Sunday Forest Park Hike to Handsome Mine

The Handsome Mine, located along the trails in Jacksonville Forest Park is named for its high-quality, "handsome" or prosperous appearance, rather than a specific historical person named. www.friendsoftheumpqua.org

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 Jacksonville Forest Park. Once on the gravel road, it's one more mile.

This is the Blue-Diamond Jacksonville Forest Park hike. It is a little over 3 miles with about 400 feet of elevation gain. Blue-Diamonds mark the route on trail signs.

One of Forest Park's most popular loops, this hike will take us on the Bullis Railroad grade past the Tony Hess Suspension Bridge to a replica train trestle.

At trail intersections stay on the Rail Trail until Rattlesnake Gulch at 0.9 miles. On the right is the Rattlesnake Trail, straight ahead is the Rail Trail. Veer to the left and head down to Reservoir Road (gravel road), and across to Narrows Bridge.

The Narrows Bridge crosses picturesque Jackson Creek, then we turn right onto the Norling Trail.

At the Confluence Bridge, the Norling Trail becomes the Canyon Falls trail.

We can pause at the Raymond Family Bridge and then pause again at the bench at Volkswagen Falls (best viewed just beyond the bench).

At Canyon Falls Bridge is a picnic table for a lunch or snack stop.

Just past Canyon Falls Bridge, turn left on the Boulder Trail. This is the high point as we begin heading back.

Stay on the Boulder Trail past Owl Hoot Trail. After a switchback, turn right on the Ol' Miners' Trail.

The Handsome Mine Trail takes us to the Handsome Gold Mine.

Stay on the Handsome Mine Trail to the end where it rejoins the Ol' Miners' Trail.

Take the Ol' Miners' back to the start at Parking Lot, P-1. On the way down, avoid the bike trails (all of the trails down head to P-1 though).

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.