Plateau Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Sections of the trail can be slippery when wet, particularly the Oak Hill descent where packed dirt gives way to exposed roots and leaf cover — watch your footing after rain or in early morning dew.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Run the loop counterclockwise to tackle the Oak Hill climb while your legs are fresh — the descent on the backside is gentler and makes for a more satisfying second half.
The trail surface stays soft dirt through most sections, which means it turns into a mud pit after heavy rain. Check conditions after any storm and consider lightweight gaiters or trail shoes with aggressive tread if it's been wet within 48 hours.
Mid-October is the money window here — the hardwood canopy puts on one of the best fall color shows in the park, and the leaf litter on the trail gives the whole loop a cathedral-floor quality that photographs beautifully in overcast light.
