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.