Jail Trail In Cottonwood

The holidays are mere weeks away, and if you’re searching for an easy jaunt that the whole family do, Cottonwood’s Jail Trail Riverwalk is a perfect hike. Sometimes not everyone is up for – or capable of – a 6-mile hike in the red rocks. That’s when this Cottonwood trail comes in handy. It might be the most accessible trail in the Verde Valley. The hike begins at the back of one of the biggest parking lots in bustling Old Town Cottonwood, which makes it a great option if you’re planning to explore Old Town’s restaurants and antique shops before or after your walk. It also boasts bucolic views of the Verde River, and we can almost guarantee that you won’t break a sweat along this perfectly flat route.

Cottonwood’s Jail Trail is one of our favorite fall hikes due to the fall foliage. You also can look forward to seeing plenty of birds.

The just less than 2-mile loop trail takes its name from the nearby river-rock building that was constructed in 1929 to serve as Cottonwood’s, you guessed it, jail, and now houses the Seeds Natural Clothing shop. It’s also part of Verde River Greenway State Natural Area, which was established in 1986 to preserve the Verde River. Southwestern bald eagles, southwestern willow flycatchers and dozens of other bird species flock to this area, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. We’ve also spotted people fishing in the river too. There are also leopard frogs in the area and plenty of dog walkers, so bring your furry friend on this exploration. Jail Trail begins as a wide dirt path that heads toward the Verde River. The trail does get sandy in certain parts. You might have to empty our your shoes at times. Despite its proximity to Old Town Cottonwood, it has a remote feeling. The sound of the river and the wind in the reeds quickly blocks out traffic noise. You’ll be hiking among enormous cottonwoods, willows and ethereal stands of cattails. The trail soon narrows, with numerous side trails providing access to the nearby Verde River.

The Jail Trail offers up plenty of shade for hikers. The trail follows the Verde River and is named for its proximity to the site of Cottonwood’s former jail.

This time of year, the foilage should be in full force – making this one of our favorite fall hikes. Look forward to the trees providing a canopy that keeps the sun off your face. The trail is well marked and makes its way under a highway overpass before meeting up with the disc golf course at Riverfront Park. It skirts the park and ends at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, approximately 1 mile from where you began your hike. Dead Horse Ranch has its own network of trails, including a path that circumnavigates one of several ponds. It’s another easy walk that provides more birdwatching opportunities. Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content, return the way you came, but don’t leave Cottonwood without stopping at one of its fine restaurants. There are plenty to choose from.

A view from the Jail Trail in Cottonwood.