Hikes in the Valley/Jacobsburg

Jacobsburg Park has some very nice trails and is a popular mountain biking site. The NCC group met here one Saturday morning and hiked for about two hours. Since the bridge is stll out over the creek, we headed out the parking lot to the right and got on the trail opening that takes you to the restrooms and the Henry's Woods Trail. This loop takes you by the creekbed and then over the bridge, up to to the overlook, and down the steps and back out to the parking lot. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour at a moderately brisk pace. We then entered the trail at the far end of the parking lot which takes you up into more of a meadow-like area..more open...lots of wildflowers and birds. We circled back and and eventually came around the the Henry's Woods Trail again and back out to the parking lot. It's nice to split it up this way in case people want to use the restrooms after an hour, since most have had coffee before they arrived!

The map and the trail markings at Jacobsburg are kind of squirrely.. I don't know why. But we split into two groups and one group got lost of couple of times...now that might be the map readers, not the maps but everyone agreed the maps were hard to decipher. And if anybody knows what the Rocking Chair icon means, please post a comment. We guessed it means Homestead Trail...not a trail for seniors!

YOu need to be careful that you don't venture onto trails that lead into hunting areas during hunting season. (I know from experience! ) it is easy to do if you're not paying attention. Also, someone I know hiked on a Friday morning when fewer cars are around, and her window was smashed and her purse stolen. (As well as the car next to hers) Wear a Fanny Pack and carry your valuables!!! Hiking shoes not necessary...but always nice to have. Dogs are allowed on leash.Please be sure to bring bags to clean up after yours!

This park offers a certain serenity in it's pine forest, along the creek, that is delightful. And the stairs and steep inclines get your heart rate up for a bit. Everyone said they enjoyed it and it's not too far from most Valley residents. Up 33 and take the Belfast Exit, turn right off the ramp and left at the stop sign...the first parking lot you come to has the kiosk and maps.. and that's where we parked, though there are other options.