Crystal Bridges & Compton Gardens Trails

Routes marked PAVED stay on smooth, hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete, with no rocks or roots underfoot. They are the most accessible routes in our library and usually work well for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone new to walking and hiking. A few paved routes include stairs or steep stretches, and those are noted on their route cards.

Routes marked EASY are on natural surfaces, mostly packed dirt or gravel, and the trail is wide enough to walk comfortably. Rocks and roots are small and spread out, so you can walk normally without stepping over anything, and there are no drop-offs along the edge. Easy routes are a good next step for anyone ready to leave pavement behind.

Routes marked MODERATE have at least one section where the trail gets narrower, the edge drops off to one side, or a rock or root now and then means stepping over it. You can still find flat footing for most steps, but you'll want to keep an eye on the trail ahead.

Routes marked CHALLENGING have at least one section with rocks or roots packed so closely, or set at such an angle, that there's no flat place to set your foot; rocks a foot high or more that take a big step up to climb over; obstacles so frequent that you have to watch every step; or very steep stretches of trail. These sections are often short, but they call for steady footing and close attention.