Nature Trail

The Hewett P. Mulford Sr. Nature Trail at Countryside YMCA invites everyone to experience the beauty of nature and connect in spirit, mind, and body. Established in 1984, the 2.3-mile trail is maintained through volunteer efforts and is open year-round to both members and the general public.

Trail Access for the Community

In keeping with our founder, Ralph J. Stolle’s vision, the Nature Trail is open to the public during YMCA operating hours through the North Entry. Guests are asked to:

• Sign in at the North Entry and show a valid driver’s license or photo ID.
• Wear the provided wrist bracelet while enjoying the trail. Bracelets and the sign-in sheet can be found on the clipboard at the North Entry.
• Exit to the trail through the patio doors across from the Cardio Strength Center (CSC).

This process helps us ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors while keeping the trail welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Grab a printed map at trailhead or click here for online map with cache names, precise location, and hints to guide you in finding all 8 hidden caches.

What is Geocaching? Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt to find hidden containers called “caches” at specific coordinates. Participants navigate to these locations, find the cache (often hidden), sign a logbook and/or trade items (if applicable), and put the cache back where you found it for the next person. Share a picture of your treasures/caches on Facebook or Instagram and tag @countrysideymca.

Explore the YMCA woods on the Hewett P. Mulford Nature Trail and experience the wonders of nature anytime on your own (exit Stolle patio doors, across from CSC bathrooms) or join us for our next Nature Walk with certified professionals. Open all ages of members and the community.  Check Friends Of Our Trail (FOOT) at the Countryside YMCA Facebook Group, for next walk and meet at the lower level entry gate on the Countryside YMCA | Lebanon property.

Join us for a walk in the YMCA woods as we appreciate, observe, and photograph the natural world around us. Check Friends Of Our Trail (FOOT) at the Countryside YMCA Facebook Group, for next walk and meet at the outdoor shelter on the North side of the YMCA building (near the gymnastics area). These walks will be led by Jim Ludwick and are open to YMCA members and non-members. Walks will be held rain or shine, but photography might be limited in inclement weather. Please protect your equipment and dress appropriately.

If you enjoy working outdoors, consider volunteering with our nature trail. We need seedling/planting care, invasive plant removal, and trail maintenance. If interested, contact Jim Ludwick

The campsite can be rented for overnight rentals by scouting groups. Contact Shannon Brown for details.

We all know that going for a walk is good for our physical health, but it doesn’t stop there. Research shows that spending time in nature has numerous mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Grab a self guided Walk, Wonder, Worship at the trail head and enjoy your own quiet tome or join us as we walk, wander, and wonder together through the YMCA woods. Check Friends Of Our Trail (FOOT) at the Countryside YMCA Facebook Group, for next walk and meet at the outdoor shelter on the North side of the YMCA building (near the gymnastics area). These walks will be led by Jim Ludwick and are open to YMCA members and non-members. Walks will be held rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.