Scotch Ridge Nature Trail

This 3.3-mile trail winds through residential and rural Carlisle. You don’t have to go far from home to enjoy nature’s beauty.

Living History

As glaciers retreated from the area 10,000 years ago, they left behind a diverse landscape along Carlisle’s North River. On this trail, you will experience firsthand riparian wetlands and woodlands, mesic and upland prairies, and an oak savanna all within 2500 ft.

Scotch Ridge Park Trailhead

Scotch Ridge Park is the northern trailhead for the Scotch Ridge Nature Trail. There is parking, sheltered picnic areas, and the park itself offers a variety of scenes showcasing Carlisle’s diverse native ecosystem.

Lindhardt South Park Trailhead

The southern trailhead is at Lindhardt South Park and near the Carlisle Aquatics Center. Here the trail junctions into the Summerset Trail and begins heading down towards Indianola.

Complete History of the Trail

Download this file to read the complete history of the Scotch Ridge Nature Park and Trail.

History of Scotch Ridge Trail and Park