Brumley Forest Nature Preserve Loop

Park in the large gravel lot on the east side of the road on New Hope Church Rd. From the information board, take the blue blazed trail on the right marked Wood Duck Way heading south. This trail which runs through thick forest parallels Chimney Swift Circle for a short while before gaining a little distance. At the first intersection, turn right onto Walnut Grove Trail, a much wider path but which splits after less then a tenth of a mile. Head left on Walnut Grove Trail;you'll pass a sign for Grand Oak Loop on the left after a short way. Head around the loop and at the intersection with Springhouse Loop (which is marked with yellow blazes) turn left heading south for about a tenth of a mile. At the next trail junction, Flat Tail Trail heads to the right and the Springhouse Loop splits in front of you. Take the left branch of the Springhouse Loop. The Springhouse Loop winds uphill through here, even doubling back on itself a couple times to some rocky sections. The trail continues with almost no interruptions until the Manor Connector (save for a driveway crossing to continue on Springhouse Loop). Stay straight past this and continue past both junctions with the Buckeye Loop, Manor Connector, Conservation Corps Loop, and Running Cedar Trail. The Springhouse Loop winds north, eventually emerging by the power lines easement area. Instead of re-entering the woods, take the grassy trail marked Flat Tail Trail on the left then shortly after take a right to follow the trail up the east side of the large pond. On the right hand side of the trail there is an enclosed shelter and several picnic tables. This is a great place to stop and rest for a little bit. Continue on Flat Tail Trail following the pond which ends at the junction with Springhouse Loop. Turn left onto Springhouse Loop and cross the bridge. Turn left at the next intersection onto Walnut Grove Trail then stay straight to the junction with Wood Duck Way. Take a right here onto Wood Duck Way which is marked for the parking lot. This leads back to the lot and the trail end emerges at the same Information board at the start.Many sections of Springhouse Loop are on a red clay-ey track;if you are caught out in a pop up thunderstorm, these parts of the trail turn into little rivers and the clay becomes incredibly sticky.