Hike #1: Lower MacLeay Park to Wildwood and Wild Cherry Trails

I just recently switched to a new work schedule, so that I am now working Tuesday-Saturday, rather than Monday-Friday/Saturday. This was my first Monday off, and I decided spend the afternoon exploring Forest Park.

I started my journey at the Lower MacLeay Park, with which I am very familiar. I hiked to the "Witch's Castle," and while I have typically continued straight towards the Audubon Society on NW Cornell, I decided this time to veer right onto the Wildwood Trail.

Witch's Castle

I then stayed on the Wildwood Trail for quite a while, passing the junctions for Holman Lane, the Aspen Trail, and the Birch Trail. This section of the Wildwood Trail was entirely new to me, and wow... it was gorgeous.

So much green!

Additionally, while hiking, I saw 34 slugs and snails! For those who may not know, I heart slugs.

I eventually reached the junction of the Wildwood Trail and the Wild Cherry Trail. I took the Wild Cherry Trail to Leif Erikson Drive, which was a road originally constructed in the 1900s. Due to landslides, the road eventually closed and then became part of Forest Park.

I traveled down Leif Erikson for just a short distance until I came to a narrow trail that is marked on my Forest Park map but not on Google Maps. That trail took me past a large water tank before spitting me out onto NW Gordon St, which then connected me to NW Thurman St. From there, I was able to take Thurman all the way back to Lower MacLeay Park. Google Maps says I walked 4.7 miles, and with the rest of the walking I did today, I got over 18,000 steps!

A map of my hike.

What is the All Trails Challenge?

The All Trails Challenge is an opportunity for hikers to take on the trails of Forest Park while also raising money for the Forest Park Conservancy, whose "mission is focused on protecting Forest Park's ecological health while encouraging responsible recreation and access."

Participants can opt to complete either all 30 miles of the Wildwood Trail or the entire 80-mile Forest Park trail system. I have chosen to complete the full 80-mile challenge, as there are many trails within Forest Park that I have never explored.

While I complete the challenge, I am also raising money to benefit the Forest Park Conservancy, so that they can continue to maintain these beautiful trails. If you are interested in donating, please visit my personal page.

I will use this blog to document my hikes and progress throughout the challenge, as well as to share pictures from my hikes. Enjoy!