Larry’s Trail: A rugged hike at Lake Jacomo

Navigation is difficult and maintenance minimal, but hikers are rewarded with solitude and lakeside scenery.

• Overview
  Larry’s Trail is an old, unmaintained trail that does not appear on most maps and not on Jackson County park maps. However, it’s still there and provides a less-traveled alternative to other popular trails at Lake Jacomo (not that they are ever crowded). Larry’s Trail provides near complete solitude and also remains open when mountain biking trails at the lake are closed due to rain or melting snow. Finally, if you like a navigational challenge, this is the trail for you! There does not appear to be a publicly available complete map of Larry’s Trail, which is bordered by many confusing side trails that may or may not have been part of the trail. A GPS device of some sort will be necessary to make sure you are at least going in the right general direction. Because this trail is faintly marked – if at all – in some places, you’re going to hit some brushy areas. In general, the further south you go, the less visible the trail becomes. This means winter is the best time to tackle this trail. With leaves off, you have a better perspective and won’t be harassed by chiggers, ticks, spiderwebs and poison ivy. With that said, this is a serene trail that follows bluffs above the lake, descends into steep ravines and passes many dry creek beds and clear pools of water. The trail intersects Jackson County’s Larry Mattonen Trail (a gravel trail that is different from Larry’s Trail) and the Tcha-To-Ga Trail. There is no actual trailhead for Larry’s Trail, which means you’ll need to access it via one of these trails. Enjoy Larry’s Trail, but know what you’re signing up for!

• Length You’ll hike at least 3 miles each direction (for a total of 6 miles), but total mileage can vary depending on whether or not you take side loops.

• Conditions This dirt trail’s condition varies from easy to see to faint memories of a trail that was once visible. Don’t hike this without a GPS directional device of some sort. It’s extremely easy to get lost, partially because of the presence of many unmarked side trails. The topography is moderately challenging, with some hilly and rocky areas.

• Kid Friendly? Kids who can carry their own weight will enjoy this hike.

• Address Larry’s Trail can only be accessed via the Larry Mattonen Trail or the Tcha-To-Ga Trail, both at Lake Jacomo. You can park at the trailheads for either of those trails. Download the trail map for more details.

  • The Larry Mattonen Trailhead is at the intersections of Park Road and Cyclone School Road at Lake Jacomo.

  • The Tcha-To-Ga Trailhead is near the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure on Park Road.

• Pets Dogs Yes, on a leash. Read the regulations here.

• Bikes This trail is rugged but passable for mountain bikers.