Thompson River Trail

Much of this trail is on the open, low-lying floodplain to the Thompson River and crosses through a mature mesic bottomland forest including cottonwood, hackberry, silver maple and pin oak. The floodwaters of the Thompson River, easily visible form the trail, provide nourishment to the bottomland forest. A small section of the trail crosses a level ridgetop, which has been restored to native tallgrass prairie to reflect the historic vegetation that once dominated the highest elevations. The Thompson house and cemetery are accessible a short distance from this trail. This trail may be susceptible to periodic flooding. Exercise good judgment and use the trail only when conditions will not promote erosion and deterioration of the trail surface. South Loop: The South Loop can be accessed via the 0.8-mile White Connector 4 from the North Loop or from Tall Oaks Trail by either the 0.8-mile Northwest Passage or the 0.8-mile Steep Creek connectors. The majority of this trail traverses loess/glacial till woodlands dominated by white oak and hickory. In places, it provides a scenic view to the wooded valley below. A small section of the trail crosses an old agricultural field on the ridgetop.