Plateau Trail

Plateau Trail is a 4.6-mile dirt loop from Oak Hill Trailhead that circles the wooded plateau and returns to the same lot. Plan about 2.5 hours. The park describes the route as mostly flat with one big hill, though there are a few rolling stretches. Choose it for a long woodland walk with ponds and small footbridges. There is no summit or waterfall stop. The shorter Oak Hill Trail starts from the same lot, but it is a separate route; follow the Plateau signs when the paths meet.

The trail enters the woods and reaches Chestnut Pond at about half a mile. Boardwalks cross low, shaded ground near the start of the walk. Just beyond the pond, the route passes through mature pines, with tall straight trunks and a simple dirt tread. Small ravines interrupt the forest farther on, and short footbridges carry the path across them. The setting stays mostly wooded, so the named ponds and signed junctions help you keep track of where you are on the loop.

Around 1.65 miles, Oak Hill Connector branches from the route. Continue straight on Plateau. The path drops gently, then climbs through hemlock and hardwoods. Near 3.25 miles, another junction offers Sylvan Pond straight ahead and Plateau to the left. Take the Plateau turn to stay on the outer loop. Expect more wooded tread and ravine crossings rather than a broad overlook. Keep an eye on the signs: the same trailhead serves several short loops and connectors.

Hemlock Ravine branches off near the 3.5-mile point. The short spur follows the ravine's south rim beneath hemlocks; it adds time and distance, but the payoff is a close look into a wooded ravine rather than a wide view. It is optional and is not included in the 4.6-mile loop. Meadowedge Pond comes near the end, around 4.2 miles, before the trail passes a short sunny stretch and returns through the woods to the lot. Walks that include Hemlock Ravine can reach about 5.2 miles, depending on the exact line taken.

Oak Hill Trailhead is on Oak Hill Road, about 0.9 mile south of Major Road. Its parking area serves both Oak Hill and Plateau trails. Vault toilets are at the trailhead, with no running water, and there is no drinking-water source on the route. Bring enough water for a 2.5-hour hike. Dogs are allowed, but the park requires a leash six feet or shorter. If 4.6 miles is more than you want, the shorter Oak Hill loop starts from the same access.