Black Forest Section 16 is just under a 4 mile loop located in southern Black Forest and a great outdoor opportunity to keep fit. It is in the square mile, surrounded by Burgess Rd, Herring Rd, Shoup Rd and Vollmer Rd. This is an all-dirt trail graced with towering pines. There is a variety of dirt and gravel, gets a little loose under those mountain bike tires sometimes! There are some considerable slopes, great exercise for sure! You can enjoy Black Forest Section 16 on anything powered by muscle... human or horse. No motors! I'd love to take our motorcycles and ATV over there, but no dice, it's just for walking, hiking, bicycling, horse-back riding. There is a parking lot on the south side, along Burgess Rd between Herring and Vollmer. That is the best place to park and/or saddle up your horse. There is a small parking lot on the east side, along Vollmer, but during the school year that parking lot is primarily for Academy School District 20's outdoor,exploratory learning environment for 4th graders "The School in the Woods". There are also a couple small pull-offs where you can enter the trail along the roads, but the parking lot is the largest and most convenient... and maybe the safest! You might also experience a bit of wildlife!!
As I mentioned earlier, on the east side of Section 16 is D-20's 4th grade "School in the Woods". Academy School District gives 4th graders only, this rare opportunity to experience a unique and creative learning environment. Here's a bit more on that - http://www.asd20.org/education/dept/dept.php?sectionid=1020
Along the west side of Section 16, is the slash and mulch pile. This program is "Co-sponsored by the Colorado Forestry Association and the Black Forest Fire Department
In cooperation with the Colorado State Forest Service, Black Forest Fire Department, Colorado State Forest Service, El Paso County, the State Board of Land Commissioners and SAMCOM". They work in Black Forest to reduce wild fires. Slash is your fallen, unused tree limbs. If you so not need them for firewood, you can haul them to the slash pile (for free) and they will take and make them into mulch. I believe you can also pick up the mulch for free to beautify your landscape. In the web site here, you can find details about when and how to use the slash and mulch pile at your convenience. http://www.bfslash.org/ Go there for details on what they will accept for slash and for schedule details.
I enjoy running or biking Black Forest Section 16, even when the parking lot us full, you seem to only cross paths with just a couple people while you are out enjoying beautiful Colorado weather and scenery. I have hiked portions of it with my 4 & 7-yr-old sons, so it's a great place for any and all ages, fitness levels. Enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise at the same time!
