Four and one-half miles of hiking trails are marked and maintained at the park. All trail markers are numbered and clearly shown on the park map to help you follow the trails. The Mill Springs Handicapped Trail is a unique, concrete-surfaced trail suitable for people of all mobility levels. The trail leads to the beautiful Mill Spring and possesses an easy rating.
All other trails possess a medium difficulty rating. Pioneer Pass is highly recommended to see the park’s unique, natural beauty. The three creek crossings on Pioneer Pass are wet at this time pending the construction of footbridges.
With the approval of the IDNR, the Franklin Creek Conservation Association has created the Larry Dunphy Memorial Storybook Trail. Mr. Dunphy was a member of the FCCA Board and the owner of Books on First in Dixon, IL. The trail was dedicated October 17, 2021 using the children’s book “Miss Maple’s Seeds” as the first literary offering. Panels with pages from the book are placed at intervals along the trail, which is approximately ½ mile long. The plan is to switch the book featured on the trail seasonally.
