The Little Wolf Nature Preserve has just acquired new land adjacent to the preserve, bringing the total to 180 acres. Click on the image below to see more photos and information.
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Type: Forest, hilly Location: Central, off Bogway Size: 2.4 acres Elevation: 1310-1370′ |
Enchanted Forest is a beautiful forest of white pine that is enchanted because it has withstood the onslaught of the pine borer beetle. Nestled deep within the Little Wolf mountain, this forest somehow escaped the ravage that wiped the other side of the mountain clean of all evergreens. These pines were likely planted after coal mining in the area back in the 1970’s. Visit the Enchanted Forest on the Zadee Magic Carpet Trail, which walks along the soft needle-covered ground.
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Feature Type: Plant Trail: Bogway Region: Dome Woods Elevation: 1375′ |
The Bogway Trail is naturally swampy and full of cattail, which Hannah has named "Death on a Stick." We also like to think of them as "Life on a Stick," given that they represent the circle of life with seeds that will ensure a new generation of cattail.
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Feature Type: Plant Trail: Wetlands Trail Region: Wetlands Elevation: 1140′ |
Green Shag Rug is a lush field of wispy tall grass located along the Wetlands Trail. The area floods after a heavy rain, and hence is teeming with plant life that loves the excess water.
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Feature Type: Rock Trail: Zadee Magic Carpet Trail Region: Enchanted Forest Elevation: 1325-1355′ |
Emerald Staircase is an old wash through the Enchanted Forest along the soft needles of the Zadee Magic Carpet Trail. The wash has cut a channel down to a series of hard rock steps that have turned green with moss.
Hiking is one of our favorite activities at Little Wolf Nature Preserve. Hiking allows you to see the Preserve up close and personal in its natural state. Many of Little Wolf’s best features are accessible only by foot.
There are over 8 miles of maintained and unmaintained trails in Little Wolf Nature Preserve and neighboring Daniel Boone National Forest. And in the winter, the vegetation is clear enough to hike openly off trail over thousands of acres of wilderness, if you are careful.
Before you set out hiking, please review our Hiker’s Checklist for your safety and enjoyment on your hike.
Having the right supplies and equipment can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and a hike that is uncomfortable or dangerous. Be sure to check the list below before you head out to explore Little Wolf Nature Preserve.
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Feature Type: Plant |
Green Carpet is a large area of plush moss that lines much of the cliffs along Hurricane Ridge.
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Feature Type: Rock Trail: Hurricane Ridge Trail Region: Hurricane Ridge Elevation: 1865′ Named for: Kim Krenning |
Crocodile Rock is a car-sized boulder perched on the edge of a 60′ cliff on Hurricane Ridge. The rock looks like a crocodile head with a hungry smile.
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Feature Type: Viewpoint Trail: Cool Ridge Trail Region: Cool Ridge Elevation: 1535′ |
Cool Ridge Overlook is a gorgeous vista (especially in the fall) of North Woods and East Woods, with Two Brothers Mountain in the background. Stop for a nice lunch at the nearby Picnic Point. To reach this spot, you have to climb the steep Cool Ridge Trail or Dome Woods Trail, but you’ll find it worth the trip!
