Time to hit the trail. You could choose a well-worn path in your favorite Metropark, but if you’re looking for something new, here are some fresh ideas to explore this weekend.

Red Trail Opens At Secor

The 1.2 mile Wetwoods (Red) Trail at Secor Metropark is appropriately named, but now you don’t have to get wet to enjoy it. A 1,000 feet of boardwalk now bridges the low, wet areas of the trail as it traverses a young swamp forest. Construction is now complete and the trail has reopened. The Red trail is a favorite with birders this time of year, but it is also a great place to view spring wildflowers, especially along the first section of the trail that parallels Wiregrass Creek. (Walking, running on dirt/boardwalk)

New to Explore at Pearson

Pearson Metropark is an old favorite, but there’s something new to explore on the north side of the park. The parameter trail is now finished, including a new bike/pedestrian lane on the Seaman Road railroad overpass. The new Pearson North trail is a three-mile loop and connects to another three-mile loop on the south side of the park. The entrance to Pearson North is on Seaman, just west of Wynn Road. (Walking, running, cycling on crushed stone).

Also new at Pearson: A 0.55-mile, loop walking trail (pictured) accessible from a new parking area on Lallendorf Road just north of Starr Avenue. The path includes a new 480-foot boardwalk that leads to a two-story observation tower overlooking the restored wetland.

Northwest Territory Trail at Fallen Timbers

Opened in October, Fallen Timbers Battlefied Metropark tells the story of a 1795 conflict between the Legion of the United States and a confederacy of Native American tribes. It’s also a nice place for a stroll. The new 1.5-mile trial crosses a bridge over a ravine that played an important role in the battle. Along the way, illustrated signs tell the story of the historic events that transpired on the land. Fallen Timbers is an affiliated unit of the National Park Service owned and operated by Metroparks. (Walking, cycling on crushed stone)