Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

1st time i locked eyes with a owl was in this place (see video). If it wasn't for this nature preserve I don't know if I would have made it out of 2024 with my sanity. I come here multiple times a week, sometimes daily depending on weather. There is a special rock on the hill that I meditate on. Very peaceful. This is a gem away from the city but right within it. Upon entering you have 3 directions to choose from but there are more paths that split off from there. Beginners to intermediate level. Almost a year later I was still discovering new things here. I always see deer here and sometimes small snakes, turtles and birds.

Great park that is only a short drive from downtown. Trails are still being marked so alltrails was handy. Some trails are not on the maps. Great for a short easy trail run or hike. Easy for dogs as well. Parking lot was nearly full even on a weekday. Very shaded.

Beautiful park full of trails, off trails and things to deeper investigate. It's a beginner/intermediate trek depending on which ways you go. The first part of each trail is fairly simple and a short 15 minute hike in any direction. I braved the trails with my jogger stroller and was able to navigate just fine other than the occasional rock, stump or branch that jostled us up. (Hiking with a baby takes practice, coordination and strength, do not hike with anything that you are not able to lift yourself. There were several stairs, inclines and dips that led to my lifting the whole stroller.)

Pretty place and the little fall isn't very far of a walk. There are bridges and paths but no signs or map. No trashcans or bathrooms. We were able to go all the way around and climb up to the top. Just watch your step.

It was okay. There’s no bathroom, and the path isn’t well marked. We couldn’t find the cascading portion of the river, and saw some trash on the trail. There’s a lot of potential here though, and it wasn’t a terrible hike. Deff saw some cool and large rocks on the path (see picture). I’m hoping that they add some more trail markers and a map soon.