Visitor Guidelines

Tubbs Hill sees heavy use that threatens the health of its forest plants, big and small. You can help protect our gem!

1. Take only photographs. Leave all plants and flowers undisturbed.

2. Hike only on established trails, as indicated on the trails maps.

3. Leave only footprints. Pack out all trash, including pet waste.

4. Follow the city park’s rules, posted at entrances.

5. Clean up. When you visit Tubbs Hill, bring a plastic bag for trash items you encounter, or use one of the bags supplied at the entrance points.

6. Teach children to be responsible hikers: become a Junior Friend of Tubbs Hill, print a copy of the Activity Book, or pick one up at the Parks Department.

7.  Make a donation or have a name engraved on one of the monuments with the Donation Form. 

Don’t Tread on Me – At Least Not There

Tubbs Hill is in danger of being loved to death by people creating unauthorized trails that pose a threat to the natural habitat and aesthetic appeal of the hill.  Some of the trails have become quite deep and create unwanted channels for water runoff which carry away much needed soil.  There are an increasing number of such trails, and the potential for soil erosion and plant destruction are of great concern.  The city Parks Department has made attempts to eliminate the trails, but the problem has not gone away.  After Parks Department staff and members of the Tubbs Hill Foundation board recently examined the extent of the problem, it was realized that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate all unwanted trails, particularly those going from the main trail down to the water.  The decision was made to focus on eliminating the trails going uphill that pose the greatest threat to the natural environment, either by damage to plant life, soil loss, or erosion from runoff.  The plan is to cover selected trails with pine needles, branches, obstacles such as rocks, and then seed them with a native grass.  Small signs will be placed telling the public that the area is under restoration and to please stay off.  Trail maps are readily available, under Learn, and clearly show the authorized trails.

Keep Tubbs Hill Green (and Clean)!