Lanowa

This trail lies completely within the Caroline Sheridan Logan Memorial Wildlife Area. Because of this, only historic route restoration was used as the process for the creation of this trail. Three early 20th Century homesteads created a spiderweb network of paths throughout. Invasive plant species and years of overgrowth were cleared from selected sections of this network to create a cohesive loop that provides a glimpse of every major feature of the wildlife area. After turning off of the North Loop, you'll start descending into the valley that bisects the area. Only 50 feet down the trail, you'll pass the end of the loop. Continue straight and, eventually, you'll cross the drainage that is only wet after rains. A bit of flat trail awaits before beginning the climb on the other side. The trail passes through a storage shed's foundation remains of an old farm and provides one of the most technical rock sections of the entire trail. Then the climbing begins. There are a couple very welcome recovery zones on the climb that will eventually lead you to an open area at the top of a hill with a nice view of the valley. At this point, the trail turns north for a gradual descent along the eastern property line. After turning to the west along the northern property line, the trail will pass through an old dumpsite and have some minor elevation changes as you traverse around one of the ridge tops. As you descend into an open grassy area, be prepared for the turn back into the trees. The singletrack in this section becomes very tight but it's, generally, downhill. A couple tight switchbacks lurk here. The trail reaches a more recent historic route before the end of the descent giving one the chance to let off the brakes. After crossing another drainage, a short climb brings you near the north property line where you go west briefly. As you notice a few rocks in the trail, slow down for one of the tightest turns. Then, you'll descend to a creek crossing just above a nice waterfall. Days after a good rain will bring out its best. After this crossing, the climb on the opposite side, and some very tight bench cut trail, one will reach an incredibly steep section that many have to dismount for. Some flat trail await above this. Then a long gradual climb takes you above the river on the hilltop to the west. Winter provides amazing views. A high speed descent to a step-up is your reward for all the climbing and the sign that the end of the trail is near