Van Horn Park Loop Trail
The Van Horn Park Loop Trail at Van Horn Park in Springfield, Massachusetts is an easy 2-mile loop hike that encompasses the upper pond.This loop is well maintained and very pleasant. Wildlife can be seen in the forms of ducks in the pond and occasionally a deer. There are several lookout points next to the upper pond along this winding loop too. You can also find several short trails leading to other points of interest.
Overall there is very little elevation gain or loss along this loop, the hills are very gentle to accommodate access for all.
Mileage: The main loop of this trail, entrance to entrance ( both on Armory St ) is roughly 1.3-miles. The extension to Liberty Street is roughly 0.35 miles. The distance between gates on Armory Street is roughly 0.2 miles.
Parking: Parking is available at the main entrance with a walkway around the baseball field to the entrance of the loop on Armory Street. The northeastern entrance from Liberty Street has no official parking area and should be avoided. There are several side entrances into the park from the surrounding street, but the main parking lot is the one that should be used.
About the park: The park offers several sports fields, a play ground, an outdoor public gym and various other activities including a paved loop trail.
Note: This area of Springfield can have a bad rapport, but I found both of my excursions here to be positive. The one downside would be that on both occasions I ran into people on motor scooters, dirt bikes, and a motorized mountain bike, which were unexpected here. The city has a problem with these types of vehicles and it apparently effects the small city parks as well. While their presence was known and somewhat annoying, they were driving at respectful speeds and allowing plenty of room.
