Tel-Hy
Nature Preserve
Natural Areas: Tel-Hy Nature Preserve
Wabash River. Click to enlarge
Tel-Hy is the first of ACRES’ preserves in Huntington County, with acquisitions in 1994 and 1998 now totaling almost 40 acres. Three trails radiate from the parking lot. One angles northeast across a meadow, heading toward the woods. The other two head east, closely paralleling each other. The southernmost path skirts an incongruous collection of outhouses, some rather whimsical. The two east bound trails join another trail that runs north along the eastern edge of the preserve before intersecting with the first trail and entering the woods.
Bear right at the first intersection after entering the woods and descend along a series of steps arrayed along the flank of the valley wall, toward the Wabash River. This is my favorite part of the preserve, offering tree-obscured views of the river and, in spring at least, ample opportunities for botanizing. Spring wildflowers are arrayed along the valley wall and include twinleaf, hepatica, and squirrel corn, along with many other species. The trail approaches the river, before climbing a bit, then turning left to begin a rather stiff climb out along another set of steps. The return trip through upland woods is nice, with mature beech, hickory, and maple, among others. There are two shorter side loops that afford additional opportunities to explore and enjoy the woods.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Huntington County, From Indiana 9 X 200N, east 1.3 miles to a stop sign. Turn right for 0.2 miles to 300W, then left. Go 0.35 miles; a small sign points left up a one-lane road. Turn left and park along the drive.
GPS: N 40 51.021 W 85 30.415
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
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Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Pehkokia Woods (4.5)
Kokiwanee Nature Preserve (10.9)
Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area (11.2)
Hanging Rock Nature Preserve (11.7)
Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run (15.5)
Acres Along the Wabash NP (17.4)