Garbry’s Big Woods Sanctuary (Blog Hike #168)

Trail: Boardwalk Trail

Hike Location: Garbry's Big Woods Sanctuary

Geographic Location: east of Piqua, OH (40.13118, -84.15003)

Length: 0.7 miles

Difficulty: 0/10 (Easy)

Dates Hiked: November 2004, June 2013

Overview: A very easy hike on boardwalk through some of the best forest in Miami County.

Sanctuary Information: https://www.miamicountyparks.com/park/garbrysanctuary

Hike Route Map: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=175625
Photo Highlight:

Directions to the trailhead: Take I-75 to US 36 (exit 82).  Exit and go east on US 36.  Take US 36 3.3 miles to Union-Shelby Rd. and turn right.  Take Union-Shelby Rd. south 1 mile to Statler Rd. and turn left.  The preserve entrance is located less than 1 mile ahead on Statler Rd.  Turn right to enter the preserve, and park in the only parking lot.

The hike: Garbry’s Big Woods Sanctuary is an example of what can happen when conservationists and communities take advantage of opportunities.  For 130 years, the “Big Woods” was owned by the Garbry family as it remained untouched and unfarmed despite farm fields closing in on either side.  In 1981, Scott Garbry deeded the land to Miami County to be managed as part of the Miami County Park District.  More recently, the people of Miami County financed the park district with a 10-year operating levy, allowing more land and additional trails to be built at the Big Woods and throughout the district.

            The result of these efforts is that some of the best-preserved forest in Miami County is open for public enjoyment.  Better yet, construction of a boardwalk in 1986 allows everyone to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Big Woods while keeping the forest floor preserved from human disruption.  Since the original donation, more of the property has been developed, still leaving the Big Woods Sanctuary in its natural state.  The developed portion of the park, which is accessed by continuing east on Statler Rd. and turning right on Casstown-Sidney Road, features picnic shelters, wildlife ponds, and some more nature trails.  While these trails make for nice walks through younger woodland, by far the crown jewel of this park remains the Big Woods.           

Bench at trailhead

            From the parking area, pick up the boardwalk beside an information board and immediately enter the woods.  The beauty of the Big Woods instantly becomes apparent as you are surrounded by towering trees, many of which are 50-80 feet tall.  Pick up a park brochure at a dispenser located just inside the woods.  The majority of the big trees are maple and beech, but there are a few oak and even a few smaller American elm.  Once a bastion of the eastern American forest, the American elm occurs rarely today due to Dutch Elm disease, but you can still see some here.           

Boardwalk through the Big Woods

Boardwalk through the Big Woods

            After 0.25 miles, reach a fork in the boardwalk.  There is a monument to the Garbry family at this intersection with a few benches for the weary.  You could go either direction, but this description will turn right here and use the left fork as the return route.  Many of the trees are marked with small white signs, so you can get a refresher course on the common trees of the eastern forest.  The signs also include some interesting facts about the trees and how early settlers used them to improve their lives.  Don’t rush on this trail: take your time to read the signs and admire the trees.

            The boardwalk now passes through the center of the Big Woods Sanctuary with old growth forest visible on all sides.  More benches are passed, allowing more opportunities to rest if needed, as the boardwalk curves slowly to the left.  At 0.5 miles, the trail returns to the monument to close the loop.  Retrace your steps 0.25 miles to the parking lot.  While you are on the site, drive down to the developed area and check out some of the other trails, comparing the newer growth forest to the Big Woods you have just hiked through.  Such a visit would make a perfect end to your visit to Garbry’s Big Woods Sanctuary.