The area’s newest park, the Cedar Bonnet Island Environmental Trail section of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on Bonnet Island, may be a big letdown to the first-time visitor.

At its start, just off Route 72 between the homes on Cedar Bonnet Island to the east and the eastbound Dorland Henderson Bridge to the west, the mile-long trail initially is alluring. A large stand of mature trees greets you scant yards from the entrance.