Fall is upon us– but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the beautiful outdoors here in Colorado! Take a jacket, breathe in the crisp, fall air and enjoy the colors of leaves turning! Just in case you didn’t already know, there are a number of hikes in close proximity to Old Farm. Check out the trails listed below:
Stetson Trail
The Stetson Trail is a concrete pathway through residential neighborhoods that stretches 2 miles across northeastern Colorado Springs. It closely follows the south side of Stetson Hills Boulevard. It’s perfect for a short walk, run, or even bike ride! The trail end points are: Antelope Ridge Dr./Stetson Hills Blvd and Austin Bluffs Pkwy/Stetson Hills Blvd.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/stetson-trail/
High Chaparral Open Space Loop
This 2.2 mile loop is located at the High Chaparral Open Space, right next to Old Farm! Parking lot is located along Stetson Hills Blvd. Follow the gravel path at the southern end of the lot alongside a picket fence. The path crosses Silo Ridge Road; the open space entrance is just on the east side of Silo Ridge Road.
https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7037742/high-chaparral-open-space-loop
Homestead Trail
This trail is ideal for all skills levels! It’s an in and out trail, so you can make it as short or as long as you’d like. The route begins in Old Farm and goes all the way past S Carefree, depending if you wish to hike that far. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Last year, major work was done to the path near the N and S Carefree areas, resulting in a smoother hike.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/north-homestead-trail
Cottonwood Creek Trail
This 4.7 mile trail is great for runners, bikers and walkers! A small portion is gravel, but the majority is paved. The trail end points are: Academy Blvd. south of Brookwood Dr. and East Woodmen Rd/Austin Bluffs Pkwy. If you are interested in a shorter loop, you can walk the loop around Cottonwood Creek Park itself. It’s paved and perfect for children, pets, and adults!
**Note As of April 2018, the trail is temporarily closed west of the Dublin Park spur while the city of Colorado Springs builds an extension westward along the creek to meet the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. That leg of the trail is expected to open in January 2019.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/cottonwood-creek-trail–2