Crab Orchard Visitor Center Pond and Woodland Nature Trail
Crab Orchard Visitor Center Pond and Woodland Nature Trail
2.5
(13)
58
hikers
01:01
3.99km
10m
Hiking
Hike the easy 2.5-mile Crab Orchard Visitor Center Pond and Woodland Nature Trail, offering pond views and woodland scenery for birdwatching
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.57 km
416 m
Surfaces
2.89 km
622 m
383 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 2 June
27°C
16°C
5 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
You can park directly at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. The trail starts right from there, making access very convenient.
Yes, this is an easy 0.7-mile loop trail, partially paved, making it very accessible and suitable for beginners, families, and those looking for a short, simple walk rather than a challenging hike.
The terrain is generally flat and easy, with a mix of natural surfaces and partially paved sections. It's designed for a pleasant, unchallenging walk around the pond and through the woodland.
You'll experience a pleasant woodland atmosphere and opportunities for waterfowl viewing, especially from the two fishing piers on the Visitor's Pond. The refuge is known for diverse habitats and is a significant resting area for migratory birds.
The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge generally allows leashed dogs on trails. It's always a good idea to check the latest regulations on the official fws.gov website for any specific restrictions for this particular trail.
Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for hiking this particular trail at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. However, it's always wise to check the official fws.gov website for any updates on refuge-wide regulations or fees.
The trail offers a pleasant experience year-round, but it's particularly good for morning bird walks. Spring and fall are ideal for migratory bird viewing. The fishing piers are open seasonally from March 15 to September 30, offering great vantage points during those months.
The main points of interest are the two fishing piers on the Visitor's Pond. When not in use for fishing, these provide excellent spots to observe waterfowl and enjoy the pond scenery.
Given that the trail is described as an easy, partially paved 0.7-mile loop, it is likely to be accessible for many, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. However, it's always best to contact the Visitor Center directly for the most current accessibility information.
The komoot tour data suggests an average duration of about 1 hour for this 2.5-mile (3.9 km) route. As an easy trail, this allows for a leisurely pace and time to enjoy the scenery.