louise kreher forest ecology preserve & nature center

This is a wonderful local treasure used by both Auburn University students AND local schoolchildren. It is full of informative twists and turns in the trails as each is uniquely named for a particular animal, bird, or plant that abounds there. Toward the end there's even a brilliantly conceived outdoor playground for children that is enhanced NOT by modern playground equipment but with felled trees, invitingly piled mounds of dirt, and natural rock walls in an effort to encourage children to feel most comfortable with the natural world around them as a HEALTHY alternative to being glued to their I-devices. Whether on an outing with your young ones or with your best pal at your side, this carefully conceived natural habitat is a unique Auburn outdoor adventure that is definitely a treat for the senses.

The nature trails are a hidden gem for the Auburn area. Only a few minutes drive north of downtown Auburn, this ecology preserve takes you in to the woods with easy, marked trails. For those of you who know about geocaching, this is a great place to find treasures.

I place is not too big, but there are lots of improvements. Lots of kids did their eagle scout projects there. There are lots of different trails. Rally nice place for a walk not far from town.

Great walking or running trails and such a friendly sponsor. Really cool playground if you're a kid. Go volunteer here with IMPACT

Just love going here at least once a week. Even on party days and days when special programs are walked, the trails remain a wonderful refuge. The pond is full of turtles. The deer are timid but will stop and watch you when you happen to catch sight of them in clearings and in the woods. Near the waterfall is a place to sit and relax to the sound of gently falling waters. Saw a snake only once but have seen hawks, a crane, and many small ground mammals and lizards. You can work up a good sweat on the climbs but the trail is generally a very easy walk and as long or as short as you'd like it to be. There are maps available as you enter the path to the pavilion, restrooms, a great playground that excites the imagination and plans for a free library in the treehouse are in the making. Go there! Take the kids and enjoy nature.

As Auburn residents, we like to visit the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve at least twice a week, and we follow a looping trail around the Preserve about 3 miles long. The trail is good for hiking all year. The trail involves some climbing up and down hills, especially around a small lake, and so I would rate it easy to moderate in difficulty. I am attaching a map of the trail route. Though some of the trails are marked by signage, there is no blazing.The trail begins and ends in the main parking area. After winding through a path called Dead Timbers with plenty of fallen trees, it follows the fence line up a hill to an open grassy area cleared for power lines. There are bee hives to view in this area. Next it follows a small trail called Pine Tree Sneak to the broad Cemetery Trail, and then cuts right down Ridge Path. Under a dangling vine, it turns right to a small spring, and just before rejoining Ridge Path, it passes the remains of a whisky still. From there the trail leads down to the west side of the pond and climbs up Barn Trace to the site of an old homestead. Turning to the right, it passes a Butterfly Garden, frequented in season by many monarchs and other butterfly species. After crossing a small bridge, the trail leads to the North Parking Area, but the gate to this area is closed except during special events. This point is about halfway on the hike.Following the path back south, we keep to the left on Northeast Pass until we come to an unnamed trail marked by fallen branches. Along this trail, just after a flat rock is an unusual upright rock we call the Battleship. The trail then leads to a camping area used by the Boy Scouts where there is a portapotty. From the campsite, we walk down to the east side of the pond, where we cross a small creek on stepping stones. Downhill from here is Hidden Falls, a nice little waterfall with double cascades. Beyond the falls, we walk up the hill in the grassy area cleared for power lines. The air here is usually fragrant with wildflowers, and sometimes you can find blackberries. At the top of the hill, the trail re-enters the forest, following downhill to a bridge, and then up to a forest of scattered pines where the undergrowth is sometimes burned away. The trail leads to a Canopy amphitheater, where there are restrooms with plumbing and a very welcome drinking fountain. Beyond this is a roofed shelter where programs and parties are held, and then a delightful play area for children, the Nature Playground. The short path back to the main parking area concludes the hike.

We enjoyed hiking here while camping at nearby Chewacla State Park. Lots of trails criss-cross this beautiful nature preserve so you can hike as long or as little as you like. There is a beautiful spot called Hidden Falls that would be a great spot for a picnic.

The Preserve has a top-notch wilderness playground, tons of trails, abundant reptilian and amphibian life, educational programming, and even pretty rest rooms. You should go there now.Peace and quiet abound. Ms. Jen works her tail off to keep the place up. Ample parking. They even have story books in the tree house. My fave Sunday after Church trick is to set the Musclebabies to digging a big hole in the sandpit while Daddy indulges in a hard-earned siesta. Try it- it works, even for undermotivated non-superchildren.

Mike Wines gave an interesting show on reptile. He was engaging and patient with the children and kept the curious fingers out of danger. The youngsters learned about interesting creatures and even had the chance to pet some of the tamer ones.

We enjoyed a beautiful fall morning exploring the trails. Felt like we were tucked away. It was a great couple hours for my husband and I with our three girls ages 3 1/2 and 5. They have a little nature themed playground and restrooms which made it very convenient for us with kids.

What a great way to get out in to nature. There are many trails to choose from and all are worth going on. Don't miss the old cemetery that is reachable from the center. Great for the entire family as had many interests besides the scenery

Go half a mile further than the 2222 N. College St. address given and you will see the park. Will give full review later.

Many natural attractions make this a great place for kids and adults alike. There are many interesting plants and small wild animals. Well maintained and staffed.

A lot of interesting and informative stops along the 3+ miles of walking trails. The information that is gained as you walk through the woods reflects the importance of our natural environment to our role as humans in the environment.

I visited the ecology preserve for the first time in October and was totally impressed with this relatively new facility in the Auburn area. It is a perfect place for families to spend a morning or afternoon or for one just to go alone for a quiet hour of solitude. Located off of North College Street, it is easy to find and is a trip worth taking.