Short Double Loop at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Overview. This is my favorite trail combination at Big Bone - and I’ve probably run a few hundred miles across these loops. Springtime is the ideal time for a visit to enjoy the many varieties of wildflowers lining the trails - especially near the creek. And, Big Bone is home to a small, beautiful herd of bison!

Route Type | Loops
Total Distance | 2.2 miles
Overall Difficulty | Easy with One Climb
Map of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Trailhead. Ample parking is available at the trailhead adjacent to the museum. [map]

Trail navigation. From the parking lot, pick-up the trail just west of the museum. Take a right to enjoy the interpretive trail directly behind the museum and continue down the hill to being continue the first loop. Continue toward the salt spring and take the unmarked trail just short of the deck overlooking the spring. This leads you out next to Big Bone Creek and circles back to the salt spring. Return to the main trail and turn right to head west. Continue past a couple mud covered sections of pavement before moving to a mowed grass path that follows the creek. Circle around to reach a paved road leading to the park ranger’s homestead. Keep moving up the paved drive and turn right toward the Bison. Save the Bison for by turning left at the trail intersection and hike up some double wide coarse gravel trail before reaching the next intersection. Stay right to continue onto Cedar Run Trail and descend. At the next trail intersection, turn right and reach the bison fields. Depending on the day, you’ll see bison in different sections of the trail. If they’re not immediately visible, turn left to go around the fenced area to some of the rear fields to find them. Retrace your steps and turn right before the barn to head slightly uphill to return to the museum parking lot.

CAUTION - DAM LEAK. The damn that created the lake at the park is leaking. Use caution and watch for rising water.

PARKING LOT CLOSURE. The lake parking lot is closed until further notice.

TRAIL CLOSURE. A half mile section of Coralberry Trail is closed adjacent and below the dam.