Detailed Description of Liar’s Ridge Trail, Baker Preserve
Liar’s Ridge Trail (2.3-mile loop; difficulty – hard) includes two bridgeless crossings of Canaanville Run, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Although the stream is frequently no more than ankle-deep, it is subject to flash floods, so we don’t recommend hiking this trail during or soon after a heavy rainstorm. If in doubt, it is best to walk the trail clockwise, so that the first steam crossing is only 500 feet from the parking lot. You don’t want to walk 2.3 miles and then discover you can’t reach your car!
Although much of the trail is easy, there are some obstacles and stream crossings that will be difficult for some visitors, so we rate this trail as hard. Walking clockwise, the trail entrance is right beyond the kiosk. After a short walk through young woods where the trail is sometimes muddy, cross the stream, and continue on a service road. In about 300 feet, turn left onto a narrow footpath to stay on Liar’s Ridge Trail. The trail climbs steadily, including one steep spot, 0.35 mile to the top of Liar’s Ridge, intersecting Sheltered Valley Trail on the way up and again at the top. Turn right at the top to stay on Liar’s Ridge Trail, which remains on the ridge for 0.9 mile, crossing a gas line clearing and intersecting John Knouse Trail on the way. Just before the trail begins a steep descent, Picnic Rocks on the left offers a nice rest stop with flat rocks ideal for sitting. On the way down to the second crossing of Canaanville Run, you will have to climb over fallen tree trunks that were too large to remove, using steps that were cut into them. There has been a series of treefalls in this area, and fresh blockages may be encountered. This stretch of trail may be difficult for some hikers. After passing a junction with an unnamed trail on the left that ends in Canaan Preserve, you will reach Canaanville Run. The original crossing point is now difficult to use because of flood damage. An alternative crossing point that is usually easier can be found 100 feet downstream; if you use the alternative crossing, walk upstream a short way on the other side to relocate the trail. Shortly after crossing the stream, the trail makes a short, steep ascent with a small spring-fed pool on your right and Salamander Rock on your left. It then passes through a short, tight tunnel beneath the base of a large fallen tree, which may require scrambling on hands and feet. This forest in this area was devastated by powerful straight-line winds on May 26, 2019, but the damage was localized. After passing a junction with Mythical Tree Trail, there are some striking rock formations on the left. After crossing the gas line clearing again, turn right at the second junction with Mythical Tree Trail to descend to a service road (which is often muddy). Turn left there and walk about 500 feet to reach the parking lot.