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One of many short trails through the upland forest near the Osborne Nature Center.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

94%

Runnable

879' 268 m

High

826' 252 m

Low

52' 16 m

Up

13' 4 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors

Runner Notes

Lots of early junctions with various small connection trails (built mostly to facilitate mowing); just keep trending uphill. It's hard to get terrifically lost back there.

Description

This trail can be approached from several different points. The official starting point is a shared trailhead with the Nature Trail, with a signed split for the Exercise Trail appearing after just a hundred feet or so.

The trail zigs and zags through red and white pines, as it was originally an exercise circuit with equipment and stations and everything. No more, though a few archaeological remains of the circuit can be spotted here and there.

The climb is steady, but pretty gentle, though a few of the switchbacks are very tight. This route is marginally less shady, especially before/after the deciduous trees have leafed out, but still quite pleasant in all seasons. A few Autumn Olives (an invasive berry tree) can be found around 0.1 miles in; these small red berries with white specks and a very tart flavor, can typically be found in August/September/October. They make for a nice snack.

The trail passes from relatively open canopy into pine plantations just before meeting up with the Conifer Trail. Despite being close to a highway and the nature center itself, the peaceful solitude in this stand of woods is quite enjoyable. The return journey, or looping onto the Conifer Trail makes for a pleasant short loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kenny Slocum

Trail Ratings

  2.0 from 1 vote

#46691

Overall
  2.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#197

in Iowa

#46,691

Overall
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33 Since Aug 24, 2016
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Weather


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