Clark Reservation Loop

This moderate hiking route begins near the main parking area of Clark Reservation State Park and weaves together several named trails: Faust, Dry Lake, Long, Pulpit Rock, Saddle Back, and Cliff. Starting on the Faust Trail, the route quickly enters dense hardwood forest and rocky limestone terrain, passing through shaded groves and scattered karst sinkholes. At the first major junction, stay left onto the Dry Lake Trail, which skirts the edge of a glacial plunge basin often dry by late summer. From here, continue along the Long Trail, gaining elevation gradually until reaching Pulpit Rock, where panoramic views stretch over the forest canopy and limestone cliffs below. Descend briefly and veer right onto the Saddle Back Trail, which features short rocky scrambles and uneven footing. The route then transitions to the Cliff Trail, which follows the base and rim of dramatic stone walls before looping back toward the trailhead. Trails are narrow and can be slippery when wet—expect minor scrambling and watch for ticks and poison ivy along the way. Despite its short length, this route offers a concentrated dose of the park’s unique geology, rare plant life, and cliffside views.