NEWS RELEASE
HENDERSON, KY– With a ceremonial “tearing of a leaf, the Canoe Creek Nature Trail at the City of Henderson’s Newman Park was dedicated and officially opened on Tuesday afternoon.
Project Manager Ray Nix thanked City partners who helped bring about the 4.2-mile (roundtrip) trail, including Boy Scout volunteers who helped clear the path.
Bordered by Canoe Creek on one side and the City’s Newman Park on the other (as well as International Paper in Henderson Corporate Park), the Canoe Creek Nature Trail is a winding pathway through the forest that provides a close-up look at wetlands terrain.
Nix called it a “unique nature trail” because of its proximity to an industrial park, a residential neighborhood and agricultural land.
The main trail along the creek is an extension of a very short asphalt trail that has existed for a while in Newman Park. There is another mile of accessory trails.
Wayfinding signs point to the start of the trail, where hikers can find additional information about how to use the trail. Informational signs along the trail describe wildlife, trees, plants and birds that can be found in the habitat.
The new route also has a few newly constructed foot bridges traversing ditches and streams feeding into Canoe Creek. The trail has changes in elevation that make it a moderate hiking experience.
The trail allows hikers to trek alongside Canoe Creek, observe the flora and fauna of wetlands and have access to an outdoor classroom that could offer a good learning location for Scout troops and science students.
Funding for the trail was provided by the City of Henderson, Parks & Recreation Department, and the Kentucky Department of Local Government Recreational Trails Program.