This hike through Brushy Hills Preserve is a moderate 5.4-mile loop that leads to the summit of Brushy Hill and features an obstructed vista along the way.
The trails are smooth with little to no rocks or other tripping hazards. There are no blazes but a sign post at every intersections making the area easy to navigate. Most trails in the preserve are about 1 mile or less so creating a route of any length is easy. The area is beautiful but there is no overlooks/views during the summer months when the leaves are on the trees. The main parking area is at the low point all trails lead up onto the ridge.
Once you pass the Brushy Hill summit, the hike follows several trails as you traverse back to the parking lot. Starting with the Raven Trail, you'll pass through the forest following the Knoll Trail, Green Trail, Gateway Trail, Ridge Trail, Turtle Trail, Salad Bowl Trail, and finally the Turtle Trail to reach the parking lot.
- Main Lot (direction coordinates / shown on map): 1010 Union Run Rd
- Upper Lot: 1371 Union Run Road
- Back Lot: 1311 Enfield Road
About Brushy Hills Preserve
The Brushy Hills Preserve is a well maintained hiking area with a series of different trails. The Preserve is not well known and therefore is generally not crowded. The trails are open to mountain bikers but not horses. At the main parking area, there are paper maps provided but a digital copy can be found at https://www.friendsofbrushyhills.org/brushy-hills-info.htmlThe trails are smooth with little to no rocks or other tripping hazards. There are no blazes but a sign post at every intersections making the area easy to navigate. Most trails in the preserve are about 1 mile or less so creating a route of any length is easy. The area is beautiful but there is no overlooks/views during the summer months when the leaves are on the trees. The main parking area is at the low point all trails lead up onto the ridge.
Trail Guide
This hike begins at the main parking lot located along Union Run Road and heads north along the eastern side of the park, following 'Ol Red Trail first. From 'Ol Red, the hike traverses the Pickle Trail as it continues north bound as it heads toward the summit of Brushy Hill. Along the way toward the summit, you'll turn onto the Tin Cup Trail before reaching the Twist and Raven Trails. The hike then passes an obstructed vista along the Twist near the junction of the Raven Trail. Finally, along the Raven Trail, hikers will pass the summit of Brushy Hill where the hike descends back toward parking along the northwest and west sides of the park.Once you pass the Brushy Hill summit, the hike follows several trails as you traverse back to the parking lot. Starting with the Raven Trail, you'll pass through the forest following the Knoll Trail, Green Trail, Gateway Trail, Ridge Trail, Turtle Trail, Salad Bowl Trail, and finally the Turtle Trail to reach the parking lot.
Trails
This route follow several named trails in the following order: Ol' Red > Pickle > Tin Cup > Twist > Raven > Knoll > Green > Gateway > Ridge > Turtle > Salad Bowl > Turtle.Parking
There are 3 parking areas:- Main Lot (direction coordinates / shown on map): 1010 Union Run Rd
- Upper Lot: 1371 Union Run Road
- Back Lot: 1311 Enfield Road
