The Scratchgravel Hills is an underutilized area. I hope more people begin to explore it, because it is a treasure for those with young kids! We have found all the major trailheads (Head, Tumbleweed, Norris, Echo, and John G. Mine) to be fun for our boys.
Trails beginning at the Norris Trailhead are perfect for all ages, even the youngest walkers! There are three parking lots to access the Norris area, and we usually choose the first one, right across the abandoned (except to park rail cars) railroad tracks. The other ones are a little secluded, so we personally like the more open one.
Ever since our oldest one could walk, we would take him here to hike and explore. The first part of the trail is nearly flat (only a slight upwards incline). Quickly, you reach some trees where there is plenty for little ones to find interesting – tall trees, pinecones, fallen trees to climb, birds, and unofficial folf targets hanging from some trees that our boys like to practice throwing rocks and pinecones at to hear the “ding” when they hit it.
If you want to keep hiking, there is a fun little gulch/draw to hike up. In the warmer months, this area of the hike feels nice and cool, making it a great spot to have a mid-hike snack.
Another reason we like this trail is that it is accessible year round, although the gulch may be harder in the winter with little ones. This trail also dries up rather quickly in the spring (as do many of the Scratchgravel hikes). And if the trails themselves are too muddy, icy, or snowy to hike, the deadend gravel roads next to the trailhead have been just as fun for our kids!
In addition to hiking here, we bring the bikes. So far, my oldest has enjoyed just biking the dead end gravel roads from the trailhead the best, but for a little variety, he also bikes the lower trails as there are some fun little hills.
The Scratchgravels do not have a lot of wildflowers, but this one (and Head Lane) has an abundance of wild blue flax throughout much of the summer!
This can be a quiet trail, but we usually see at least one friendly face (and many times their dog) hiking or running it. This is also a horse friendly area.
Have you enjoyed any hikes, runs, biking adventures, or horse rides from the Norris Trailhead? Don’t hesitate to share any of your experiences! 🙂