Crooked Run Nature Sanctuary (Blog Hike #98)

Trail: Outer Loop Trail

Hike Location: Crooked Run Nature Sanctuary

Geographic Location: southeast of New Richmond, OH (38.79003, -84.13109)

Length: 1 mile

Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)

Dates Hiked: June 2001, October 2015

Overview: An easy, wildlife-filled walk along the banks of the Ohio River.

Preserve Information: https://www.clermontparks.org/chilo-lock-34-park-and-river-museum-and-crooked-run-nature-preserve/

Hike Route Map: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=155029
Photo Highlight:

Directions to the trailhead: From New Richmond, go east on US 52 15 miles to the town of Chilo.  Where SR 222 goes off to the left, turn right.  Proceed two blocks to a “no outlet” sign and turn left onto a narrow paved road.  From here, follow signs first for “Chilo Lock #34 Park” then to “Crooked Run Nature Preserve.”  Park in the parking lot by the superintendent’s office.

The hike: Prior to the 1920’s, the stream flowing into the Ohio River at the eastern edge of this nature preserve was known simply as Crooked Run Creek.  Waters in the river were shallower at that time and backed up less than a mile into the creek.  This created a small and insignificant inlet, at least by Ohio River standards. 

            All of that changed with the construction of Chilo Dam on the Ohio River by the Army Corps of Engineers.  This dam was part of a larger project to make the river’s levels more consistent and easier to navigate.  The result was to raise the river’s level at Chilo several feet, causing water to back up into Crooked Run Creek for seven miles.

            Today, this section of the creek is known as Crooked Run Estuary, one of the few remaining untarnished estuaries on the Ohio River.  By means of the park that bears the dam’s name, Clermont County and the State of Ohio (they jointly administer this park) plan to keep this area as a haven for wildlife and a source of recreation.  The 77 acre preserve was made possible by a generous land donation by Robert and Mimi Paul.  Upon her death in 1991, Mimi had lived on the land for over 55 years.  Now the land is open for all of us to enjoy.

            The land gift was made to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources via a life trust in 1980. The park is managed by the Clermont County Park District and includes picnic tables and a sand volleyball court in addition to the preserve.  Several trails allow access to the preserve.  My favorite is the Outer Loop Trail, which traces the boundary of the preserve.  This trail allows views of the river, estuary, a pond, a field, and some young forest, all for only 1 mile of hiking.

Trailhead: Crooked Run Nature Sanctuary

            Begin by following the gravel road east from the superintendent’s house, passing a couple of tents, and arriving at a wooden information board on the edge of the forest that contains a trail map.  This marks the trailhead for all of the preserve’s trails.  A small pamphlet containing a trail map and some information about the preserve may be available here too.

            The outer loop trail leaves to the right of the board as the gravel road continues straight ahead.  Proceed east through young forest and in 0.1 miles arrive at a trail intersection where you can go left, right, or straight.  First, turn right to arrive at an Ohio River overlook.  From this vantage point, you can watch for waterfowl or simply watch boats both large and small go up and down the river.  A left turn at this intersection will lead on a short side trail to a wooden observation deck overlooking a 30-acre meadow.  Birds such as larks, cardinals, and blue jays can be observed from this deck in addition to butterflies and other insects dashing from flower to flower in the field.

Ohio River overlook

            Once both of these attractions have been taken in, continue straight on the Outer Loop Trail in a narrow strip of forest between the river, which is in view on the right, and the field to your left.  Pass a side trail that exits left and soon arrive at a “trail closed” sign.  Do not despair, as the trail we are following turns left here and quickly arrives at a gravel road.

            As directed by signs, turn left on the gravel road and walk 300 feet to where the trail reenters the forest on the right.  The estuary is now in view on the right, and you will soon come to the first of three bird blinds overlooking the waters.  On my visit to the estuary, I saw a great blue heron, a blackbird, and a downey woodpecker, and I could hear various types of songbirds chirping away in the nearby trees.

Looking out into the estuary

            Continue past the bird blinds and begin hiking westward, heading back to the meadow you overlooked earlier.  Being at ground level gives a very different perspective than the observation deck.  Chipmunks, raccoons, and squirrels can be seen scurrying into the forest.  On my visit, I saw no less than five rabbits, two of which were probably less than one year old.  Adding to the scenery is a small pond containing bullfrogs with a small titmouse diving into the shallow algae-filled water for a meal.

Hiking past the meadow

            Past the pond, the trail ducks into and out of young forest before intersecting the gravel road for the final time. A right turn on this road will return you first to the information board, then to the parking lot to complete the hike.