Oak Ridge Trail (1.6 miles; 2.6 km)

Oak Ridge Trail is a short, level trail that starts at Oak Ridge Campground and ends on Old Black Top Road. The trail is marked with yellow blazes and has opportunities to see beaver activity. 

At the beginning of the hike you will notice burn marks on most the trees in the forest. This is the result of a 318-acre wildland fire that began near the B-loop of Oak Ridge Campground. The fire began on March 27, 2006 and was finally extinguished on April 4, 2006 due to the efforts of over 70 wildland firefighters. To view the full story refer to park newsletter, The Oasis, Vol. 1 Issue 8. 

Just down from the campground, South Valley Trail will branch off to the right. After about 15 minutes, you will cross over Scenic Drive. Continue on for another 20 minutes and you will come to a small creek meandering through the forest. 

Keep your eye out along the creek for beaver activity. The beaver was extirpated in this area by the late 1700s a result of the fur trade. Reintroduction occurred in the 1950s and populations have flourished.

Notice the ground cedar that covers the forest floor. Ground cedar (Lycopodium complanatum) is small, perennial plant with horizontal stems that creep along the forest floor. They grow up to a meter long with flattened, cedar-like stems.

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