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Introduction
Trail 9 is a pleasant woodland walk of moderate relief. While mostly used by campers, it should be seen by more park visitors.
Trail 9 has two sections. The upper section connects the campground with the pool and passes through the upper watershed of Hoffman Branch, crossing three small creeks. There is also access from the youth tent area. Near the pool, this section junctions with Trail 10.
The lower section connects the pool to the Inn and Nature Center and is a mowed pathway. Historically, this area was part of the "farm" associated with the Madison State Hospital prior to the land's transfer to the Park in 1965.
The Park property map classes Trail 9 as ~ 1 mile moderate trail. The complete route described below is about 1.1 miles.
light blue is Trail 9; white is Hoffman Branch and its tributaries; yellow dots = approximate locations of some features as described in the text
Along the Way
The upper section is one of the smaller and more delightful sections of trail in the Park. There is a small footbridge just past the start of the trail. A spur then leads into the trail from the Youth Tent Area. As the trail rises, you will note a circle of benches (A) about midway.
entrance to Trail 9 at campground
half circle of benches
trail toward benches
trail after benches
section of trail
There are two further footbridges that cross small streams that ultimately reach Hoffman Falls. The last stream crossing (B), nearest the pool, is the largest and most interesting. It is Hoffman Branch - the upstream section of the stream that produces Hoffman Falls (Trail 4). The stream is gentle here and usually easily crossed, even not using the footbridge. The hillside is a nicely sculpted rockface. This is the location the Park Naturalist uses for stream programs.
Hiking further a short distance leads to the junction with Trail 10 and the pool parking lot. Just where Trail 9 meets the pool parking lot on the campground side, there is a huge White Oak - one of the largest trees in the Park.
on the way to the last footbridge
footbridge over Hoffman Branch
looking downstream from the footbridge, note the timber deflector on the right
the ledge on the left side of the creek just downstream of the footbridge
the ledge on the left side of the creek, a bit further downstream
looking upstream from the footbridge
leaf floater
a water strider - commonly seen on the water here (the dark spots at the ends of the legs are just water dimple reflections)
the last steps up the hill after the footbridge, heading to Trail 10 junction and the pool parking lot
junction to Trail 10 as Trail continues (upper left) to the pool parking lot
Across the parking lot, to the left of the pool, the trail continues on. This lower section provides access between the pool area and the Inn and Nature Center, but is divided by the Outer Road. Its utility in travel aside, in the springtime, the section between the road and the pool is the place to be to hear Spring Peepers and Chorus Frogs in the wet grounds surrounding the trail.
There is a habit restoration project associated with Trail 9. A natural vegetation restoration has been started near the pool (C). It's a great place for summer and fall wildflowers along with many pollinators. There is also a Bluebird nest box and the possibility of hearing Timberdoodles (American Woodcock) in their spring mating season.
entry to Trail 9's upper section from the pool parking lot
Bluebird nest box at site of habitat restoration area
entry to Trail 9's lower section from the pool parking lot
habitat restoration area to left of entry to Trail 9's lower section
Using Trail 9
The best way to experience Trail 9 is to hike the upper section, starting at the campground. In practice, most non-campground visitors would start at the pool and make it a “back and forth” from there. Still a very nice hike.
Trail 9 can also be (should be) paired with Trail 10.
wildflowers and more from Trail 9
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