HERMAN VOGLER CONSERVATION AREA

Hikers have a choice right from the start since the trail head of all of the various loops of the HVCA system is the same. The northeast loop, a 0.75 mile easy trail shadows Trout River and back toward US-23. Terrain here is generally very flat, but sandy trails can make walking difficult at times. This loop ranges through a mix of habitats, all left “as is” in their natural state to illustrate the un-managed nature of a forest.

The loop heading away from the parking lot trailhead, toward the west, traces the northern shore of the Trout River Flooding for a short hike before a steep climb up a grass and sand hill to the hardwood ridge overlooking the Flooding. At the end of the ridgeline, the trail drops into a wet area filled with ancient cedars, crossing Hartwick Creek and then on to a second set of bridges over an un-named creek about 0.75 miles south. From the Hartwick Creek bridge (A), hikers have the option of dry-footing to the south trail junction or staying in sight of the lowlands habitat.

The junction (B) with the south trail and the inner trail area is a brief but steep climb after crossing the bridge over Trout River. Here, the choice is a 2.5 mile trail along the HVCA’s southern boundary, or a slightly longer trek through the heart of the tract and hardwood stands, grouse walks, and wildlife openings. Both trails rejoin at a point overlooking the Flooding and the dam at point C.

The south trail, it should be noted, does become very wet even after minor rains. The alternate route back to the river has bridge approaches that require brief but steep ascents and descents. For the novice cross-country skier these can be quite challenging.

From the overlook junction, it is a short hike to a bridge over Trout River and the parking lot trailhead.