You may have heard about a new walking trail down by the Smokestack Center (254 N. State St.) – Monitor photographer Elizabeth Frantz checked it out recently.
You also may have encountered the same dilemma we did: You see a bunch of posted, “No Trespassing” signs all over the area that’s supposed to be where the trail is.
Don’t worry – you’re in the right place. In fact, that’s how you know you’re there. The signs are meant to deter adolescent bad behavior, said Lori McKinney, program manager at Good Life Programs and Activities, which maintains the trail and has an office right next to the trail head.
Once we were assured we wouldn’t step in a bear trap (or worse), we checked it out.
It’s a short loop – about a third of a mile, though the exact distance is unknown – short enough that you could measure it precisely and send us the number! You walk on packed gravel, and it’s all level except for the small footbridge crossing, so it’s really an all-ages hike, we say. Take the kids and do a few laps!
