Whether you're looking for a challenging round of disc golf or a relaxing hike, the Gardner Center offers the perfect outdoor escape. Explore winding wooded paths, absorb beautiful natural views, and enjoy the sights and sounds of birds and other local wildlife.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Please observe the following when visiting the Gardner Center:
- While hiking and disc golf are available and free to the public, extraordinary outdoor activities such as cookouts, tournaments and parties must be approved by the Mercer County Commission.
- Do not litter or leave food on the trails or disc golf course
- Public use or display of alcoholic beverages is prohibited
- Hunting is strictly prohibited
- Disorderly conduct is not permitted.
- Persons using the Gardner Center trails and disc golf course do so at their own risk. Mercer County is not liable for personal injuries that may occur on the premises.
- The disc golf course and trails are open daily unless stated otherwise.
HIKING TRAILS
The woodlands contain over 6,000 feet of walking trails just next to the facility's parking lot.
As you begin your journey, please observe these safety tips:
- Check the local weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
- Wear protective clothing and footwear.
- Hike with a friend when possible.
- If you bring pets and/or children along, keep them in sight at all times.
- Keep all food stored in animal-proof containers.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Do not smoke or use ignition sources as they may cause a fire.
Use the standard or interactive map to view the trail network and length of each trail segment. Please note that the interactive map requires Google Maps.
An exciting and challenging 12-hole disc golf course was recently installed throughout a section of the Gardner Center's lawn and woodland areas.
Learn more
The hiking trails are beautiful and available to the public all year-round.
Ringer? Leaner? Horseshoe length from the peg? If you are familiar with these words, then you will definitely enjoy pitching a few shoes just off from the Poor Farm Cemetery Trail. Be careful! Part of the disc golf course extends into that area.
The picnic area has a large stone fire pit and plenty of seating. Any activity that require the use of an open flame must be approved by the Mercer County Commission
Various types of trees, shrubs, and flowers reside along the trails and woodland areas. Some have unique and interesting characteristics! Try to identify a few as you pass by!
The Gardner Center's facility and woodlands were once the property of the U.S. Forest Service's Forestry Sciences Laboratory. Construction of the research laboratory began after the completion of the blueprints on May 4, 1962. The site's woodland area, which is comprised of approximately 23 acres, was used for research purposes by foresters and scientists. During construction, employees developed a series of rock-lined trails throughout the woodlands, which still exist. The Forestry Sciences Laboratory closed in 2016 and the Mercer County Commission later acquired the property. The Commission began restoring the facility and implementing continuous improvements to the trails and other recreational areas.
Fallen Trees
Storms have caused trees to fall across the trails, so please use caution while hiking. The Gardner Center's staff is in the process of removing any fallen trees.
Slick Areas
Precipitation may cause some trails to become slippery or unstable, so please use caution. Also, the bridge that crosses a small stream on the Mountain Laurel Trail becomes very slick when damp or wet. Please use the bridge's handrails when crossing in adverse conditions.