Apshawa Preserve is a moderately sized park featuring six trails of varying difficulties. The trail network allows long loop hikes or short out-and-back hikes to popular locations such as the Butler Reservoir. Below is a description of the marked trail in the park.
Blue Trail
| Length | 1.12 miles |
| Surface | Natural |
| Difficulty | Easy-Moderate |
| Trail Usage | Hiking |
| Highlights | N/A, but connects to all other trails in the preserve, which do feature many interesting sites. |
The Blue Trail is the main trail at Apshawa Preserve, and connects the parking area to the rest of the trails in the preserve. The trail is relatively easy, minus a short rock scramble. A trail is currently in the works to bypass the scramble. Other than the scramble, the trail is mostly dirt and features a few rolling hills.
Green Trail
| Length | 1.63 miles |
| Surface | Natural |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Trail Usage | Hiking |
| Highlights | Waterfall, Overlook, Ruins |
The Green Trail is arguably the highlight of the park, passing by multiple interesting sites, including a small waterfall, ruins from a water plant, and a nice overlook. These sights come with a price, though, as this is easily the most difficult trail in the preserve. Completing the full trail requires a lengthy hike up a steep series of switchbacks. It is possible to reach the waterfall and ruins without traversing the switchbacks by hiking from the Orange Trail south (down on the map) and returning after the waterfall.
Orange Trail
| Length | 0.17 miles |
| Surface | Natural |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Usage | Hiking |
| Highlights | N/A |
The Orange Trail is a short connection between the Blue and Green Trails.
Purple Trail
| Length | 0.17 miles |
| Surface | Natural |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Usage | Hiking |
| Highlights | Pond |
The Purple Trail is an easy out-and-back trail to a small pond. While not as interesting as the Butler Reservoir, this pond is a good option for those wishing for a shorter and easier hike with water views.
Red Trail
| Length | 1.57 miles |
| Surface | Natural |
| Difficulty | Easy-Moderate (due to beaver flooding) |
| Trail Usage | Hiking |
| Highlights | Butler Reservoir, Beaver Dams |
The Red Trail goes around the Butler Reservoir and features a few scenic vistas of the lake. Unfortunately, some sections of the trail are seasonally flooded due to beaver activity. Fortunately, a reroute is in the works and is almost complete. The work of the beavers is visible throughout the hike, with a few dams and lodges visible. For those not wanting to complete the whole loop, there is a scenic view of the lake accessed by a short spur near the co-blazed Red and Green Trails.
White Trail
| Length | 0.36 miles |
| Surface | Natural, Rocky |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trail Usage | Hiking |
| Highlights | Scenic Rocky Trail |
The White Trail is a connection from the Blue Trail to the Red Trail. The trail is the most rocky in the preserve, akin to the neighboring Norvin Green State Forest in spots (though nowhere near as steep). While there are no overlooks or particularly interesting sights, the trail is nice as it travels atop some rocky ridges.
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