Near the end of August we visited Payton County Park to explore the Pufferbelly Trail. On that visit we did not explore the trails in the woods. Today we returned to do that and explore a different section of the Pufferbelly Trail. It was well worth the return trip.
Payton County Park
Payton County Park, located in Allen County, Indiana, is a lovely park with a picnic shelter, playground equipment, paved trails that lead to the Pufferbelly Trail, and hiking trails. The hiking trails wind through 40 acres of old field, forest, and wetland areas. There is also ample parking and a port-o-potty.
Our Adventure
We started by walking along the asphalt trail that passes the port-o-potty and turned left on the first section of the Payton Park Loop. This led us through an area with woods on both sides and to the Pufferbelly Trail. On our previous visit we turned right, but today we turned to the left. As we walked the woods gave way to fields and houses on either side. How lucky are the people who live behind this trail and can walk on it every day? We saw many trails from the back of homes to the trail. One family even set up a snack station for walkers and runners. Sunny enjoyed snooping as she heard they had dog treats and was trying to find them.
As we continued on the trail it eventually came to a road. Instead of crossing it to continue on the trail we turned around and made our way back to the Payton Park Loop and the trails in the woods. The first trail we explored was “A” trail and this one was our favorite. It was the most wooded and scenic. We meandered through the woods on a mulch path that was easy to follow. We crossed a little bridge and then a short while later found a fort built out of tree limbs. Sunny thought it was just the right size for her. We continued on the trail and it led us back to the Payton Park Loop trail.
At this point we took a left and after a short distance found a trail marker for trail “B” on the right. This was a short mowed grass trail with trees on both sides. It ended at trail “C” so we followed it. This was another short mowed grass trail with trees on both sides. It ended at the asphalt Payton Park Loop trail. We crossed the loop trail and found trail “F”. This was a longer trail that started similar to B and C trails. Eventually it led to a field with some overgrown grass. As we walked further and further the grass got taller and taller nearly engulfing Sunny.
Eventually the F trail led to trail “G” which was a mowed grass trail through a field. After awhile it turned into another grass trail with woods on both sides before leading to the playground area and parking lot.
Sunny’s Perspective
Loved this place! Although the Payton Park Loop Trail and Pufferbelly Trail are nice, I really loved when we got in the woods. The smells are so much better there and it’s just more fun to have mud, dirt, and grass in your toes. I got to explore a cool fort which had so many amazing smells in it. I also heard and saw a lot of squirrels that needed to be chased, but I could not do that. The only part I wasn’t too sure about was the tall grass on trail F. Thankfully that didn’t last too long.
Our Rating
Sunny and I give Payton County Park 3 out of 4 paws up. We love that you have so many options – playing in the park, picnicking, hiking in the woods, or walking along the asphalt paths. Even when you are on the asphalt paths you feel like you are in the woods most of the time. Having a port-o-potty is also really nice. This is a great place to visit with kids and dogs. Just remember that if you are using bikes you can only ride on the asphalt trails.
How Do I Get There?
The address for the park is 13928 Dunton Road in Fort Wayne, IN. From Coldwater Road (County Road 427) turn west onto Gump Road and follow that for 1 mile. Then turn left onto Dunton Road and after 0.8 mile turn left at the wood sign and entrance. Parking is on the right and the port-o-potty is on the left behind a wood fence. There is also a trail map across from the port-o-potty. If you plan to hike the trails in the woods I would recommend picking up a trail map.
Want more information about Payton County Park? Check out these websites: