LOCK AND DAM PARK, ROME

The adjacent BLACKS BLUFF PRESERVE is managed by the Nature Conservency: Black’s Bluff is open to the public during daylight hours without a reservation. To walk the trails at Black's Bluff, drive a little southwest of the (entirely inactive) quarries. There is a trail to the spring, unmarked at the road, but it's the last cable gate on the left before our property ends. You'll know you're in the right place because the big wooden "Welcome to Black’s Bluff Preserve" sign is about 20 yards down that trail, although it's difficult to see from the road. Once again, beware of fast traffic, and park beside the cable gate parallel to Black's Bluff Road with all your wheels off the road. If you pull straight down to the gate, you risk getting stuck on slick clay. Not ADA accessible.

The public trail, Spring Trail, will take you to the spring pools. It is moderately difficult and begins just beyond the preserve sign. This can be walked as a loop, if you return to your car via the road—beware of fast traffic—or you can return along the same trail.