Reffitt Nature Preserve

"Reffitt Nature Preserve has been reopened and the boardwalks over Mitchell Creek have been repaired. Reffitt has a unique dune and swale habitat and the very important Mitchell Creek watershed which flows into East Bay. Both trail loops are now open and can be walked in about 1 hour. The west loop has several beautiful examples of old growth White pine and White oak trees. There is great birdwatching from the boardwalk bridges that cross over the creek. No facilities, free parking at the two trailheads located on Oak Dr. and Pine Dr."

"We were staying at the Cherry Tree Inn for a few days, and we love hiking, so we decided to pop over here. We found a couple geocaches and enjoyed being out in the woods. We love these little nature preserves tucked away in busy cities. The paths here are well-maintained."

"woodsy & wetland easy flat loop trail less than 2miles total,some boardwalks over wet areas. excellent signage &maps on trail. you can't get lost. access trail off 3mile Rd or 4mile Rd."

"Fun little nature trail just off the main road. The small parking area is down the 2-track at the end of Oak St (there's a sign). Near the trail head there's a bit of road & business noise (U.S. 31 & Pirates Cove), but the further you go, the quieter it gets. Parts of the trail consist of boardwalks over the wetlands and, depending on recent weather, there can be mucky areas. Definitely wear appropriate footwear. There are 2 loops to choose from; a short .6 mile and a .9 mile spur trail (total 1.5 miles). (see map in photos) The trail is mostly narrow, flat, hard-pack with many bridges & boardwalks. It's mostly shady with a few open, sunny areas. Definitely keep your dog on a leash due to the many swampy areas, wetlands and thick black muck. There is good signage & the trail is well marked with purple/pink blazes on trees. Best time to visit is early morning in the Spring or Autumn."

"This preserve is a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. What I like best about this preserve is the option to hike various loops, depending on how much time you have available. The terrain is mostly flat, and easy to traverse. The single-track like trail takes you through various habitats including wetlands and mixed hardwood forest. The trails themselves are well marked and easy to navigate. I highly recomend visiting this trail during the spring season, when various types of birds are highly active, preparing for the breeding season. Also of interest are the spring peepers that flood the wetlands with their calls. Overall, a great experience. I highly suggest bringing a camera, and wear sturdy boots. Enjoy!"