Ridgetop Trail

The Ridgetop Trail begins near the beach and day-use parking area at Yellow Creek State Park, just off Route 259. From the trailhead, the route climbs gradually through a hardwood forest toward the ridge. A short distance in, hikers will reach a junction—stay right to begin the route in a counterclockwise direction. The path winds through rooty and sometimes muddy sections, passing through mixed forest and upland terrain. Several seasonal seeps and shaded hollows appear along the way, with wetland-adapted vegetation and occasional stream crossings. Midway through the route, the trail follows a ridgeline with filtered views of the surrounding hills and glimpses of Yellow Creek Lake through the trees. This high point marks the far end of the route before the trail turns back toward the beach area. The return drops gradually through dense woodland and reconnects with the initial junction. Watch for ticks and muddy patches during warmer or wet seasons. This moderate–difficult route rewards hikers with a quiet, elevated walk through diverse woodland terrain and scenic outlooks above the lake.