6 - McLaren Lodge
McLaren Lodge was once the home of park creator John McLaren, and it
now houses the park's Visitors Center. If you're excited by the idea
of some naughtiness right behind the back of authority, this may be
just the spot for you!
Behind and to the west of the lodge is a sizable hill
that is not frequently visited, despite having a rather pretty
covering of trees. The hill is between McLaren Lodge and Conservatory
Drive East, north of JFK Drive. The ridge of the hill runs southwest
to northeast, roughly parallel to Conservatory Drive East.
You can reach this place by going a few hundred yards
up Conservatory Drive East from JFK Drive and walking up the hill on
the right (east) side. Alternatively, you can walk past the left side
of McLaren Lodge, take the paved path that goes back past the parking
lot behind the building, and turn left up the hill on one of a few
small but clear dirt paths.
There are a number of paths atop the hill. None take
you to places of complete privacy, so this spot might be best saved
for a weekday, when fewer people are around. But even if you decide
not to press the limits of appropriate public behavior, this is still
a very enjoyable part of the park to visit.
1 - Mallard Lake
2 - Bison Paddock
3 - Rhododendron Dell
4 - 26th
Avenue South
5 - Native Live Oak
Grove
6 - McLaren Lodge
