Exploration at Columbia Mine Preserve

Several short trails meander through a mix of wetlands, prairies, and wooded areas adjacent to the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Length: 5-8 miles (with many opportunities to bail early).

WHAT TO BRING

• Orange vest -- it's hunting season!
• Sturdy shoes for hiking
• Long pants
• Day Bag
• Water (for drinking) and snacks
• Packed lunch (eaten on trail)
• Sunscreen and Bug spray
• Walking stick or hiking poles (optional)
• Clean shoes for the car ride (leave in the car)

WHEN/WHERE

==ALL TIMES LISTED IN CST ==

• 09:00 - meet at Lowe's to Carpool (optional)
• 09:45 - arrive at trailhead
• 12:00 - lunch on trail
• 14:30 - wrap up hike
• 15:00 - arrive in Evansville

NOTES

• I expect these trails to be overgrown and infrequently used, which is why we're visiting in the winter, when it should present less an issue.
• If it's rained recently, there will be mud. We'll avoid those areas.
• This trail system crosses time zones multiple times!

GROUND RULES

• Leave no trace, and pack out all your trash.
• Children permitted with legal guardian.
• Dogs only on a 6-ft fixed leash.

MAPS / INFORMATION

• Carpool from Lowe's (Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/zirDCF5pCRUGr8zS9
• Parking (Google Maps):
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/RLkMzCFFNnMyCtjQA
• Property Map: https://sycamorelandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Patoka-Wildlife-Refuge-Columbia-Mine-Map-Only.pdf