Circle Creek Overlook Trails Project

The Reserve would provide a 0.6 mile Geological Interpretive Trail with 12 locations, each describing a different aspect of the geology of the Reserve. The Circle Creek Overlook on the Geologic Interpretive Trail would provide an overlook of Circle Creek Basin, the primary camp for emigrants on the California Trail in the Reserve. The overlook will include one bench. The Geological Interpretive Trail will be restricted to pedestrian use only. The Smoky Mountain Connector (1.0 miles) will provide visitors the option of traveling from Smoky Mountain Campground all the way to Indian Grove and Bread Loaves on a trail without having to travel on a road with vehicles. The Smoky Mountain Connector will be available to pedestrians, bicycles, and equestrian riders. As on all the Reserve's multi‐use trails cyclists yield to both pedestrians and equestrians and pedestrians yield to equestrians. The trails will be designed using the best management practices and modern techniques to minimize erosion and impacts to the environment.

Two trails would be constructed for a total of 1.6 miles of trail. The newly constructed Circle Creek Overlook Parking Lot will provide vehicle access to the Geological Interpretive Trail and the Circle Creek Overlook; therefore, no additional facilities will be needed. The Smoky Mountain Connector will pass by the Circle Creek Overlook Parking Lot with its new vault toilet, providing a convenient stop along the trail from Smoky Mountain Campground to Indian Grove and Bread Loaves. There will be a hitching post so riders may hitch their horses and walk a short distance to the vault toilet.

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