5 Trails That Are “Lisa” or Mom Approved

When we post that we are doing a group hike or invite others to join us for a spur-of-the-moment hike, my mom is always asking, “Can I do this one?”  She likes to be supportive in our adventures, but isn’t up for any crazy or too strenuous hiking. So I thought I would share a few trails that are easy enough that even my mom could do them.

1. Lakeview Trail at St. Joe State Park – This is one of my favorite local easy trails.  This trail is just over a mile but can vary depending on where you start.  There are starting options to choose from with two being past the guard gate and the third being on Pimville Road.  I have hiked this trail in all seasons, in both directions, and from all three starting points. Switching it up keep in interesting.  There is a small hill at one point, but I have hiked this one with my mom and she did just fine. What I appreciate about this trail is that is a quick drive for me, and I can squeeze in a short hike after work without having to go to far.  And like the name says, there is a nice view of Monsanto Lake.

   

   

2. Hickory Canyons Natural Area  – Another short local favorite (both sides totaling to about a 1.5 miles) and one that my mom actually ventured out and tried on her own. This is just outside of Farmington and offers two short trails on both sides of the road.  Each offers unique views in short mileage. If your timing is right, you can see the waterfall after a rain or even frozen in the winter months.

   

3. Bootleg Access Trail – I will admit the first time I did this trail that I planned to never do it again.  It was during late spring and was weedy and overgrown. I didn’t feel fighting the overgrowth was worth the views.  My mom was actually with me on this hike, and she wasn’t fond of the overgrowth as well. But then someone on a Facebook Hiking page posted pictures from a winter hike here and it was a different hike.  I decided to give it another try and I’m glad that I did. It was not overgrown and with the trees bare there was a beautiful view of the surrounding area. It measures a little over a mile and follows along Big River. This is a Conservation Area, so it isn’t as maintained as a state park trail.

   

4. Cedar Glade Trail at Amidon Memorial Conservation Area – This is just a short hike to the shut-ins then you can climb around and explore a bit on your own.  I did this one in the winter and it was quiet and beautiful. I need to go back and see how it fares during the other seasons.

   

5. The Trail Through Time at Pickle Springs – This is a two mile loop outside of Farmington in a Nature Area with a lot to see in a short trip.  I know this is one of Katie’s favorite shorter hikes and is a go to for her if she needs a quick hike getaway.  

Challenge Trail – Silver Mines Trail

This trail is a little longer than my mom has probably done, but I think she could do it and would enjoy it.  This is an in-and-back trail, so she could adjust the length on what she needed. If you start at the low water dam at Silver Mines and go to the picnic area and back it is around 3 miles.  It follows the river and if the water if moving you may see some whitewater kayakers. (There is a $2 day use fee, so bring some cash with you.)

So these are all my “Lisa approved hikes” which would be good for beginners.  If you are new to hiking, these would be a few good trails to ease into. Or you can use them like we do which is when we just have time for a short hike or need to squeeze one in after work.