Posted on May 16, 2014 and last updated on July 04, 2021

Earle Kelley Wildlife Management Area, Dresden

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 862 acres
  • Trail Mileage: ~.9 miles one way
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: Dresden Bog

Wildlife management areas tend to be hit or miss in terms of having nice walking trails. This is a good one. You follow an old dirt road, or at least a wide, clear path, for about one mile before coming to a lovely pond, or bog — the Dresden Bog. The grassy bank makes for a good stick throwing perch. The trail does split into two before the bog. When it branches here, go left. The trail on the right continues into the woods.

Directions: The easiest way to Dresden is to head north or south on Rte. 295 and to get off at the Richmond exit, exit 43. Head toward town, east, on Rte. 197 (which means you take a right if you’re coming from the south, left if you’re coming from the north). Go through town and at the T-junction facing the river, turn left (you’ll be continuing on Rte. 197). When the road bears rights 1/4 mile later, bear right and cross the bridge. Continue on 197 for a couple miles — you’ll cross another river — until it ends at Rte 127. Take a left and follow this road to the T-junction with Rte 27. Take a right, and then a quick left right after the gas station onto Blinn Hill Rd. Follow Blinn Hill Rd for a couple of miles or so until you see Bog Rd on your right. Go about 1/2 mile and park at the small parking lot on your right, which should have a chain blocking the road. The trail is straight ahead.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!