

Wooded ridgeline, mixed hardwood forest, small wetlands and hillside overlooks at Laura Hare Nature Preserve offer intimate forest scenes, seasonal wildflowers, birdlife and panoramic valley views from Downey Hill. Best at golden hour and in spring (wildflowers) or fall (color). Trails are mostly moderate singletrack; parking at the Valley Branch Rd trailhead. No entry fee; expect limited facilities and mosquitoes in warm months. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors.


Wooded ridgeline, mixed hardwood forest, small wetlands and hillside overlooks at Laura Hare Nature Preserve offer intimate forest scenes, seasonal wildflowers, birdlife and panoramic valley views from Downey Hill. Best at golden hour and in spring (wildflowers) or fall (color). Trails are mostly moderate singletrack; parking at the Valley Branch Rd trailhead. No entry fee; expect limited facilities and mosquitoes in warm months. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors.