This is a review of several trails in the reservation. Please see the many photos I uploaded that don't appear below but appear in the photos for this site. I started on the Buckeye Trail at SOM Center Rd and Hawthorne Parkway (the road was blocked there due to a downed tree). I followed the Buckeye trail to the Hatchet Ridge trail where I circled the Henry Church Rock Loop and headed back to my starting place along the Buckeye trail. It was about 4.5 mile loop
The Buckeye Trail is some asphalt and some dirt and small rocks. It is easy to follow and well marked. It follows some of the BridleTrail which horses can trek. I saw many runners on this trail. It was mostly shaded and wide enough at points for three people to walk side by side. It was an easy trail. I saw people of all ages on this trail and families.
The Hatchet trail and the portion of the Henry Church Rock trail that runs along the river is "somewhat dangerous" according to a gentleman probably in his 60's who stopped to give me directions. The trail is narrow (enough for people to pass each other) and a dirt path with some rocks and roots along the way. All under the shade of the trees. To get down to the river you have to descended several flights of stairs. See my attached pics for elevation rise and fall on the trail. There are several Emergency Location stations along the path so you can share your exact location to EMS in an.
I saw lots of people walking along the river shores, wading through the water, swimming with their families, and even jumping from the top of the water fall. It looked like the kids and adults were having a blast in the water and exploring the area.
It was a very warm day when I went and the Henry Church Rock area was busy with hikers and kids. The Buckeye trail was quiet.
The area is busy with walkers, runners, hikers, families, and bicycles.
It's fun and relaxing trail. read more