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Backwoods Nature Trail and Nature's Way... A Discovery Trail

Nature's Way is a discovery trail for children. It is 0.5 miles long and marked by twelve "I belong!" interpretive signs.

This system of trails runs along the south shore of Clinton Lake. The official trailhead is located in the Rockhaven Public Use Area. South Shore/Rockhaven Trails consist of many interesting trails which total approximately fifty miles. The trails are open to both hikers and horseback riders, but camping is allowed only at the trailhead. While exploring these trails you will wander through forests, past open fields, along the lake shore and over the top of rocky hills. The surface is mostly packed earth, but may be slightly rocky on the hillsides. Trees that are abundant along the trail include Osage orange, shagbark hickory, hackberry, red cedar, and American sycamore. White-tailed deer and rabbits are commonly seen in the area.

Campsites are located at the trailhead, and include picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. Restrooms and water are also available. Camping is restricted to the furnished sites, please.

The trailheads are located at the Woodridge Primitive Camping Area, marked by blue blazes on trees located southeast and northwest of the parking area. The Woodridge Trail meanders through forest, open fields and along the shoreline and returns to the trailhead. Beaver, coyote, and white-tailed deer are commonly observed in this area, and seasonal waterfowl are seen along the lake arms here. Chestnut oak, black walnut, red cedar, hackberry and sumac are the common trees.

The trail is approximately 4.5 miles long and can be hiked in a little more than two hours. The surface is mainly packed earth and is narrow due to low use. During summer months poison ivy and insects may be a problem. Camping is allowed anywhere in the Woodbridge area, although campsites should be at least 100 feet from the trail. Water and restrooms are provided at the trailhead.

The North Shore Trail runs along the north shore of the lake through Clinton State Park. The trailhead is located at the Overlook Park, just past the US Army Corps of Engineers Visitor's Center at the north end of the dam. The trail is approximately seven miles long and is not a full circuit - it usually takea about five hours to hike out and back.

The North Shore Trail passes through an oak/hickory forest as it follows the lake shore. Beavers and bluebirds are abundant. In the evening, gray fox, raccoon and coyotes can often be seen.

The surface is composed of packed earth an occasionally sttep slopes and obstacles may be encountered. Since this trail is fairly well used and open to cyclists, it remains relatively wide.

Restrooms and water can be found not too far off the trail in several locations and primitive camping is allowed in part of the State Park.