Apshawa Preserve Loop

This loop hike is located in Apshawa Preserve, a 576 acre section of forest surrounding Butler Reservoir. There is a good size parking lot off of Northwood Drive. From the parking lot, start on the Blue trail that passes through a gate. This gate is part of a deer fence that is 3.5 miles long, errected in 2010 to keep deer out and encourage natural flora growth.Stay on the Blue trail for 1.5 miles until the trail ends at Apshawa Brook. Turn left onto the Green trail. Follow the Green trail for 2 miles. This section offers the best views of the route with a mix of stream cascades and a waterfall. After crossing Apshawa Brook on the Green trail, it ascends a ridge with some nice views to the southwest.The Green trail ends on a forest road and the Red trail. Turn right on the forest road (Red trail and follow to a nice view of Bulter Reservoir. Return back to the forest road, turn right back toward the Green trail Continue on the Red trail that soon leaves the forest road. From this point the trail can be very wet. About 1 mile along the reservoir, there is a Beaver lodge and dam that has flooded some of the trail which is re-routed to avoid the water however, can still be muddy.In another mile, the Red trail reaches a junction with a White trail. Turn left on the White trail that will lead back to the Blue trail, completing the loop. Turn left on the Blue trail to return back to the parking area.