We are excited to have the Carthage Lake Trail construction completed. We hope you enjoy using the trail with friends and family or just getting out by yourself to take a walk, run or just to enjoy the outdoors. We have big plans for the future in the park and along the trail.
Legend
Green - Short Loop
Blue - Big Loop
Black- Existing Road, Trail or Sidewalk
Brown - Proposed unimproved hiking trail
Grey - Hancock County Saddle Club Horse Trail
Improved Surface Distances:
Big Loop - 2.0 miles
Short Loop - .57 miles
Unimproved Surface Distances:
Turn #1 Loop - .45 miles
Hole 8 Loop - .56 miles
Dam Bypass - .33 miles
Nature on the Trail
Join in on a Citizen Science project in helping identify species found in the park.
You can contribute your findings by adding them in the iNaturalist(opens in new tab) app. Any observations found withing the park boundaries are automatically added to our list.
Visit the Species of the Carthage Park District Project(opens in new tab) and take a look at all of the observations already made by others.
Future Projects and Improvements for the Trail
Signs
Signage is an important part of the trail system. We plan to put up a variety of signs for basic needs of the trail for users as well as educational signage, identifying plants and trees along the trail.
Benches
What is more perfect than a evening stroll down the trail to your favorite spot to stop and sit and enjoy the natural surroundings, maybe watch the squirrels gathering acorns for the winter or spot your favorite bird singing its beautiful song. To sponsor a bench, reach out to us at carthageparkdistrict@gmail.com or if you wish to donate to the cause now, Click here.
Outdoor Classroom / Event Area
Imagine a place where students can get outdoors, take a hike, explore nature and learn about these and other topics all in the same place. Maybe you want a small, outdoor wedding or group event. We hope to create that space along the Carthage Lake Trail and with your support, we can make it happen. To help out with this part of the project, reach out to us at carthageparkdistrict@gmail.com or if you wish to donate to the cause now, Click here.
Native Pollinator Plant Plots
Native pollinator and prairie plots in parks provide vital ecological, economic, and community benefits that transform standard green spaces into functioning natural habitats. They provide awareness and educational opportunities, as well as provide habitat for many different species of animals and insects. Pollinators are an important part of the environment and native plants provide food sources for the different stages of life of the inhabitants.
Structures and Attractions
We have plans to create some additional structures and attractions along the trail and in the park. This giant windchime is just one idea we have for some unique additions to the park area.