A new outdoor destination is open for hikers, nature lovers, and families in the Arboretum’s holdings in Montgomery County. The trail begins at the Waterfall Trail parking lot. Hickory Hill Trail at Landis Arboretum gives visitors yet another way to enjoy the Arboretum’s natural landscape.
The trail was created by Asa Pagano, a member of Arboretum-sponsored Troop 501, for his Eagle Scout project. This easy-to-moderate, out and back route begins at the hand-built bridge along Lape Road and covers about two miles round trip.
Visitors can explore the nearby Waterfall Trail, another trail that ventures into Montgomery Country. Both feature hardwood species including Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), red and white oak, and American beech (Fagus americana). Understory species include witch hazel, viburnum, and brambles. Birds, deer and other wildlife are easily spotted in the area.
Access to the trail is easily achieved at the Montgomery County parking lot the Arboretum added a few years ago. Now, a kiosk featuring information and maps is planned to help everyone make the most of the new trail. Funded by a Montgomery County Infrastructure grant award, the kiosk is a timber frame constructed in Vermont. It will serve as a convenient starting point, offering guidance for guests. Maps will highlight the notable natural features of the trails. The kiosk will also have a space for advertising other destinations in the county to provide additional information to local and out-of-town visitors.
We encourage community members to visit the Landis Arboretum and experience the new Hickory Hill trail for themselves. With the addition of the trail, parking lot, and the new kiosk, the Arboretum continues to strengthen its role as a place for recreation, education, and appreciation of the natural world.