Willow Walk nature trail provides a break from hot sun

By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff Writer

Visitors to Marion Reservoir can spend a few pleasant hours off the beaten path on Willow Walk nature trail.

The dirt path winds under tree cover offering shade on hot summer days to hikers and their leashed dogs.

The trailhead is northeast of showers at Cottonwood Point’s camping area and just west of campsite No. 93.

“It’s just a nice, simple nature walk,” assistant lake manager Kevin McCoy said. “There is plenty to see. Before the storm this week, it almost looked like a winter wonderland. There was so much Cottonwood fluff it looked like snow.”

The trail is one mile, but those who want a shorter hike can take a ½ mile turnoff.

McCoy couldn’t give exact numbers, but said the trail has been popular with campers.

Recent storms have knocked down some trees, he cautioned.

“It is a nature trail,” he said. “From time to time there is tree fall that people may have to step over or around until we are able to get it cleaned out.”