Twelve Hills Nature Center
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Twelve Hills Nature Center is a quiet, non-commercial 'hidden gem' for locals in the Bishop Arts neighborhood, ideal for short, casual nature strolls and an escape from city noise, particularly beautiful after rain.
Key Highlights
- ✓Peaceful atmosphere with natural sounds of birds and trees.
- ✓Especially serene and beautiful after rain, with prominent birdsong and creek sounds.
- ✓Features starting wildflowers and native flora landscaping in the front.
- ✓Feels non-commercial, offering a genuine escape from city bustle.
- ✓Access to nearby Stevens forest street for additional strolling options.
Standout Features
- ⭐Natural sounds of birds and creek (especially after rain).
- ⭐Wildflowers and native flora landscaping.
- ⭐Quiet, peaceful, and non-commercial ambiance.
- ⭐Location provides an urban escape for locals.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be vigilant and know how to identify poison ivy due to its prevalence and lack of roped-off trails.
- →Consider visiting after a rainfall for the best experience with birdsong and creek sounds.
- →Bring sun protection (hats, sunscreen) as there is limited shade along the trails.
- →Manage expectations for trail length; it's best for a casual stroll, not a long hike or workout.
- →Arrive early if concerned about the small parking capacity (7-8 cars max).
Things to Consider
- ⚠Trails are not clearly roped off, making it easy to encounter high concentrations of poison ivy.
- ⚠Some areas are overgrown with vines and could use maintenance.
- ⚠Trail is relatively short, not suitable for serious hikers or a full workout.
- ⚠Limited shade, which can be an issue on sunny days.
Price & Value
Implied free entry, offering good value as a non-commercial local 'hidden gem' for casual nature experiences, especially for residents of Bishop Arts. No mention of fees or hidden costs.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations mentioned for special needs. The presence of poison ivy and unroped trails might be a concern for some.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific food and drink rules mentioned. As a nature center/park, it's generally assumed casual picnicking might be allowed, but no details are provided.
🚗Parking Info
- •Small parking lot available, accommodating approximately 7-8 cars maximum.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Generally described as 'nice and quiet' and 'peaceful'.
- •However, one review notes 'so many people around' which, combined with the poison ivy, suggests it can get busy enough to feel crowded and raise safety concerns at times.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Only 'a few signs' warn about poison ivy; there are no physical barriers like ropes to delineate trails or protect visitors from vegetation.
- •No other specific safety measures (staff supervision, first aid) are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Serious hikers or those looking for a strenuous workout, as the trails are short.
- • Families highly sensitive to poison ivy, given its abundance and lack of trail barriers.
- • Mid-day on very sunny, hot days due to limited shade.
- • Expecting extensive amenities or a commercialized park experience, as it has a very natural, local, non-commercial feel.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Guided walks are weather permitting.
📅Booking Policy
- • RSVP required for guided walks by sending an email.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
seun adeyemi
a month agoGreat outdoor space. Peaceful but nature sounds from birds and trees. Did the trail and strolled on the Stevens forest street (nearby). Amazing area.
M T A
3 weeks agoCute little park. It’s nice and quiet, if it has rained the combo of birdsong and the creek is bliss. I love that a few wildflowers are starting to pop up. A few areas looked like they could use some help bc they are being over taken by vines.
Amy “Aims” Velis
a year agoBeautiful, just needs more love. If roping the trails in was an option, I'd do it. With so much poison ivy around, it becomes a bit much, and having so many people around it is rather dangerous as there are no precautions other than a few signs.
Clenith Watson
8 months agoIt’s not a bad place to be at, just a small trail nature area that needs more shade.
Hai Hanson Tran
3 years agoGreat hidden gem for locals in the Bishop Arts neighborhood. The trail feels a bit short, so it's better for a casual stroll, and not really for serious hikers. (Hint: you won't get a full workout here. Maybe try the Cedar Ridge Preserve). That said, it is a very good escape from the hustle bustle of the city if you live closeby. There is parking (7-8 cars max). And they made a landscaping effort to include native flora and plants in the front. I heard the park land was purchased by a couple of friends who live in this neighborhood. Not sure if it's true but it feels nice and non-commercial.