Canoe Creek Nature Trail

Bordered by Canoe Creek on one side and the City’s Newman Park on the other (as well as International Paper in Henderson Corporate Park), the Canoe Creek Nature Trail is a winding pathway through the forest that provides an up-close look at wetlands terrain.

The approximately 2.1-mile main trail along the creek is an extension of a very short asphalt trail that has existed for a while in Newman Park. There is another mile of accessory trails.

“This is truly a nature trail with the surface being virgin ground (bush hogged/mowed grass and weeds) and limited to foot traffic and mountain-type bicycles,” said Ray Nix, Codes Inspector for the City who developed the trail as an independent project manager before going to work for the City in August.

The new route, which has been in the works for a while, also has a few newly constructed foot bridges traversing ditches and streams feeding into Canoe Creek. The trail has changes in elevation that make it a moderate hiking experience.

The trail allows hikers to trek alongside Canoe Creek, observe the flora and fauna of wetlands and have access to an outdoor classroom that could offer a good learning location for Scout troops and science students.

Nix is hoping to engage Scout troops and possibly Eagle Scout candidates in maintaining and making further additions to the trail

In wetter seasons when the creek is elevated or out of its banks altogether, an alternate trail leads hikers a little higher in the terrain.

Interpretive signage has been added to the trail offering information about how wetlands work, and the birds, trees, plants and wildlife that may be resident in the area. There are also directional markers.

Wildlife already spotted along the trail includes deer, raccoons, squirrels, wild turkeys, beavers, bald eagles, great blue herons, songbirds of various species and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Canoe Creek Nature Trail was officially opened on Oct. 11. The trail head can be accessed at the end of Newman Park Road beside the soccer fields. Wayfinding signs point the start of the trail, where hikers can find additional information about how to use the trail.

Funding for the trail was provided by the City of Henderson, Parks & Recreation Department, and the Kentucky Department of Local Government Recreational Trails Program.