|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: So far, this is my favorite ACRES managed nature preserve. You get to see quite a variation in the terrain, ecosystem, and definitely the flora. When you start, you are in what appears to be an 'old field' ecosystem. Much like the Mengerson Preserve in Fort Wayne, only at a later stage of development. It is full of young hardwood trees. As you continue, you enter an older forest. This area seems to be rather untouched, aside from the trail running through it. Starting here, the trail is no longer mowed. Also starting in this area, you will notice plank walkways across spots that appear to get marshy. Most of them were dry, but there hadn't been a hard rain in several days. The last major ecosystem you'll see is when the trail runs along the north shore of Crooked Lake. Here the trail gets very marshy, use caution, and waterproof shoes if you have them. As you follow the trail onward, skipping the left turn, it ultimately loops back to where you started. Trailhead: The trailhead for this trail is located on the south side of a gravel parking lot just to the east of where Noble County Road S 250 W meets Noble Whitley County Line Road North. (Lat:41.265139 Lon:-85.471627) Trail Guides for Crooked Lake Nature Preserve Loop: Indiana Best Hikes by Alan McPherson (Waters Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: IDNR Division of Nature Preserves. (317) 232-4052 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by James Arnold, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Joe on 11/18/2009 One of the nicest little trails in northeast Indiana. So nice so, that I took my wife here on our very first date 13 years ago. There used to be a public beach here long ago, but you see very little trace of that, with the exception of the old road bed leading down to the lake. My favorite thing to do here is to head off trail. I particularly like hiking along the creek in the Ralph Gates Memorial grove. Here you can find the rare Pawpaw tree, whose banana-flavored fruit is the largest wild fruit in North America. But don't pick the fruit, as it is necessary for animals to eat it and spread the seeds to assure that the tree doesn't disappear from the area.
Reviewed by Natalie on 4/27/2006 The Crooked Lake trail is so beautiful to hike! When you are tired, take a rest on one of the huge trees hanging over the lake. Be careful after it has rained because the trail is so slippery. Also watch out for those pesky biting flies at the hottest time of the day. Otherwise, enjoy! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Indiana Hiking, Indiana Trails, Indiana Hikes, Whitley County Hiking, Whitley County Trails, Whitley County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
