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Status: Open
County: Jefferson
City: Madison
Endpoints:
Hillside section (1 mile open)
North - Southeast Regional Treatment Center (Madison State Hospital
grounds) at the hilltop
South - base of the hill at Crooked Creek
Other - unofficial rustic trail runs another mile westward from the base
of the hill to SR56
Downtown section (1 mile under construction)
South/East - Vernon Street
North/West - Madison Railroad at Main Street, Crooked Creek historic bridge
crossing
Trailheads:
-parking at Southeast Regional Treatment Center (Madison State Hospital
Grounds, hilltop)
Connections:
Activities:
walking
biking (CAUTION: steep descent)
Surface:
asphalt
Length: 1
mile open
Descrption:
The area surrounding the trail, including the beautiful city of Madison,
is some of the most scenic in the entire Midwest. The Madison State Hospital
grounds, where the trail begins its steep descent, is a virtual park in
itself, with plenty of quiet one-lane roads and stately old buildings.
Combined with adjacent Clifty Falls State Park and Hannover College, visitors
and residents will find plenty of room to roam.
The city of Madison is not to be missed. Time has been unusually kind
to this elegant river town, with a functional, bustling downtown, pristine
historic buildings lining every street, and a graceful but unpretentious
charm. The Heritage Trail is perhaps the best way for non-motorists to
navigate the daunting hillside which overlooks the downtown area. Although
the grade is relatively steep for a multi-use trail, the views and ambience
provide a welcome distraction from the long ascent. Sounds of birds, riverboats
and church bells echo through the woods and off surrounding limestone
cliffs. As for the descent, make sure you have functional brakes (the
trail actually includes a "run-off" area for runaway bicycles). At the
base of the hill, a rustic trail continues westward along Crooked Creek.
Future Plans: A
1-mile connector to the downtown area, parallel to the famous Madison
Railroad, is under construction. An historic bridge relocated
from Jackson County will be placed across Crooked Creek to connect the
two sections of trail. A 1-mile connector from the top of the
hill to the entrance of Clifty Falls State Park is also planned.
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