Top Banner
An image of the oak savanna in summer and a separate image of the prairie in winter
Seasonal Trails
Cross Country Skiing in Snow

 

Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Winter Trails open when the ground is snow covered. We invite you to snowshoe or cross-country ski the Savanna Loop Ski Trail, a 2-mile loop along internal sand roads. These trails are open to public access only in the winter; during the rest of the year they are used for research and are therefore closed to hikers unless otherwise marked. The trail may or may not be groomed depending on staff availability.

About the Winter Trail

Directions

The Winter Trail is connected to the Fish Lake Nature Trail in East Bethel. 

Navigate using Google Maps. You can also type 'Fish Lake Nature Trail' into your own Google Maps search bar. Make sure to select the one on Durant St. The parking lot is ONLY accessible by heading north up Durant St rather than coming in from the north and east.

Winter Trail Map
Map of Fish Lake Winter Trails
Rules and Regulations
  • Day use only (sunrise to sunset) when ground is snow covered
  • Park only in designated areas (please do not park along Durant St.)
  • Deposit all trash in available receptacles.
  • No fires allowed
  • No smoking anywhere on University property, including trails, roads and gazebo
  • Stay on designated trails
  • No motorized vehicles, including ATV’s, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles
  • No bicycles
  • No dogs
  • No firearms, hunting, or collecting
  • No alcohol
  • No motorboats on lake (canoes allowed)

Please note: These trails are interpretive and/or nature trails. Please treat them as such, respecting the research and wildlife in the area.

Oak savanna habitat in summer

Summer Hiking Trail Open June 1st-Sept 30th 

The Oak Savanna Trail is a 1-mile (one way) trail extension heading south from Fish Lake is open to the public daily in the summer, sunrise to sunset. It leads, via sand roads, to a viewing gazebo, great for birdwatching.

About the Oak Savanna Trail

Directions

The Oak Savanna Trail is connected to the Fish Lake Nature Trail in East Bethel. 

Navigate using Google Maps. You can also type 'Fish Lake Nature Trail' into your own Google Maps search bar. Make sure to select the one on Durant St. The parking lot is ONLY accessible by heading north up Durant St rather than coming in from the north and east.

Trail Map
Map of Fish Lake Nature Trails
Rules and Regulations
  • Day use only (sunrise to sunset) from June 1st - September 30th.
  • Park only in designated areas (please do not park along Durant St.)
  • Deposit all trash in available receptacles.
  • No fires allowed
  • No smoking anywhere on University property, including trails, roads and gazebo
  • Stay on designated trails
  • No motorized vehicles, including ATV’s, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles
  • No bicycles
  • No dogs
  • No firearms, hunting, or collecting
  • No alcohol
  • No motorboats on lake (canoes allowed)

Please note: These trails are interpretive and/or nature trails. Please treat them as such, respecting the research and wildlife in the area.

Accessibility

Walking distance: ~2 miles 

Activity level: level dirt trails and primitive sand road; may not be appropriate for electric wheelchairs.