Larkin Valley Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Wildlife

If heading north to south, there is a great opportunity for a fast run.

The trail, from State Forest Road, heads almost straight north until it connects with the Bluff Trail.

From the south trailhead, the trail has a short climb with a few switchbacks up a gravelly path until it gains the top of the ridge. From there, the route heads through some open prairie for ~0.2 miles, before heading back downhill and into the woods along Larkin Valley.

In Larkin Valley, the trail climbs steadily up along the wash. Some gently trickling springs, dense forest, and moss covered boulders make for nice surroundings on a hot day. A few muddy spots are easily negotiated.

For the last ~0.3 miles, the climb gets a little steeper as the trail heads away from the wash and up to a cornfield. Traveling with the cornfield on one side and the forest on the other makes for a slightly jarring experience. Eventually, the trail heads back into the woods proper, making a sharp left turn.

A wide path takes users along a shared segment of the Bluff Trail before linking up with Overlook Road. Overall, it is a pretty nice trail.

The dense forest and ephemeral water supply make this a great trail for frogs. Gray tree frogs, american toads, and leopard frogs make for quite a chorus come dusk.

By heading through prairie, open woodland, and riparian forest, this trail offers opportunities to spot all manner of snakes, turkey, and deer.