4/27/25

Today I hit up the Hawk Recreational area in the National Forest.

Parking: a few pull overs along the roads through the area. Fire roads are gravel and in pretty good condition. They are listed as “government road” on Google maps.

I pulled over at a random pullover along the side of the road.

This area is covered in trails. Marked and unmarked. You can pick up a trail pretty quickly from any point.

Where I started out there is a trail on both sides of the road. I went down/west.

The trail ambled through the woods and over, I believe, two creek crossings.

I crossed a fire road and continued on.

Willow spotted a snake.

Eventually we found ourselves in the previously blue blaze, but appears to have been painted over orange blaze trail.

We passed a little shed and the trail forward appears to have been part of the OD endurance ride. Last weekend we ran into a 55mile loop. They had black and white flags. I only saw one flag and one sign along this route, and if I remember correctly the flag was gold and black.

This portion of the ride opened up with some nice views and lots of green. The trail rolled up and down, crossed a creek and passed a pond.

When I got home I noted it makes a nice loop, which I would like to try next time out.

I doubled back after about an hour, enjoying the ride back as much as out.

Did I mention how amazing it smells out? The past two weeks it’s been so lush smelling. All the blooming trees, love it! This ride, particularly the OD portion, smelled extra lovely.