Hiking at Yellow Creek State Park
5 miles of trails
Yellow Creek State Park Trail Map (PDF)
Trail Definitions
Difficulty Ratings
Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.
Trail Route Type
Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.
Billy Goat Trail
0.4 mile | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
This hiking-only trail travels through young hardwood forest to make a small loop off Damsite Trail.
Blackhawk Trail
1.6 miles | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
Trailhead amenities: none
This multi-use trail follows the north shore of Yellow Creek Lake and intersects many roads along its path.
Damsite Trail
2.5 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
This trail leads to the dam which periodically has a spillway waterfall.
Laurel Run Trail
0.5 mile | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restroom
This easy hike starts at the park office, follows Laurel Run, and is especially beautiful in the spring when wildflowers abound.
Ridgetop Trail
Trail
2.0 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables, benches
This challenging trail begins at the beach/day-use area and winds through a variety of habitats.
Simpson Trail
6.3 miles | More difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
Trailhead amenities: none
This multi-use trail passes through various habitats.