North Scenic Trail

North Scenic Trail penetrates the more remote northern section of Clark Creek Natural Area, where the upper falls and tributary drainages see virtually no visitors and the landscape retains a genuinely wild character. The northern drainage system features its own collection of waterfalls, some exceeding 20 feet in height, in a setting of deep loess ravines densely vegetated with fern thickets and deciduous forest. The upper tributary streams are smaller and clearer than Clark Creek itself, and the waterfalls in this section often have a more intimate, delicate character than the larger lower falls. The loess soils of the upper drainage support a distinctive plant community including pawpaw, spicebush, and several species of native grape and Virginia creeper that festoon the ravine walls with greenery. Native bee balm, cardinal flower, and jewelweed bloom along the stream banks in summer, attracting hummingbirds and various butterfly species. Because this trail extension ventures further from the parking area and is even less maintained than the main trail, visitors should have good wilderness navigation skills and inform someone of their plans before hiking. No entrance fee is charged. The nature of the loess terrain means trail conditions can change rapidly after rain as the soft sediment erodes. Morning visits in spring offer the best combination of water levels and wildflower abundance.