Hiking

While all of the trails in the park are open to hiking, there are three trails designated as hiking-only in spring, summer and fall: the Indian Marker Tree Trail, the self-guided Flintrock Nature Trail and the Pleasure Valley Hiking Trail. 

Trail descriptions

Flintrock Trail

This self-guided wooded 1.3-mile trail offers interpretive signs explaining the geology of the Blue Mound area. Watch for flint rock boulders scattered along this trail as the trail takes you along the north side of the mound.

Indian Marker Tree Trail

A half-mile trail named for an oak tree that was bent over 100 years ago and points towards a natural spring. The trail meanders along the north face of the mound through rock outcroppings. Native Americans and early settlers once used the tree marker to help locate water.

John Minix Trail

Named for the previous owner of the park, John Minix, this 1-mile loop offers a gentle meandering jaunt through a dense hardwood forest. It is our easiest trail.  

Access to Military Ridge State Trail

The park is next to the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, which is open to bicycling, hiking and snowmobiles when there is enough snow.

Pleasure Valley Bike Trail

A rolling 1-mile trail will take you through a peaceful sugar maple forest and a wide range of plant life in an open prairie.  

Weeping Rock Hiking Trail

A 1-mile extension of the Pleasure Valley Trail. Descend into a mixed forest of oak and maple trees. The trail follows Ryan Creek, a spring-fed creek, down into the glen. A beautiful rock face wall is at the bottom with water from springs seeping out of it.

Ridgeview Trail

Along the south border of the park near the Military Ridge State Trail. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding area with easy access from the campground. The trail has moderate to steep hills.

Walnut Hollow Trail

A half-mile extension of the Ridgeview Trail, this short trail takes you through a stand of black walnut trees before emerging back into the prairie.

Willow Springs trail

A 2-mile trail that winds through a mixed hardwood forest and passes a stand of willow trees and a spring that flows year-round. Years ago, Native Americans and early settlers used this spring as a reliable water source.