New Hiking Trail Loops at Coldwater Spring

These new trail loop descriptions from the National Park Service are practically poetic! Let them whisk you away to a serene naturescape, then whisk yourself away to Coldwater Spring to experience them in person!

Baltimore Oriole Loop | Orange | .5 miles

This short loop takes you through Coldwater’s tallgrass prairie towards the historic springhouse and reservoir. The spring water that gushes from the earth below the springhouse consistently flows around 45 gallons per minute. The reservoir remains unfrozen year-round and hosts resident mallards during the winter months. On the return hike, relax at the sitting stones placed along the prairie-woodland edge and take in the prairie. Watch and listen for Baltimore orioles that like to build their woven, hanging nests in the large cottonwood trees. These vibrant orange summer residents love snacking on mulberries that grow near the parking area.

Scarlet Tanager Loop | Red | 1.2 miles

Start this loop near the Coldwater entrance sign and native flower garden. Hike south along the hilltop and peer out over the prairie for a nice panoramic view of the restored habitat. Rest on the sitting stones beneath the large bur oak tree before winding through the ongoing oak woodland and blufftop oak savanna restoration. Listen for the raspy whistle of the scarlet tanager that often nests here. True to its name, this scarlet red bird is unmistakably showy. Before turning off the bike trail towards the parking area, look to your right when the fall colors start to appear, and you might be impressed with the golden sugar maple leaves slowly fluttering down from the canopy to the forest floor.

Indigo Bunting Loop | Blue | 1.5 miles

Take your time hiking through the prairie, past the spring, and down to the Mississippi River floodplain looking for the beautiful (and really loud) indigo bunting. Making your way back from the river, looking for the waterfall that pours over the limestone bluff. The flow from Coldwater Spring feeds this creek and waterfall. This loop can be rewarding in all seasons and has become a favorite for Coldwater’s regular visitors.