Trail 1

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

If you want to stop at the Lower Shelter House for a quick sit-down or bathroom break, look for a trail by the stone fireplace - it'll take you down to an old road that leads to the Lower Shelter House.

Trail 1 begins at the rear of the lodge and joins Trail 2 for a short distance before dropping alongside a creek. There a now infrequently-used covered stone fireplace may be seen (one of the many in the park built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s). The trail then splits to form a returning loop, its farthest point passing near the park road leading back to the lodge. During the hike, look for creeks that flow intermittently, large beech trees, pawpaw trees, ferns, pileated woodpeckers, and chipmunks. During the hike you'll experience three significant uphill climbs—68 steps down and 68 steps back up. The trailhead is near Trail 2 and Trail 3 as well.

Ferns, beach, pawpaw, sassafras, oak, maple, and hickory trees can all be found here.