Soldier Delight - Choate Mine

Soldiers Delight is an unusual sight, but offers a wonderful change of scenery nearby 795/695. This trail is almost ALWAYS muddy in some sections, so bear in mind you will likey be muddy and waterproof is best. Park your car along Deer Park Road at the “Soldiers Delight Overlook”. If there’s no parking here, see below. Cross over Deer Park Road to the trail entrance on the right. At about 40 yards you’ll reach an old chromium mine, thankfully fenced off. Continue along the red blazed trail….and be prepared for mud. The surrounding flora is mostly scrub pine and both blackjack and post oaks and a plethora of invasive multiflora rose (the green thorny things that you keep getting snagged on). When you reach a grassy savannah like intersection you’ll want to turn left (if you turn right you can extend the hike by 1.5 miles with the Dolfield Trail, if you go straight you’ll jump on the unpaved section of the Red Run Trail which connects to Red Run Valley Stream paved trail). While walking along the Choate Mine Trail, you’ll notice the ground is a crumbly rocky mix. The nature center located off Deer Park Road has an informative and interactive display about the soils, history as well as a bird and reptile sanctuary. The serpentine wildlands is a host to colorful asters and prairie grasses. You’ll have one small stream crossing before starting back uphill. This wide open section is usually where we encounter graceful birds of prey so be on the lookout to the sky. The final stretch of the hike is once again lined with oaks and pine. This area can become VERY hot in the summer so make sure to pack plenty of water and wear a hat to protect from the elements.