Hike Old Stone Fort Trail
Details
Distance
2.9 miles
Elevation Gain
265 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Katie Yarborough
A perfect short day hike at this state park allows you to see three different waterfalls and has a couple adjoining trails to hop on!
The main hiking trail at this small state park follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which was used by the Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place. The trail threads through dramatic scenery where you can see the original entrance of the fort which was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice. Visitors can learn about the Old Stone Fort on this hike with twelve interpretive panels along this trail as well as enjoying the areas graceful waterfalls.
You'll park at the main parking lot found at my location point above. You'll first walk past the museum, where there is a ranger during business hours to talk about the park. Stop in there to learn more about some of the informative historical relics!
The trail starts directly beside the museum. It will wind around the park in a loop, following the Little Duck River below you. You'll start out at higher level than the river, but you'll gradually be brought back to ground level halfway through. You'll be circling around the flat prairie-like field at the center of the park. There are benches there and a small path, where you can walk over to those areas. Staying on the trail will lead you by many waterfalls and cascades, including Bluehole Falls, Big Falls, and Little Falls. There are two adjoining trails that you can break off on and hike. They will start and end at a part of the main Old Stone Fort Trail. Follow the white blazes for the main trail. Yellow and Red are the adjoining short trails. Keep an eye out for river otters and beautiful wildflowers during the spring!
If you're camping at this park, just walk past the parking lot and across the blue/aqua bridge. The campgrounds are directly past the bridge following the road.
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Reviews
Leave a ReviewBeautiful and historic!
Enjoyed the hike along the river. Stopping at the museum is a must to get the full scope of the history here. I really enjoyed it!
5.0
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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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