Redwood Hill
Preserve
1000 Islands #1000islands
1000 Islands #1000islands
Update: Hiking the Red Hill Preserve Trail, June 22, 2019:
We had not been to the Indian River Lakes Conservancy’s
Redwood Hill Preserve in a while. Wow, have they been busy! One of our favorite hiking trails just got
even better with the addition of an observation deck overlooking Butterfield
Lake.
We first hiked the lovely 7 Oaks Trail (yes,
there are at least 7 awesome oak trees along the way).
We then took the Overlook Trail on the way back,
and were shocked to see the new boardwalks leading to the new observation deck
which now also includes a picnic table and bench! Next time we’ll know to bring
our picnic lunch!
The trail also includes portable restrooms, an
outdoor fire pit, and the beautiful octagon-shaped education center we
previously blogged about (which would also be very handy if one were caught in
the rain). We give this trail our highest rating.
It was only last summer that Bob and I happened upon the
hiking trails of the Indian River Lake Conservancy (IRLC). That is probably
because several are relatively new. But if you are new to the area, or new to
hiking the area, we could not possibly give a higher recommendation for the
51-acre Redwood Hill Preserve located at 44010 Stine Road in Redwood. The main
trail is a little over a mile loop (the Seven Oaks Trail). There is also a shorter Overlook Trail and an accessible
trail to their beautiful trailside classroom.
The Overlook Trail
takes you to a stunning of Butterfield Lake from the hillside bluff at the edge
of the trail. There is a place to sit and just take in the beauty (or a
sandwich) before heading on down the Seven Oaks Trail which is most definitely
worth the hike. You will wander by several of the most magnificent and majestic
old oak trees we have ever seen (better bring a camera).
The trail follows along the ridge for a while then through the dense woods of hardwoods and white pines. It brings you back to where you started at the octagon-shaped classroom which was completed in 2016. It is used for education and public recreational programs but is open to the public when not in use. When we stopped in, there was also some beautiful photography on display. Though, the building itself is pretty photogenic.
Be sure to see...
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Foster Blake Woods Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Grand Lake Reserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Kanik Nature Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Lonesome Bay State Forest
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Redwood Hill Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Introduction
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Foster Blake Woods Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Grand Lake Reserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Kanik Nature Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Lonesome Bay State Forest
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Red Lake Indian River Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Redwood Hill Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail
