CHILISUAGI TRAIL Quarterly Trail Feature : by Jenn Puckett
Exploring the Chilisuagi Trail at the Montour Preserve is a great way to stretch your legs nearly any time of the year. This fairly easy hiking trail circles Lake Chillisquaque (pronounced chill-a-squawk-ee) me- anders through wooded areas and crosses the dam at the end of the lake. Goose Cove Pavilion provides plenty of parking for your vehicle. The nearly four-mile hike begins in open fields, and then enters the woods and features some moderate inclines. This is an excellent area for bird watching and seeing native wildflowers. Squirrels, chipmunks, white tailed deer and other wildlife frequent the area so enjoy the quiet – one never knows what may be encountered. The trail gradually opens again around Heron Cove where one can easily view a variety of waterfowl. Mallards, mergansers and blue
herons are commonly seen. Canada geese can be frequently seen near the Heron Cove Pavilion and its boat launch. Please do not approach them and be careful where you step! As the trail crosses the dam, one gets a spec- tacular view of the lake. A refreshing breeze of- ten comes across the water which is most enjoyable after a long walk in the woods. De- pending on the time of day, the dam can offer views of beautiful sun- sets that are the per- fect culmination to a delightful day. When leaving the dam, one is on the side of the lake where this hike began and the park- ing area is very close.
before you go The Chilisuagi Trail typically takes two to three hours to complete. The Montour Preserve is open from dawn to dusk daily. Wear stur- dy footwear since the trail terrain is varied. Some parts can be muddy or wet depending on the season. Insect repellent is highly recommended. Dogs are NOT permitted at the Preserve (other than service dogs) so please leave Fido at home. Take lots of pic- tures and leave only footprints! Use #itourcolumbiamontour on your photos and they could be the featured photos of the week on Instagram! Visit montourpreserve.org for more information.
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