Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Shortcut Trail

3.0 (2 Ratings)
A quiet trail along a wash through dense forest; part of the backpacking trail.
1.3
mi
Distance
15
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsSpring

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.35mi
Distance
15ft
Elevation Gain
257ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
918ft
High Point
676ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The western trailhead starts off of Overlook Road, which comes off of Larkin Hill Road. The eastern trailhead comes from the Little Paint Campground. From Overlook Road, the trail descends alongside an oft-dry creekbed. The trail surface is mostly large rocks, and the trail is wide enough to accommodate horses. The grade is deceptive, and the trail is complicated a bit by several muddy patches created by springs and exacerbated by horses. This trail is well shaded by a thick forest of maple trees. Mossy boulders add to a primeval feel. Towards the eastern end, a few pine stands mix with more open forest. The trail is well maintained, with a mowed swath and smooth tread leading users into the Little Paint Campground.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Hanging Rock Trail

Hike Route

Hanging Rock Trail

Birding
moderate
6.25 mi
+953 ft
Beaver Creek Valley Trail

Hike Route

Beaver Creek Valley Trail

Birding
easy
1.95 mi
+96 ft
Backbone Lake Loop

Hike Route

Backbone Lake Loop

Birding
moderate
6.36 mi
+675 ft
Perrot Ridge Trail & Cross-Country Trail Loop

Hike Route

Perrot Ridge Trail & Cross-Country Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
3.35 mi
+688 ft
Perrot Ridge/Brady's Bluff Figure 8

Hike Route

Perrot Ridge/Brady's Bluff Figure 8

Birding
moderate
3.43 mi
+830 ft
Winona Bluffs Traverse

Hike Route

Winona Bluffs Traverse

Fall Colors
moderate
11.53 mi
+2,814 ft
Contributors
Kenny Slocum