Eastern Red Loop

Eastern Red Loop, 1 mile. From the parking area, go back to the entrance driveway, and turn left. In about 300 feet the trail begins at the red post on the right. This trail winds through open woods of sweet gum, wild cherry, and red maple. Near the intersection with the Eastern Blue Trail, there is a large grove of Ailanthus or the Tree of Heaven. Notice the large compound leaves. Also in this area, there are large red cedars in groves. The northern part of the loop has some large black birch trees. A broken twig of these trees smells like wintergreen and was used to make birch beer and wintergreen oils in the past. The twigs are eaten by deer and rabbits. Note the variety of ferns where there is shade. In areas that are more sunlit the ground will be covered by the invader Japanese stilt grass in the summer and autumn. Go left at the paved path to return to the parking lot.