Kelly's Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

The trail is clearly marked by yellow diamond blazes. It begins on level ridgetops but dips into two major saddles. There is a significant grade in two portions (roughly 15-20%) and one major rock scramble up a crevice that is 1.5 to 2 feet wide. The final uphill grade contains several beautiful rock features made of both limestone and sandstone.

The trail terminates on a lovely sheer face overlooking the valley. By my observation, it seems this trail is only very lightly trafficked, as it is a newer addition to the trails at Indian Fort.

Old walnut and gnarly oak trees tower on the ridges, where many young poplars are trying to get a foothold. There are several fern beds and wildflower patches along the trail as well.

I saw signs of deer and coyote, but I only got eyes on buzzards and red-tailed hawks.

I heard a few mountain bluebirds, which is always a pleasant surprise.