We got back out in the woods yesterday and explored a new to us location – The Charles McClue Nature Reserve in Steuben County. Although this reserve is not part of the Acres Land Trust, it reminded us of those trails. The land was bequeathed to Steuben County in memory of Charles McClue by his son. It’s a beautiful place and we are grateful to the family for donating the land to preserve it.
Our Adventure
There are three trails at the Charles McClue Nature Reserve – Tulip, Juniper Hills, and Long. We managed to investigate some of each trail. Once we parked we headed toward the informational sign and took one of the informational guides from the box. There is a nice map of the trails on the sign and guide. We found the entrance to the Tulip trail on to the right and started our hike.
The trail is fairly narrow, but well maintained at the start. We were the only people on the trail so we enjoyed a peaceful hike. The trail winds around the “old woods” with views of huge oaks and tulip trees. We found some interesting downed trees which made for a nice photo. After about .4M we came to an intersection where the Tulip trail continues to the left and the Juniper trail continues to the right. As is our normal custom, we headed to the right and explored some of the Juniper trail.
Shortly after turning onto the Juniper trail we came to another intersection with the Long trail leading to the right. We followed that trail through the young woods. At times this trail narrowed and became almost too overgrown to continue. This section would not be good for very small dogs as Sunny was nearly engulfed by the plants on the sides of the trail.
Finally the trail opened back up as we walked further into the young woods. As we neared the end we came upon some beautiful pine trees that were planted by school children from Steuben County in the mid sixties. Shortly after this we found ourselves back in the parking lot. Our total hike was just under 1.5M.
Sunny’s Perspective
What a fun hike! The trail had amazing smells and in one area I’m sure a deer was close by. I never saw her, but I sure could smell her! I liked this place but wish there was some water and that the trails were a little longer. I did like that it was not a long car ride to get there.
Our Rating
Sunny and I give the Charles McClue Nature Reserve 3 out of 4 paws up. It’s a beautiful hike in the woods and at least on the day we were there it was very private. We liked that the trails wind through the woods with some inclines and descents, but wish there was some water features. We also didn’t love the overgrown section and would recommend wearing pants because of it. There is parking for several cars, but no restrooms. All in all it’s a lovely place for a peaceful hike in the woods.
How Do I Get There?
From I-69 take exit #354 – IN-127 and turn right onto IN-127. After about .2M turn left onto W 400N. Continue for 1.2M until you see the McClue Reserve sign on your right. All three trails start near the informational sign.
For more information check out these websites:
Indiana Department of Natural Resources – McClue Reserve