2017 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRAILS AWARDS Donations came from a wide vari- ety of sources:
Conservation and Natural Resources
through the Community Development Block Grant Program
Community and Economic Development
made in memory of his wife Vera Klingsberg
The resulting trail is now a new option that veers to the left just after passing through the trailhead “gate,” a welcoming area where volunteers greet members and other hikers. The smooth but natural pathway is 900 feet long and six feet wide— enough for two wheelchairs to pass by one another— and meanders in a wide, graceful arc through the forest.
Enhancements include benches for
rest located every 100 feet, accessible trail-side restrooms, access to a seclud- ed educational area, and improvements at the South Lookout viewing platform. Benches were designed with a handrail in the middle so people can easily slide on and off and use the rail to pull. A top priority was to maintain the natural feel that Hawk Mountain is known for. Following the Hawk Mountain Land Management Plan, all native plantings were removed prior to construction, then stored, and replanted later. Invasive species were removed and additional native plantings were added.
All stone used to build short retain- ing walls as the same stone that was carefully collected during excavation for the trail and then reused on the same site, and all workers on the project were required to complete wildlife sen- sitivity training. This included a strong focus on reducing the spread of inva- sive plants.
The entrance itself received a
refresher that includes dozens of native plantings and a new timber frame trail- head with wrought-iron raptor silhou- ettes. This area serves as the welcoming spot for visitors and members, but immediately beyond are two options on the walk to the South Lookout: the lon- ger accessible Silhouette Trail that bends to the west or the original trail that offers a short but steeper climb. Combined, the two create a looped walk that many now enjoy as well. When visitors reach the overlook, the view stretches out across the valley and across toward the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Those who are able can continue on to more rigorous trails that link to this system. This year, the staff also designed and installed a series of seven metal raptor silhouettes that complement the entrance and add an informal educa- tional component, thus the accessible path is now called the Silhouette Trail.
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