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Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning at Hitchcock Nature Center available during regular park hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. October 3rd through 12th. As you enjoy the sights & sounds along the Boardwalk Trail you will spot trail activities posted along your route that are designed to help learners age 3 to 5 experience nature in a new way.
Activities are posted along a .25 mile stretch of trail for your enjoyment. This is an "out & back" hike, once you reach the end of the trail you turn around & head back to the trailhead, making a .5 mile round-trip hike. Of course, if you are having fun you can choose to continue on & enjoy more of the beautiful trails at Hitchcock Nature Center without posted activities.
To start your Little Tike Hike adventure head to the Boardwalk trailhead located midway between the front gate & the Loess Hills Lodge. Enter through the main park gate & follow the road, past the playground & to picnic shelter with parking located in front of it on the north side of the road. The Boardwalk Trail is located just behind the picnic shelter. This is an equal access elevated boardwalk through the woods & is perfect for young learners. Parking is available at the picnic shelter & in the Barn parking lot just steps away. Please do not park on the grass unless instructed to by Hitchcock Nature Center staff.
This event is completely self-guided. It is free to all park users with paid park admission & is available any time during regular park hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. October 3rd through 12th. While it is designed for learners age 3 to 5, older learners may also enjoy participating.
Participants must purchase a $3.00 per vehicle daily pass with exact change or check at the front gate paybox, or have a valid Pottawattamie Conservation Membership to enter the park. To purchase your Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation Membership online please visit www.pottawattamieconservationfoundation.com.
