The best walks and hikes around West Liberty

I don’t think Scott was ever here. The bike trails in this forest aren’t some idyllic geological daydream with newts scurrying around everywhere. They’re challenging and really tough Appalachian trails. Come prepared. Lots of sugary snacks and drinks, you’ll need the calories. Or listen to Scott and bring a picnic basket.

From here get a great view of Lake Arthur, spanning 3,225 acres with 42 miles of shoreline, attracting over one million visitors every year. The lake is a warm-water fishery, home to fish species like northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and bluegill. Visitors can swim at two beaches: Lakeview Beach on the North Shore, a 656-foot sand beach, and Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore, a 400-foot turf and sand beach with amenities like sand volleyball, playgrounds, showers, changing facilities, and snack bars. The beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. to sunset, with swimming at your own risk as there is no lifeguard.

Here, the North County Trail passes under the US 422 highway, making for a little extra noise and a satisfying view of the concrete underbelly of the highway.

The Jennings Environmental Education Center features Big Run, a stream that winds through the southern area of the reserve. Hikers can cross food bridges to keep their feet dry while exploring. The valley along Big Run was once home to majestic American elms, but most were lost to Dutch elm disease in the 1930s. Today, other bottomland trees, such as yellow birch and basswood, thrive in the rich and wet soils of Big Run Valley.

Jennings Environmental Education Center is dedicated to providing environmental education, combining protected prairie and forest. It is crucial to stay on the trail and exercise caution to help preserve the area.

Lake Arthur, the central feature of the park, spans 3,225 acres with 42 miles of shoreline, attracting over one million visitors every year. The lake is a warm-water fishery, home to fish species like northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, and bluegill. Visitors can swim at two beaches: Lakeview Beach on the North Shore, a 656-foot sand beach, and Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore, a 400-foot turf and sand beach with amenities like sand volleyball, playgrounds, showers, changing facilities, and snack bars. The beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. to sunset, with swimming at your own risk as there is no lifeguard.

The park's rolling hills and sparkling lakes are remnants of the Wisconsin glaciation, making it a living museum of Earth's dynamic past. Traverse gentle paths through woodlands, conquer challenging climbs, or enjoy leisurely rides overlooking the water.

The park's rolling hills and sparkling lakes are remnants of the Wisconsin glaciation, making it a living museum of Earth's dynamic past. Traverse gentle paths through woodlands, conquer challenging climbs, or enjoy leisurely rides overlooking the water.