A sunny day casts a shadow against the backdrop of a Shagbark Hickory tree along the shores of Hemlock Lake.
We have no old growth forests left in Indiana County but the Blacklick Valley Natural Area is an old growth forest in the making. The site has many large trees that are some of the largest in Indiana County. Future management of this site will allow nature to take its course here.
The southern portion of the Blacklick Valley Natural Area is called the Parker Tract. On this portion of the property you will find 6 miles of hiking trails that pass through a variety of different habitats. Most of the trails are flat, grassy paths that are easy to navigate. Portions of the site are swampy and wearing waterproof shoes is recommended.
