The Trails of Sand Plum
Deer Trail
Deer Trail is located about halfway into both the men's and women's races. It is the most narrow part of the course. It is also the lowest section of the course, running alongside North Fork Creek.
Summit Trail
Summit Trail is perhaps the most difficult section of the course. Runners enter the trail after an initial flat section. You drop through a wood-chip covered section of trail and go over the Summit Bridge Crossing. The next stretch is the steepest, albeit short, part of the course.
Sumac Trail
Sumac Trail is a very unique section of the course. Runners drop into the Sumac Gulley, where they are surrounded by tall Sumac plants for about 150 meters. The trail curves left and leads you past a short hill and onto the flat, open backstretch.
Racoon Pass
This short stretch is located between the Sumac Trail and the open backstretch. It is a great location for coaches and spectators to watch as the women pass through once and the men twice.
Fox Trail
Fox Trail is the start and finish loop for all races. The 5K course has one initial loop while the 8K course takes the runners around twice. All races finish with a backwards loop on Fox Trail. The route is completely flat.
Thistle Trail
All good courses have differing sections that make it challenging. While much of the course is sheltered with trees, rolling hills, or curves, Thistle Trail is a long stretch of flat open trail. Only the men run Thistle Trail, which begins at the 5k mark. Runners hit the high and far point of the course and can see the Cathedral of the Plains and most of the rest of the course as they head back.
Turkey Trail
Turkey Trail is a spectator trail to the other side of the North Fork Creek. There have been numerous turkey and deer sightings on this trail.
Quail Pass
Quail Pass is a 200-meter grass trail that runs above Sumac Trail. The pass is not currently being used for the running course, although it is a great spectator trail to get to other parts of the course.
Meadowlark Trail
Meadowlark Trail is a loop that all routes take on the west side of the course. This loop follows an old terrace that marked a wheat field. At the end of Meadowlark Trail, the 5K heads right and back towards the finish while the 8K heads out to Thistle Trail.
Hawk Trail
The Hawk Trail runs around the west side of the property. Part of the trail is used for the course. This pathway is the longest on the Sand Plum Nature Trail.
Bobcat Pass
Bobcat Pass is the latest addition to Sand Plum Nature Trail. The trail was designed with spectators in mind. The pass will allow spectators to cross North Fork Creek to view the action on the back flats.
Turtle Trail
Turtle Trail is a walking trail that traverses the North Fork Creek north bank. It is a narrow trail that is known to be a natural walkway of local turtles.
Owl Trail
Owl Trail is an extension of Turtle Trail. It heads east until the switchback. From Owl Trail, you can take the shortcut up the wooded staircase or go the longer less steep route on the switchback.
Cedar Pass
Cedar Pass empties out onto Fox Trail. This route takes you up the banks and onto the beginning flats. Cedar Pass is used for walking and is not part of the race course.
Rat Trail
Rat Trail is one of the shortest trails on the property. It is a tallgrass area that is near the wooded staircase.
Woodpecker Trail
Woodpecker Trail is the initial trail from the entry point of the course. It is used primarily as an access road to the bridge and start of the races.
Sand Plum Pumpkin Patch
The Sand Plum Pumpkin Patch is on the southeast portion of the course. One day it will produce the world's largest pumpkins...perhaps.
Sand Plum Turkey Caller and Feeder
You can find turkeys on the course most of the time. They like to congregate around the turkey feeder. Feel free to call them with the attached turkey caller.
