This week I hiked a trail slightly shorter than the previous couple - the Coral Ridge Loop in Paul Yost Recreation Area. It might have only been 2.5 miles, but it featured some great views, and a nice wide and even trail that would be easy for most people to walk without a problem.
The trail hugs a series of ridges almost entirely throughout, and is interspersed with draws from wash-outs that run from well above to well below the elevation of the trail. In some spots this makes for muddy dips in the path, but nothing exceedingly challenging.
One of the neater features of the Coral Ridge Loop is the amount of small side trails that shoot out from it in different directions. We chose to take one that swung up the side of the highest peak on the trail, and it was a nice departure from the smooth and flat path the rest of the trail took. We managed to make it to the top of the peak, but not before getting pretty exhausted. If there wasn’t a downed tree and a ridiculous amount of Poison Ivy at the top there likely would have been a rather gorgeous view.
The Coral Ridge Trail also benefits from being a connecting point to several other trails. If you’re thinking that 2.5 miles is too short, you only need to follow a connection to another trail, or just climb to the top of the tallest peak - that’s a pretty sufficient bit of exercise too.
The Coral Ridge Loop is located in the Jefferson Memorial Forest’s Paul Yost Recreation Area, at 11405 Holsclaw Hill Road. It’s a nice easy walk with some beautiful scenery, and is suitable for hikers of most levels.
