The best walks and hikes around Brookside

Hiking around Brookside offers a diverse range of terrain, primarily characterized by canyon landscapes, riverine paths, and trails with varied elevation. You'll find a mix of easy riverwalks and more challenging loops through rugged areas. The region's natural features include dense woodlands, freshwater wetlands, and serene garden environments, providing varied scenery for exploration.

Yes, Brookside has several easy trails perfect for beginners. The Arkansas Riverwalk loop — Cañon City is an easy 6.9 km path following the Arkansas River, offering pleasant riverside scenery. Another accessible option is the Tunnel Drive Trail loop from Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, a 5.8 km trail through a historic tunnel area.

Yes, Brookside features several circular routes. A popular moderate option is the Redemption & Hard Time trails loop — Temple Canyon Park, which is 8.0 km long. For an easier loop, consider the Arkansas Riverwalk loop — Cañon City, or the Tunnel Drive Trail loop from Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility.

Along the trails, you can explore several interesting features. The Tunnel Drive Trail itself is a significant highlight, offering unique historical insights. You might also encounter the scenic Arkansas River Trail. For those seeking panoramic views, Fremont Peak is a prominent summit in the area.

The hiking trails in Brookside are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from scenic riverwalks to challenging canyon trails, and the opportunities to explore natural parks and waterways.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Tunnel Drive Trail – Nonans Peak loop from Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility is a difficult 16.8 km route with significant elevation changes, offering a more strenuous adventure.

The duration of hikes around Brookside varies depending on the trail and your pace. Easy routes like the Redemption Trail loop from Cañon City can take around 1 hour, while moderate trails such as the Redemption & Hard Time trails loop — Temple Canyon Park typically take about 2 hours 18 minutes. Longer, difficult routes can extend to over 5 hours.

Many of the easier trails in Brookside are suitable for families. The Arkansas Riverwalk loop — Cañon City, with its gentle path along the river, is a great choice for a family outing. The region also offers tranquil paths and shaded walks in botanical garden settings, providing a gentler outdoor experience.

Depending on the specific area, you might encounter various wildlife. In wooded and wetland areas, such as Brookside Preserve, hikers might spot tracks of nocturnal mammals like raccoons and muskrats, or hear the songs of Carolina wrens and other birds. At places like Brookside Nature Center, great blue herons can be observed at the pond.

Yes, some areas around Brookside have historical significance. The Brookside Nature Center, for instance, features the 1870s Harper Homestead, adding a historical dimension to the natural surroundings. Additionally, the Tunnel Drive Trail loop leads through a historic tunnel area, offering a glimpse into the past.

Elevation changes vary significantly across Brookside's trails. Easy riverwalks like the Arkansas Riverwalk loop have minimal elevation gain (around 32 meters). Moderate trails, such as the Redemption & Hard Time trails loop, feature more noticeable ascents (around 200 meters). For a substantial challenge, the difficult Tunnel Drive Trail – Nonans Peak loop involves nearly 600 meters of elevation gain.