Hiking Trails at the Nature CenterThe Pine River Nature Center has more than two miles of beautiful hiking trails that explore forest, prairie and wetland habitats. Finding your way along the trails of the Pine River Nature Center is easy. Trails are clearly marked with signs at each intersection. The 90-acre nature preserve is bound on one side by the Pine River and on the other by the CN railroad line, making it difficult to get lost. When you visit the nature center's trails, be prepared for the outdoors. - Long pants are recommended for all four seasons to keep away insects, brush and posion ivy.
- Be sure to wear boots during winter and spring. Trails can be very wet in spring from rain and melting snow.
- During June, July and August, apply mosquito repellant.
- Always bring a water bottle with you to avoid dehydration.
Please download our  Trail Map and Guide to help you navigate your hike.
Overview of Trails 
Begin your hike on North Ridge Trail through a forest of mature White Pine trees. 
 Discover the 30-foot wetland boardwalk Wild impatiens bloom in open areas on North Ridge Trail that goes through along the boardwalk during mid-summer. shrub-swamp and swamp ecosystems. 
 Bridges on Wildflower Trail go over Look for ostrich ferns growing in low areas abandoned channels of the Pine River. along the trail.  
After a few inches of snow, the trails During the summer, explore Prairie View Trail. are a great place for cross-country The three-acre tallgrass prairie restoration area skiing. The trails are NOT groomed, is a wonderful place to see summer wildflowers but you are welcome to forge your and observe grasshoppers and butterflies. own path or follow another.  
Pine River Way follows a half-mile Black-eyed susans and blue vervain section of the Pine River. During fall, bloom in summer. the spectacular red, orange and yellow colors of tree leaves reflect in the river.
|
