Contemplateive Loop Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Historical Significance

Restrooms and drinks can be found at the George Washington Carver National Monument visitor center.

The Contemplative Loop Trail departs the Carver Trail, goes around Williams Pond, and has inspirational quotes from George Washington Carver. To access the trail, hike out the Carver Trail toward the Moses Carver House. Before you reach the house, a narrow dirt/grass trail breaks off to the right and makes its way around the pond.

There are numerous views of the pond along the way, and there are several inspirational quotes from Carver about different aspects of life along the way. As you hike around the pond, keep your eyes out for turtles, fish, and other animals that call the pond home. Half way around the loop, there are 3 benches that sit amongst the tress where you can sit and enjoy the shade.

From here, you can continue the trail until it crosses the Williams Branch and end back up on the Carver Trail. From here, you can either return on the Carver Trail to the visitor center or you can continue hiking on the Carver Trail where you can visit the Moses Carver House and Carver Cemetery.

Deer and other animals may be seen drinking from the creeks or ponds in the monument. At the pond, snapping turtles and fish can be seen in the water, or sunning themselves.