We started at P1 parking and headed south along the road then right up the Ol' Miners Trail for a tour of the west side of the canyon. We visited a display about hydraulic mining with rusting remnants of cast iron piping; then took turns viewing the gated entrance to the Handsome Mine.
Later we came to the Canyon Falls Trail and enjoyed the small Falls with many cascades coming down a moss covered canyon. We took the cut out steps back to the road and crossed to the Ridgeview Trail which headed up towards our lunch spot.
It had been calm and partly sunny to that point, but as we headed up the gusty winds picked up. As we reached the scenic hilltop the wind was so strong that we decided to continue down the trail on the other side of the hill to a sunny spot just next to the trail.
After lunch, with extra chocolate on Valentine's Day, we continued heading down and down this "goat's trail" until we reached the display of the train trestle and read about the fatal train crash of 1917.
Our final trail followed Jacksonville Creek which we crossed over on a bridge that took us to the reservoir and dam. Then through an interpretive garden (with the promise of Spring) and back to our cars.
We had done 5 miles with lots of up and down on mostly moderate trails. With smiles all around and claims of "that's the best hike yet", we bid goodbye to some while others met at Boomtown.
Happy Trails,
Rich
Track download: Jacksonville Forest Park 2-14-22.gpx