Along the Creek in Forest Park

This hike meaders through forest along the upper reaches of Jackson Creek.
About halfway, we cross over a ridge to Cantrall Creek and then return on a historic Rail Trail back to our starting point.

The round trip walking distance is almost 4 miles with about 600 feet of elevation gain.

From the Jacksonville Library, we'll carpool a little over 2 miles to the first gravel parking lot (P-1) on the right at Forest Park.

To get to Forest Park, head toward Ruch on Highway 238. Watch for signage on the right for Forest Park. Once on the gravel road, it's one more mile.

Our hike begins with the Jackson Creek Wetlands including the Pond Loop. Then we'll climb up to the Historic Jacksonville Reservoir Dam. Take a moment to walk across the Tony Hess Suspension Bridge before walking across the top of the dam.

Follow all the signs for the Norling Trail. We are on the Norling Trail for over a mile, and then we join the Canyon Falls Trail. The trail becomes steeper here as we are walking close to the cascading waters of Jackson Creek.

At the Canyon Falls Bridge feel free to take a break at the picnic table. Then follow the signs for the Ridgeview Trail.

Our high point is at the Ridgeview Bench. Keep following the signs for the Ridgeview Trail. At this point you'll also see signs for P-4 (parking lot #4).

We drop down to Cantrall Creek, a tributary of Jackson Creek, then ascend to P-4.

Across the gravel road from P-4 is the Rail Trail which takes up directly back to our cars.

Feel free to contact Chris by Meetup message or text at (541) 261-8167. If you are interested in more hikes like this or have other suggestions, I hope you let me know.