Easy hikes and walks in Clark Reservation State Park
4.5
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98
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25
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Clark Reservation State Park traverse a landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring limestone cliffs up to 180 feet high and the unique meromictic Glacier Lake. The park's 377 acres offer diverse environments, including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, providing varied terrain for hikers. This area is known for its "karst" topography, where water has dissolved the limestone bedrock, creating features like Dry Lake.
Best easy hiking trails in Clark Reservation State Park
- The most popular easy hiking route is Glacier Lake loop via Lake & Cliff Trails — Clark Reservation State Park, a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete. This path offers views of Glacier Lake and follows the cliff edge.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Mildred Faust Trail — Clark Reservation State Park, an easy 1.4 miles (2.2 km) path. This route leads through varied woodland, suitable for a short, accessible walk.
- Local hikers also love the Clark Reservation State Park – Mildred Faust Trail loop from Clark Reservation State Park, a 2.2 miles (3.5 km) trail leading through the park's diverse natural features, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Hiking in Clark Reservation State Park is defined by limestone cliffs, glacial lakes, and diverse woodlands, with options for different ability levels. The park's natural features include the rare American hart's tongue fern and a variety of bird species.
- The routes in Clark Reservation State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from 2 reviews. More than 60 hikers have used komoot to explore Clark Reservation State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
12
hikers
7.20km
01:56
70m
120m
Embark on the Mildred Faust, Long Trail and Glacier Lake for an easy hike through pleasant woodlands and unique geological features. This route covers 4.5 miles (7.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 240 feet (73 metres), taking approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes to complete. You will discover waterfalls above the Dry Lake and encounter dramatic limestone cliffs, leading you to the remarkable Glacier Lake.
When planning your visit, you will find ample parking available at Clark Reservation State Park. While the trails are generally well-maintained, be aware that some sections, particularly around Glacier Lake, can be rugged with cobbles and boulders. These areas may also be occasionally flooded, so it is always a good idea to check local conditions before you head out, especially during wet seasons.
This trail offers more than just a walk; it is an opportunity to explore a true geologic wonder. Glacier Lake itself is a rare meromictic lake, nestled within a deep gorge, making it a unique natural highlight. The varied terrain, including bedrock and glacial cracks, provides insight into the park's fascinating glacial past, setting this route apart in the region.
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hikers
2.33km
00:36
10m
20m
The Mildred Faust Trail invites you to an easy hike through diverse woodlands, where you can explore forests of oaks and eastern red cedars. This tranquil route spans 1.4 miles (2.3 km) with a gentle elevation gain of only 46 feet (14 metres), making it a pleasant outing for all. You can expect to complete the trail in about 36 minutes, enjoying the natural scenery.
Located within Clark Reservation State Park, the trail is accessible year-round, offering beauty in every season. Parking is generally available within the park, ensuring a straightforward start to your adventure. This family-friendly path is an excellent choice if you are looking for a simple and enjoyable outdoor experience.
As you hike, keep an eye out for the stream that feeds into Dry Lake; in winter, it transforms into picturesque icicle-covered cascades. For those seeking a longer exploration, you can combine this path with connecting routes like the Cliff Trail to discover views of Glacier Lake and traverse impressive limestone bluffs.
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2.44km
00:41
50m
50m
Hike the easy 1.5-mile Cliff and Lake Trail Loop in Clark Reservation State Park, featuring Glacier Lake and scenic views.
4.0
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1
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2.19km
00:35
20m
20m
Hike the easy 1.4-mile Mildred Faust Trail through diverse woodlands in Clark Reservation State Park, passing a stream flowing into Dry Lake
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Clark Reservation State Park boasts a diverse array of natural elements, including rocky cliffs, woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and a unique glacial plunge basin lake where surface and bottom waters remain separate. Explore the park to marvel at its rugged beauty and distinct ecological features.
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Lovely trail with a seasonal bloom of wildflowers located in the Clark Reservation State Park.
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This lake is also known as Green Lake. It is believed that the lake is of glacial origin and that there was a waterfall which created a hole in the limestone, make the lake deeper and deeper as years went by.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Clark Reservation State Park?
Clark Reservation State Park offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 14 routes specifically categorized as easy. The park features a total of 16 hiking routes, catering to various preferences within its diverse landscape.
What unique natural features can I expect to see on easy hikes in Clark Reservation State Park?
The park's easy trails showcase its unique geological history, including dramatic limestone cliffs up to 180 feet high and the rare meromictic Glacier Lake, a glacial plunge basin. You'll also encounter 'karst' topography, shaped by water dissolving limestone, and features like Dry Lake, believed to be a sinkhole. The trails wind through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, offering diverse scenery.
Are there any family-friendly or kid-friendly easy trails in Clark Reservation State Park?
Yes, Clark Reservation State Park is very family-friendly. Many of the easy trails are suitable for children, and the park also provides picnic areas, pavilions, and a playground. The Mildred Faust Trail, for example, is a short and accessible path through varied woodland, perfect for a family outing.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Clark Reservation State Park?
Yes, pets are permitted on a leash throughout Clark Reservation State Park, including on its easy hiking trails. This makes it a great destination for enjoying the outdoors with your canine companion.
What is the best time of year to visit Clark Reservation State Park for easy hiking?
Clark Reservation State Park is beautiful year-round. In spring and summer, you'll see hundreds of flowering plants and the park's renowned fern populations. Autumn offers vibrant fall foliage. Even in winter, the trails are open for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, with the added benefit of clearer views through the trees and opportunities to spot animal tracks.
Are there any easy loop trails in Clark Reservation State Park?
Yes, the park features several easy loop trails. A popular option is the Glacier Lake loop via Lake & Cliff Trails, which is about 1.5 miles long and offers scenic views. Another is the Clark Reservation State Park – Mildred Faust Trail loop, a 2.2-mile route through diverse natural features.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on easy hikes in Clark Reservation State Park?
Clark Reservation State Park is a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot species like cedar waxwings, kingfishers, and woodpeckers. The park is also known for its extensive fern population, including the rare American hart's tongue fern, and a wide variety of trees and mosses. Keep an eye out for fish like pickerel and sunfish in Glacier Lake.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic overlooks on the easy trails?
Absolutely. The park's dramatic cliffs offer spectacular views. The Glacier Lake loop via Lake & Cliff Trails follows the 175-foot high cliff edge, providing overlooks of Glacier Lake and the surrounding landscape.
What is the typical duration for an easy hike in Clark Reservation State Park?
Most easy hikes in Clark Reservation State Park can be completed in under an hour. For instance, the Glacier Lake loop takes about 40 minutes, while the Mildred Faust Trail is typically around 35 minutes. Longer easy loops, like the Mildred Faust Trail loop, might take closer to 55 minutes.
Is there a Nature Center or guided walks available in Clark Reservation State Park?
Yes, Clark Reservation State Park has a seasonal Nature Center, which is typically open from mid-May through Labor Day. It offers exhibits and serves as a starting point for weekend guided nature walks led by naturalists, providing deeper insights into the park's unique ecology and geology.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Clark Reservation State Park?
The easy trails in Clark Reservation State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the park's unique geological features, the serene beauty of Glacier Lake, and the diverse natural environments found along the well-maintained paths.
Most popular routes in Clark Reservation State Park
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