3 - Rhododendron Dell
Fortunately, you don't need to be able to spell Rhododendron Dell to
enjoy this very pretty part of the park. This is one of the largest
areas in the park's eastern end that is free from buildings and roads.
In addition to the rhododendrons, there's a wide variety of other lush
foliage adorning this area. This expanse spans a large hill that runs
from JFK Drive on the north side, up over a ridge and down to Middle
Drive. In between, a labyrinth of paths provides one of the few places
where you might briefly get lost in this part of the park.
A particularly nice place in this area is most easily
reached from Middle Drive. Take Middle Drive east past the Academy of
Sciences, after which you'll come to a meadow on the left (north)
side. At the back of this meadow, take the wide dirt path that leads
from the back of the meadow up a short hill. This path is about 50
feet to the left of a large wooden box that's either green or brown.
(If you're as color-blind as the author, you won't be able to tell
which, either!)
The path goes up the hill about 20 yards and
intersects another path going to the left and right. Go straight
across onto a smaller path. This path curls around to the right, and
after about 30 feet you'll come to a small clearing. A couple of tree
stumps there provide convenient chairs.
This is a pretty, densely wooded area. The only way to
get to this place is by the path you've taken, so you shouldn't have
much company. However, you do need to stay low here to avoid being
seen from one of the other paths nearby.
1 - Mallard Lake
2 - Bison Paddock
3 - Rhododendron Dell
4 - 26th
Avenue South
5 - Native Live Oak
Grove
6 - McLaren Lodge
