is the stream that runs under the second bridge on Birch Run Road. Rocky Knob Trail runs along this stream.

ü  Camp along Hosack Run at the small campground at Caledonia State Park.

Caution

ü  There is no bathroom or trash cans; therefore, pack out your garbage. The closest bathroom is at Caledonia State Park.

Beware of the posted restrictions in the state forest.

Trail Discovery for Kids

August Highlighted Hike
Stone Bridge Loop Trail
Manassas Battlefield National Park
Manassas, VA

Hike Information
* 1.1 mile circuit hike on a wide trail with crushed gravel and raised wooden walkways.
* The hike has one moderate hill to ascend and descend, hiking clockwise or counter-clockwise. Each has steps that are widely spaced.
* After the Stone Bridge, turn right or left to start the circuit hike.
* An extra 1/4 of a mile may be added to the hike passed the Van Pelt Site along the field to Bull Run (hiking counter-clockwise).
* Hike both in the woods and open field.
* Trailhead and parking lot on Rt. 29 two miles east of Sudley Rd.
* Trail map.

Age Appropriate
This circuit hike is appropriate for all ages because it is short and jogging stroller passable for toddlers. However, it can be a section of a longer hike for children elementary age and older.

What is fun for kids?
* Easy access to Bull Run to play in the stream or throw rocks.
* Great Civil War interpretive signs of the First Battle of Manassas. Being able to use the natural environment to play act the battle.
* Activities in the Park: Stone House, Henry House, and the museum and movie about the Civil War at the Visitor's Center.

Caution
* No bathrooms at the trailhead/parking lot.

Trail Discovery for Kids

April Highlighted Hike

Billy Goat Trail, Part C

C&O Canal National Historic Park

Potomac, MD

Hike Information

ü  2.5 mile circuit hike.

ü  Take the Caderock exit off the Clara Barton Parkway. Follow the signs to the Park. Drive to the last parking lot where the trail head kiosk is located.

ü  The Billy Goat Trail follows the Potomac River up and down the steep river bank. The trail tread is both rocky and smooth. Hikers will climb rocks and cross streams. The last third of the hike is on the wide and flat C&O tow path.

ü  Follow the blue blazers, even when the trail strays in different directions, particularly at a large bridge crossing half way and at the end of the Billy Goat Trail when it makes a sharp turn to the left.

ü  This trail is NOT jogging stroller passable.

ü  There is one creek crossing without a bridge.

ü  Link to the trail map, look at the trail in the lower right corner labeled Caderock.

Age Appropriateness

ü  This hike is best for kids five years and older due to the hills and rocky terrain.

What is fun for kids?

ü  Seeing wildlife – snakes, fish, blue heron, ducks, geese, turtles in the canal, skinks (look in dead tree trunks), toads, box turtles, and deer along the trail.

ü  Vernal pools and frogs.

ü  Many varieties of wild flowers in April (e.g. Virginia blue bells, phlox, may apples and many more).

ü  Lots of rocks to climb. This is an area known for rock climbing.

ü  After the stream crossing, there is a big, flat rock on the river’s edge for a rest, snack or picnic lunch. This is also a great spot for playing in or next to the water.

ü  Watching kayakers on the river.

ü  Seeing a waterfall.

Caution

ü  This area of Great Falls and the Canal is very busy on the weekends. There is some difficulty finding a parking spot.

ü  Many different user paths off the trail. Follow the blue blazes.

ü  Trash free park – pack your garbage out.