Once you come to the stairs you’ll be at a 3-way intersection of not only the trail but also of varying ecosystems. This feature marks the delineation of the upland prairie full of grass and wildflowers, to the riparian corridor of trees and tall grasses, and also the creek and wetland loop of Cottonwood Cove. This spot, selected for its nature slope and surroundings, is marked by stairs made from reused railroad ties. The stairs were bench cut by hand into the streambank and secured with rods to 4ft in the ground. Enjoy the beauty of the stairs but don’t stare too long, this feature is a major intersection of our trails!