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JAIL TRAIL RIVER WALK
Cottonwood
 |
| Verde River |
A trip to Old Town
Cottonwood just isn't complete without a stroll under the "Gateway
to the Verde River" archway that leads to a hike along the Jail
Trail. Debarking from the site of a rustic old jail building, which
is now home to a quaint tea house, the mile long, easy trail follows
the banks of the river through River Front Park and on to Dead Horse
Ranch State Park. The trail is shaded by thick tangles of willows
and enormous cottonwood trees towering over the running water,
cattail ringed coves and rock strewn flood plains. With reliable
water and ample nesting spots, this riparian corridor is a productive
birding location with hundreds of resident, seasonal and migratory
species gracing the property. The hike can be enjoyed year-round as
it cycles through the seasons. During the leafless winter months,
the riparian corridor is as enchanting as ever with the benefit of
bare branches giving clear views of roosting raptors and flocks of
red-winged blackbirds. Springtime brings a flurry of chartreuse leaf
shoots and fluffy catkins that mature into emerald canopies of
cooling shade that last through summer. The balmy days and cool nights of
late October turn the leaves into a spectacle of gold and russet. So
whether you're visiting Cottonwood for a day of wine tasting, antique
shopping or a scenic drive, a walk along the Verde River is de
rigueur and the Jail Trail is the easiest path to the water.
LENGTH: 1 mile one-way
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 3300' - 3290'
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17 to the Camp Verde
exit 287. Head 10 miles east on State Route 260 toward Cottonwood and
Jerome. When SR260 intersects with Main St./State Rt. 89A/Historic
89A, take a left. When State Rt. 89A separates at the light, stay on
Main St./Historic 89A to get to Old Town. Continue through Old Town
to where the road makes a sharp left turn just past Yavapai Street.
Look for the “Gateway to the Verde River” archway and park in the
lot on the right at 1101 N. Main Street.
INFO: Sedona Verde Valley Tourism
Council
Birding info:
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