Robb Hidden Canyon Nature Preserve
State Designated Nature Preserve [#157; 1997]
Canyon. Click to enlarge
Mown trail that loops a meadow and affords glimpses of Ball Lake between the houses and trees that hug its shoreline, then explores the preserve’s eponymous “canyon”. In summer, the meadow teems with red-winged blackbirds that will rise to scold and harass you on approach. To reach the canyon, continue bearing right. The path enters the woods, then turns left, paralleling the ravine before descending a set of stairs and crossing a stream at the bottom. Expect spring wildflowers, tulip poplar, maple, and beech trees; later months will bring poison ivy and stinging nettle. The trail loops, bringing you back to the top of the stairs by the ravine.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Steuben County. From the intersection of IN 1 and IN 427 in Hamilton, go west 1.4 miles on Bellfontaine Road to Lane 201, and then left 0.4 miles to the parking area on the left. (Lane 201 will make a sharp left, and then cross a small bridge before reaching the parking area)
GPS: N 41 32.182 W 84 56.244
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
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Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Douglas Woods (4.6)
Marion's Woods (10.6)
Loon Lake Nature Preserve (12.6)
Wing Haven Nature Preserve (14.5)
McClue Nature Reserve (15)
Beechwood Nature Preserve (15.2)
Pokagon State Park (15.5)