tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43222927686851939162024-03-27T23:21:36.715-04:00Parking Full Time Hiking Trail JournalBig Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.comBlogger1017125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-16225013967532585962024-03-27T23:18:00.001-04:002024-03-27T23:21:04.535-04:00San Bernardino National Forest: Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail (Blog Hike #991)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail (Trail #6W04)<br />Hike Location: San Bernardino National Forest<br />Geographic Location: southwest of Victorville, CA (34.31755, -117.50088)<br />Length: 1 mile<br />Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: February 2024<br />Overview: A loop hike with good Mormon Rocks views.<br />Trail Information: <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=26543" target="_blank">https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=26543</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955772" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955772</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dnnmv-3hBAZr4ow89D8UxEzcVWjMv9wa9DCjcnjXazx0K2NUrUsFl0L9weL3fhyphenhyphen5_OYjMb6Qbu4_bdhjpxJsDxJk89PDEqhzWgWAPRM5BIStb_9KKufIFelKSSfuJ6lOKL0VIqvKZJ284yQL7EXtbT0omYpRvgmDSTAyYqIevxDrkEkjJUP4kpx5mNQ/s4624/20240207_143412.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dnnmv-3hBAZr4ow89D8UxEzcVWjMv9wa9DCjcnjXazx0K2NUrUsFl0L9weL3fhyphenhyphen5_OYjMb6Qbu4_bdhjpxJsDxJk89PDEqhzWgWAPRM5BIStb_9KKufIFelKSSfuJ6lOKL0VIqvKZJ284yQL7EXtbT0omYpRvgmDSTAyYqIevxDrkEkjJUP4kpx5mNQ/s320/20240207_143412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming December 10)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: On Cajon Pass in southern California, take I-15 to SR 138 (exit 131). Exit and go west on SR 138. Drive SR 138 west 1.4 miles to the signed Mormon Rocks parking area on the left. Turn left and park in the gravel parking area on the left. Do NOT park in the paved parking lot in front of the firehouse; it is reserved for the firefighters that live and work there.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Jutting out from the south side of Cajon Pass, Mormon Rocks have marked the west end of the Mojave Desert for over a century. Historic US 66 passed the rocks only a few miles from its western terminus, and the rocks get their name from Mormon pioneers who camped in this area during the mid 1800's. Made of sandstone that was uplifted by a subfault of the famous San Andreas Fault, the rocks today tower more than 200 feet over I-15 and SR 138.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> A roadside parking area lets motorists walk to the base of Mormon Rocks, but to get a more expansive view of the rocks, you will need to hike the 1 mile loop trail described here. This trail was built by the Forest Service fire engine crew in 1975, so you can thank a firefighter while you hike this narrow but well-constructed trail. I had a great short hike when I came here on a chilly Wednesday afternoon in early February.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_j0TlTp6cEUDzdCq-Lz8kr44v2q0-kMoK4Eg8SY0wwbL9amrVNf6oWqL6FTEmK6GIpkCGxZMCGMgG3ZOB391PaD-7meMbt_uZm4rj4YNJwEAemsPGcXavQhGOexPN4LQiVoWm195BjfNHdqS2Yqkjnqdwgx97CEjwC-9_Hn7fKkfQ7JlfDRu5UBOx9E/s4624/20240207_141305.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_j0TlTp6cEUDzdCq-Lz8kr44v2q0-kMoK4Eg8SY0wwbL9amrVNf6oWqL6FTEmK6GIpkCGxZMCGMgG3ZOB391PaD-7meMbt_uZm4rj4YNJwEAemsPGcXavQhGOexPN4LQiVoWm195BjfNHdqS2Yqkjnqdwgx97CEjwC-9_Hn7fKkfQ7JlfDRu5UBOx9E/s320/20240207_141305.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mormon Rocks Trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> To begin a clockwise journey around the loop, head east through a gap in the metal-pole fence on a single-track dirt and rock trail. The trailhead is marked only by a wooden post with a sign warning that the parking lot gate closes at 4pm. Very quickly the trail begins climbing, using some switchbacks to moderate the grade. You walk past some of the smaller Mormon Rocks in this area, but the big rocks lie across the road to the north.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADmG_CA-doORZ3NxDdfeJRwAyL0Dd0R707xbiaQMYeVo2-JRfrY8G92YWfVUlvK2naq7Z0mixTEA8yJY1S1URuGSCSkTRn6Pk-Do2nPKAuRh8W362FMnDnyf7WcWdoeGh76q_nJ8UsfHG4hlqW7h_wWexNaanyaNlpzGJtovS2lO_zaigW0Fs1eYtSrQ/s4624/20240207_141916.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADmG_CA-doORZ3NxDdfeJRwAyL0Dd0R707xbiaQMYeVo2-JRfrY8G92YWfVUlvK2naq7Z0mixTEA8yJY1S1URuGSCSkTRn6Pk-Do2nPKAuRh8W362FMnDnyf7WcWdoeGh76q_nJ8UsfHG4hlqW7h_wWexNaanyaNlpzGJtovS2lO_zaigW0Fs1eYtSrQ/s320/20240207_141916.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small rocks south of SR 138</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.25 miles, the trail angles right and flattens to commence a sidehill course. Good views of the larger rocks to the north and east can be seen now, and higher snow-dusted mountains to the west made for a fantastic scene on my visit. The same "pineapple express" storm system that deposited that snow days before I arrived deposited plenty of water at this elevation, and I had to step over or through several wet areas on my hike.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dnnmv-3hBAZr4ow89D8UxEzcVWjMv9wa9DCjcnjXazx0K2NUrUsFl0L9weL3fhyphenhyphen5_OYjMb6Qbu4_bdhjpxJsDxJk89PDEqhzWgWAPRM5BIStb_9KKufIFelKSSfuJ6lOKL0VIqvKZJ284yQL7EXtbT0omYpRvgmDSTAyYqIevxDrkEkjJUP4kpx5mNQ/s4624/20240207_143412.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dnnmv-3hBAZr4ow89D8UxEzcVWjMv9wa9DCjcnjXazx0K2NUrUsFl0L9weL3fhyphenhyphen5_OYjMb6Qbu4_bdhjpxJsDxJk89PDEqhzWgWAPRM5BIStb_9KKufIFelKSSfuJ6lOKL0VIqvKZJ284yQL7EXtbT0omYpRvgmDSTAyYqIevxDrkEkjJUP4kpx5mNQ/s320/20240207_143412.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main view of Mormon Rocks</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywnxzQ_xmTZdOGvL_rFbXV8jdk2cniYg-MPySH3Pb8CYHBB96Q0NRnQSBXRY3cbg95jOKf_NwbQSufRkgoMdWf1D8BSarXbTqoGUzoMeIoLSkRciwyjNvXzE0dhXqrsTsNC6T3JPjV2sCHAsckG7qQgpYJ7IukXIXjEvPNDXlYpe1MIJnd_cJ5AJcSEg/s4624/20240207_143420.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywnxzQ_xmTZdOGvL_rFbXV8jdk2cniYg-MPySH3Pb8CYHBB96Q0NRnQSBXRY3cbg95jOKf_NwbQSufRkgoMdWf1D8BSarXbTqoGUzoMeIoLSkRciwyjNvXzE0dhXqrsTsNC6T3JPjV2sCHAsckG7qQgpYJ7IukXIXjEvPNDXlYpe1MIJnd_cJ5AJcSEg/s320/20240207_143420.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow-dusted mountains to the west</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After a short fairly level area, the trail climbs again to reach its highest point near 0.6 miles. The difference between maximum and minimum elevation on this trail is about 200 feet, so the climb is over rather quickly. The highest point sits on a knife-edge ridge that offers fantastic views in all directions. There are no trees but plenty of grasses and low shrubs on this hillside. </span></span></span></span>A few interpretive signs are present but not as many as you might expect for an "interpretive trail." A series of narrow but gradual downhill switchbacks deposits you at the firehouse, and a short walk across the parking lot completes the hike.</div><div><span><br /></span></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com07198 Abiel Barron Memorial Hwy, Phelan, CA 92371, USA34.3175644 -117.500874734.310475341162288 -117.50945776884765 34.324653458837716 -117.49229163115234tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-68955363295852549522024-03-20T23:12:00.001-04:002024-03-20T23:15:13.531-04:00Salton Sea State Recreation Area: Ironwood Nature Trail (Blog Hike #990)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Ironwood Nature Trail<br />Hike Location: Salton Sea State Recreation Area<br />Geographic Location: southeast of Mecca, CA (33.49002, -115.90180)<br />Length: 2.2 miles<br />Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: February 2024<br />Overview: An out-and-back with 2 short loops along the east shore of Salton Sea.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=639" target="_blank">https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=639</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955773" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955773</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVmHqZ4VAMK9OVlM41xW1RQZ-1gvMlxLcSzBXlsaWaT71lbK5G87KF_9WBzcs31GqwwRYIgCjIcva_S3vD242BDyuSQtdlEGHwn10B7Vj2RP6ABIbz08iBgQau3MnW0nTM_kaT5XGQnFQBadl0u46rC6V2Q77luVV4FL0XnM_lB0cvh8VSExkXyhEWMY/s4624/20240207_114050.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVmHqZ4VAMK9OVlM41xW1RQZ-1gvMlxLcSzBXlsaWaT71lbK5G87KF_9WBzcs31GqwwRYIgCjIcva_S3vD242BDyuSQtdlEGHwn10B7Vj2RP6ABIbz08iBgQau3MnW0nTM_kaT5XGQnFQBadl0u46rC6V2Q77luVV4FL0XnM_lB0cvh8VSExkXyhEWMY/s320/20240207_114050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming January 17, 2025)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: This hike can be started at either the Mecca Beach Campground or the New Camp Campground, but the parking is better for day-users at the Mecca Beach Campground. Get there by taking SR 111 south 12.3 miles from Mecca to the signed state park entrance on the right. Turn right to enter the park, pay the entrance fee, and park in the day-use parking area to the right of the beach parking at the rear of the campground.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: With an elevation of 236 feet BELOW sea level, the Salton Sea is one of the lowest points on the surface of the earth. The Colorado River now flows nearly 100 miles to the east, but it used to flow through the Salton Sea's valley. The present sea was formed in 1905 when water from the Colorado River broke through an irrigation gate and flooded the previously dry river/lake bed. The lake would have dried up many years ago but for local farmers who pumped in large amounts of Colorado River irrigation water and let the excess flow into the lake.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Over time the Salton Sea became an ecologically troubled area. The body of water is indeed a saline sea, not a freshwater lake, and the salinity has increased over the years as the sea has shrunk and contamination from farm runoff has increased. By the 1980's, the toxicity had caused massive die-offs among area wildlife, and by the 1990's the shrinking sea exposed enough seabed to send toxic clouds of dust into nearby communities. In fact, the Salton Sea has been dubbed the greatest environmental disaster in California history, and today the sea's salinity is twice that of the Pacific Ocean.</span><br /></div><div><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Problems remain today, but a management program adopted in 2018 has mitigated the disaster. Several wildlife areas and parks exist along the sea's shore, and the Salton Sea State Recreation Area on the sea's northeast shore has the region's best amenities. The area features 5 campgrounds with more than 200 sites plus fishing, boating, and paddling on the Salton Sea. For hikers, the area's best trail is the Ironwood Nature Trail described here. The Ironwood Nature Trail offers a short nearly flat hike, but do not underestimate the heat and sun in the summer: there is no shade to be found on this trail.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PJxXh27TaumBEnMUdQ5ohaOwBN0jsB0neEmrQgShpZecsguwk4QbmLI5d5IA1tQbTjJt55RlAw9kZdh77XQH_rgzqK8QCUv5FUCB3zDChzrIscoCeL86JrHumRnTVXH0HuW-3wTaQdS1qit9oOS7YVP4MAlz9vE1QM5bdfpC2zRc52XGy_Ra5ZmvgrI/s4624/20240207_103546.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PJxXh27TaumBEnMUdQ5ohaOwBN0jsB0neEmrQgShpZecsguwk4QbmLI5d5IA1tQbTjJt55RlAw9kZdh77XQH_rgzqK8QCUv5FUCB3zDChzrIscoCeL86JrHumRnTVXH0HuW-3wTaQdS1qit9oOS7YVP4MAlz9vE1QM5bdfpC2zRc52XGy_Ra5ZmvgrI/s320/20240207_103546.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead at Mecca Beach Campground</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The Ironwood Nature Trail connects the Mecca Beach Campground and the New Camp Campground, so in theory you could start at either end. The day-use parking is better at the Mecca Beach Campground on the trail's south end, so this description will start there. A small brown metal sign bearing a leaf symbol marks the trailhead. The trail heads north into the desert on a sandy dirt track that is wide enough for a golf cart to pass. The trail is unmarked except for some numbered wooden posts that correspond to an interpretive guide that was only available from a dispenser at the other (north) trailhead when I came here.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVmHqZ4VAMK9OVlM41xW1RQZ-1gvMlxLcSzBXlsaWaT71lbK5G87KF_9WBzcs31GqwwRYIgCjIcva_S3vD242BDyuSQtdlEGHwn10B7Vj2RP6ABIbz08iBgQau3MnW0nTM_kaT5XGQnFQBadl0u46rC6V2Q77luVV4FL0XnM_lB0cvh8VSExkXyhEWMY/s4624/20240207_114050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVmHqZ4VAMK9OVlM41xW1RQZ-1gvMlxLcSzBXlsaWaT71lbK5G87KF_9WBzcs31GqwwRYIgCjIcva_S3vD242BDyuSQtdlEGHwn10B7Vj2RP6ABIbz08iBgQau3MnW0nTM_kaT5XGQnFQBadl0u46rC6V2Q77luVV4FL0XnM_lB0cvh8VSExkXyhEWMY/s320/20240207_114050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salton Sea and Santa Rosa Mountains beyond</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The larger-than-life scenery of the Santa Rosa Mountains to the west and the Orocopia Mountains to the north immediately becomes apparent, and the sea remains in view to the west for most of this hike. Despite the scenery, you never really get a sense of solitude: SR 111 and an active train track sit only a couple hundred feet to the east. Trains first came through here in 1875, and the present-day track owned by Union Pacific carries over 50 trains per day.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf7fGw6yGqTvvtn-CHL8of62ac0-ymKjNzk1FcUJESTW_lGeQ1c10oxbYFGFYObzK4gNPKWrViufhbN_vIHPHFX4COlPg4NRiI9uVd0wGDVKVAEeieNcazjELowyVb41qb51UW8doNIoNZdMYPdVzP9xOEsap2BnJkpwmLvSarEZvJNmuntWBSVwz6eQ/s4624/20240207_103731.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf7fGw6yGqTvvtn-CHL8of62ac0-ymKjNzk1FcUJESTW_lGeQ1c10oxbYFGFYObzK4gNPKWrViufhbN_vIHPHFX4COlPg4NRiI9uVd0wGDVKVAEeieNcazjELowyVb41qb51UW8doNIoNZdMYPdVzP9xOEsap2BnJkpwmLvSarEZvJNmuntWBSVwz6eQ/s320/20240207_103731.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union Pacific train</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.4 miles and near post #19, you reach a short loop in the middle of the trail that exits right. This loop explores a small wash, and I recommend taking it on your way back when you have an interpretive guide in hand to help you understand the interesting ecology of the wash. Staying left and taking the more direct route going north brings you to the other end of the loop and post #7 at 0.55 miles.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrUN-GkdwH963WEF9qRU8jg9Rjacdcm04zXQD4LqC7DoyyH9at-yP6vleycs88BVkW-7iaV27B2iV_iDmGX8P_JJR99jsmdFO2JPodWbWKz_YLv7BKmlFBHd1-W2fCTysRDvDtVGQP_xmnNf8C67mjSO-DajOxkQYQEcIERaoKhCvwkxf3Br1wQHDVtc/s4624/20240207_112751.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrUN-GkdwH963WEF9qRU8jg9Rjacdcm04zXQD4LqC7DoyyH9at-yP6vleycs88BVkW-7iaV27B2iV_iDmGX8P_JJR99jsmdFO2JPodWbWKz_YLv7BKmlFBHd1-W2fCTysRDvDtVGQP_xmnNf8C67mjSO-DajOxkQYQEcIERaoKhCvwkxf3Br1wQHDVtc/s320/20240207_112751.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small wash</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 0.8 miles into the hike, you intersect a concrete trail that goes straight and left. The concrete trail is the ADA-accessible loop portion of the Ironwood Nature Trail. I suggest continuing straight for the shortest route to the New Camp Campground, which is reached just shy of 1 mile. The aforementioned interpretive guide dispenser is located here, as is an elaborate and sturdy but purely functional concrete bench.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI275Sv0hqbZCpidmSY0GZG_A1EWko2fjsu_oePsrUBSAdAQevIAR5hSt8bgUce1WLx6XeHwy0nkzLx7pvqQJJ4X2KgmmhA2dfEWG8Yrdu9xKXgj-I0FQW5SbGw882cJo0M-ZLIeVDchajnNw8rlyvEdgLUFwHhySdMEEDYzOSlscBT14tkDeHY5emR4/s4624/20240207_110737.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFI275Sv0hqbZCpidmSY0GZG_A1EWko2fjsu_oePsrUBSAdAQevIAR5hSt8bgUce1WLx6XeHwy0nkzLx7pvqQJJ4X2KgmmhA2dfEWG8Yrdu9xKXgj-I0FQW5SbGw882cJo0M-ZLIeVDchajnNw8rlyvEdgLUFwHhySdMEEDYzOSlscBT14tkDeHY5emR4/s320/20240207_110737.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADA-accessible loop</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> I recommend taking both the concrete ADA-accessible loop and the loop through the wash on the way back southbound. The </span></span></span></span>ADA-accessible loop passes through an area with denser greenery than you have seen for most of this hike, an indication that more water is present in this area. The interpretive guide calls this area Whitfield Stream, and it tells you about the spring (dry on my visit) that used to supply water reliably here. The wash loop also has some interesting plants described in the interpretive guide. Take your time to explore the area and admire the scenery on your way back to Mecca Beach Campground and the end of this hike.</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0F3RX+27 Salton, CA, USA33.490014599999988 -115.901813533.475698870368092 -115.91897963769532 33.504330329631884 -115.88464736230469tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-13850176126010750202024-03-15T23:08:00.005-04:002024-03-15T23:12:16.693-04:00Rockhound State Park: Jasper and Thunder Egg Trails (Blog Hike #989)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Jasper and Thunder Egg Trails<br />Hike Location: Rockhound State Park<br />Geographic Location: southeast of Deming, NM (32.18386, -107.61600)<br />Length: 2.1 miles<br />Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: February 2024<br />Overview: A mountainside loop hike with boulders, rocks, and views.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/rockhound-state-park/" target="_blank">https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/rockhound-state-park/</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955732" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955732</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8tRhExWFKu1pktE__YNV9CnSiEDDzfxpd_3Y4_hhKKqX2MmsTIUKD3Gs0tk5lxW0X5drNt8axjwysEzJT87WAlRXJvr84Oyd6UQ-yWkaCx1mwrZdPVsGOC1CO3m6DsRBGPRBQIdhUOhWGFvqGvx3HPqshFOagI3oFPAKeo1lR_atUnlkGup2dt4sP_0/s4624/20240206_110006.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8tRhExWFKu1pktE__YNV9CnSiEDDzfxpd_3Y4_hhKKqX2MmsTIUKD3Gs0tk5lxW0X5drNt8axjwysEzJT87WAlRXJvr84Oyd6UQ-yWkaCx1mwrZdPVsGOC1CO3m6DsRBGPRBQIdhUOhWGFvqGvx3HPqshFOagI3oFPAKeo1lR_atUnlkGup2dt4sP_0/s320/20240206_110006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming December 20)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From the east side of Deming, take SR 549 east 4.2 miles to SR 143. Turn right on SR 143. Drive SR 143 south 3.7 miles to Stirrup Road and angle softly left on Stirrup Rd. Drive Stirrup Rd. southeast 1.9 miles to the park entrance on the left. Turn left to enter the park, and drive the park road 0.6 miles to the Visitor Center on the right. Park in the lot in front of the Visitor Center.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Perched on the west end of southern New Mexico's Little Florida Mountains, Rockhound State Park protects 1100 acres with extensive but ancient volcanic history. That volcanism produced a large collection of rare rocks and minerals including geodes, thunder eggs, quartz, jasper, agate, and opal. The area was mined for precious metals, copper, lead, manganese, and fluorite from 1880 through 1956, and the park was established in 1966. The park's name comes from the fact that it is one of the few parks that allows visitors to find and keep small numbers of those rare rocks.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The park is somewhat light on amenities: it features only a small 34-site campground, a few picnic areas, and 2 short trails. The campground sits on a fantastic mountainside location that offers extensive westward views across the desert. The hike described here also takes advantage of those views, and it combines the park's two short nature trails to form one grand tour of Rockhound State Park.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_B6XUEF0FWgKnuwUn7OmW4X-lqAJlHVTKU-A5wCXpFzAGoClcVkoVCp9kvhciz0hsXcTavMW_Xs7WbPPb6eO48hQTbCB-KRRsFwgtjsuwSJWiQz5uZd7sJmSzEqc0E1iy1cVI82ngoGxQRIAmoWybeGb4G-5kaep_k86t2OMm-otaatzuX9Um93ltUQ/s4624/20240206_101912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_B6XUEF0FWgKnuwUn7OmW4X-lqAJlHVTKU-A5wCXpFzAGoClcVkoVCp9kvhciz0hsXcTavMW_Xs7WbPPb6eO48hQTbCB-KRRsFwgtjsuwSJWiQz5uZd7sJmSzEqc0E1iy1cVI82ngoGxQRIAmoWybeGb4G-5kaep_k86t2OMm-otaatzuX9Um93ltUQ/s320/20240206_101912.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Jasper Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> From the Visitor Center parking lot, head northeast to pick up the Jasper Trail, which heads into the desert. The trailhead is unsigned, but the single track dirt trail starts between two wooden posts and is lined with stones on either side. Thus, the trail is easy to find.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkSblm9vZ4wPnZlil332aWOerbRemzC_JAsuJZeFVjJjc7OyvZ9tcwTxoRadNG9W5vkTOHGVF40cB7wRR2ZJMIAvUllwkcVrsLUBfR50lTh78vn-DmQ-ZEyOFY2CfviIQ_SK5M9JOhAgfVyvnOW-II6rdwfT9yk6JO_5bYAcm1CxX053rNMiWP_ngfw0/s4624/20240206_103946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkSblm9vZ4wPnZlil332aWOerbRemzC_JAsuJZeFVjJjc7OyvZ9tcwTxoRadNG9W5vkTOHGVF40cB7wRR2ZJMIAvUllwkcVrsLUBfR50lTh78vn-DmQ-ZEyOFY2CfviIQ_SK5M9JOhAgfVyvnOW-II6rdwfT9yk6JO_5bYAcm1CxX053rNMiWP_ngfw0/s320/20240206_103946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking among prickly pear cactus</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail climbs gradually as it treads along the park's south boundary, which lies only a few feet to the right. Mesquite and prickly pear cactus dominate the flora, and my approach flushed an </span></span></span>owl out of one of the bushes. At 0.4 miles, the trail curves left, and the grade intensifies. This entire hike lies between 4500 and 4800 feet in elevation, and the relatively high elevation can cause sea level people such as myself to get winded faster than usual. Thus, do not underestimate the difficulty of this short hike.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiRMkbACPGjZ1nd3JGVHTnwCJ8qSWpORcLu2a1DGtHyCsBd1_gE7zX2PMe_u_4dx9aI6SGct4A1Mj7AgaEpZ9F7uBBlRctJIQ8Z8Gbz0c6jdNYsUz7O2NL-Mo4sfU-_HgqVXx7rOqUd8-lSj1xOOTpav6XBg9f0NG6uFdQjLuryCglbudMA8OvOH9IdM/s4624/20240206_103940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiRMkbACPGjZ1nd3JGVHTnwCJ8qSWpORcLu2a1DGtHyCsBd1_gE7zX2PMe_u_4dx9aI6SGct4A1Mj7AgaEpZ9F7uBBlRctJIQ8Z8Gbz0c6jdNYsUz7O2NL-Mo4sfU-_HgqVXx7rOqUd8-lSj1xOOTpav6XBg9f0NG6uFdQjLuryCglbudMA8OvOH9IdM/s320/20240206_103940.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highest point on Jasper Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 0.55 miles into the hike, you reach a gap that is the highest point on the Jasper Trail. A small knob rises to the left and a larger mountain rises to the right, but the trail continues north to begin descending. At 0.7 miles, you reach the end of the Jasper Trail at an information kiosk and a picnic area. You could turn left and walk the park road directly back to the Visitor Center if you want a short hike, but to get the full tour of this park's trail system, turn right to begin the Thunder Egg Trail.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IF1RywvwCGxvuOU8688gv7gHfBRr8qNnOUgApacc5OgSw7phz23rV30kk-aK2SLl4wxOsBwob96LCGmulp6-NHxJSM_1B8My2b1ta4NBf81315buQgHtYlOxMu1umsMT-QnVOlrcvIVFkdzDZGbW5SwAJvc6Cm21kTBoe_AnlFLgomDewPg4l3UQaTo/s4624/20240206_104442.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IF1RywvwCGxvuOU8688gv7gHfBRr8qNnOUgApacc5OgSw7phz23rV30kk-aK2SLl4wxOsBwob96LCGmulp6-NHxJSM_1B8My2b1ta4NBf81315buQgHtYlOxMu1umsMT-QnVOlrcvIVFkdzDZGbW5SwAJvc6Cm21kTBoe_AnlFLgomDewPg4l3UQaTo/s320/20240206_104442.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of Jasper Trail; start of Thunder Egg Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Like the Jasper Trail, the Thunder Egg Trail begins by heading east and climbing. Unlike the first trail, the Thunder Egg Trail passes some large boulders that add to the scenery. Both of these trails are named for rare rocks, and the mountain you see straight ahead is a good place to look for those rocks. Where the trail splits, you can go either way: the two options come back together in only about 500 feet.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzmcL4tSFOu1Lhsh2ONLBEgjDulvZrDMHfwEtwfcvhnkO3Vs0gTLzh8mF-4fgPZc2dvh94GgLq9xtdsDP2ZcUu9a3JfFPEA5DCaiEB6EDzQTxiaWfckUMQbFPyPVwEEKv4yZkVzHS98i9HpKTHObYUV7VikjjQ3p4kIkhC2ZBrweVm-mDBlsv7B2Rbks/s4624/20240206_104816.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzmcL4tSFOu1Lhsh2ONLBEgjDulvZrDMHfwEtwfcvhnkO3Vs0gTLzh8mF-4fgPZc2dvh94GgLq9xtdsDP2ZcUu9a3JfFPEA5DCaiEB6EDzQTxiaWfckUMQbFPyPVwEEKv4yZkVzHS98i9HpKTHObYUV7VikjjQ3p4kIkhC2ZBrweVm-mDBlsv7B2Rbks/s320/20240206_104816.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulder beside trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just past 1 mile, the trail curves left as you pass the highest point on this hike. The view west over the campground and across the desert beyond is spectacular, and this would be a great place to watch one of the desert's famous sunsets. A couple of benches and interpretive signs offer opportunities to rest or provide interesting information about the area.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8tRhExWFKu1pktE__YNV9CnSiEDDzfxpd_3Y4_hhKKqX2MmsTIUKD3Gs0tk5lxW0X5drNt8axjwysEzJT87WAlRXJvr84Oyd6UQ-yWkaCx1mwrZdPVsGOC1CO3m6DsRBGPRBQIdhUOhWGFvqGvx3HPqshFOagI3oFPAKeo1lR_atUnlkGup2dt4sP_0/s4624/20240206_110006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8tRhExWFKu1pktE__YNV9CnSiEDDzfxpd_3Y4_hhKKqX2MmsTIUKD3Gs0tk5lxW0X5drNt8axjwysEzJT87WAlRXJvr84Oyd6UQ-yWkaCx1mwrZdPVsGOC1CO3m6DsRBGPRBQIdhUOhWGFvqGvx3HPqshFOagI3oFPAKeo1lR_atUnlkGup2dt4sP_0/s320/20240206_110006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View west over campground</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The descent that is the second half of this loop is moderately steep and rocky, so you have to take care where you step. After crossing a small wash that was dry on my visit, you reach the park's campground at 1.5 miles. The Thunder Egg Trail ends here. To complete the hike, walk the campground road to the campground entrance, then turn right to walk the park road downhill to the Visitor Center.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com09880 Stirrup Rd SE, Deming, NM 88030, USA32.1838715 -107.616006332.180239497458729 -107.62029783442382 32.187503502541276 -107.61171476557617tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-3328759908122045452024-03-12T22:31:00.001-04:002024-03-12T22:34:49.530-04:00Lake Colorado City State Park: Roadrunner Loop Trail (Blog Hike #988)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Roadrunner Loop Trail<br />Hike Location: Lake Colorado City State Park<br />Geographic Location: southwest of Colorado City, TX (32.32144, -100.93063)<br />Length: 2.2 miles<br />Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: February 2024<br />Overview: A lollipop loop through desert terrain with good Lake Colorado City views.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-colorado-city" target="_blank">https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-colorado-city</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955658" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955658</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmeciBXipTfSP2XaUelmT0QK63CtxngRjTywKONuxKmjMQu68E2mb0dNGw5iz507FjZDy0uSo0o5yRAfe2ncLR-3LWB0_fBGPHjMboYkhh0ZhmfWEgesUoPdCSfzCcQ1dWeqZXtYKWNWUGBztT5G8xpxrEDlW065dBe8WqoMKdXiEyMk_ht5tF94R_qY/s4624/20240205_105603.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmeciBXipTfSP2XaUelmT0QK63CtxngRjTywKONuxKmjMQu68E2mb0dNGw5iz507FjZDy0uSo0o5yRAfe2ncLR-3LWB0_fBGPHjMboYkhh0ZhmfWEgesUoPdCSfzCcQ1dWeqZXtYKWNWUGBztT5G8xpxrEDlW065dBe8WqoMKdXiEyMk_ht5tF94R_qY/s320/20240205_105603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming February 14, 2025)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: Just west of Colorado City, take I-20 to Farm-to-Market Road 2836 (exit 210). Exit and go south on FM 2836. Drive FM 2836 south 5.3 miles to the park entrance on the left. Turn left to enter the park, pay the entrance fee, then turn right at the first side road to reach the parking area for the trailhead, which is located just past the Mesquite Circle Camping Area recreation hall. Park here.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: When most people think of the Colorado River, they think of the major waterway that flows southwest from Colorado through Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Yet the United States has another Colorado River that, oddly enough, spends its entire 862 mile course in Texas. The 11th longest river in the United States, Texas' Colorado River rises near Lubbock and flows southeast through Texas Hill Country and Austin until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico near Matagorda. The word "colorado" is Spanish for "reddish color," a testament to the red soil of the Llano Estacado where this river originates.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Formed by a dam built in 1949, Lake Colorado City lies high in the Colorado River's watershed. The lake was built to provide cooling water for power generation, and the park was formed in 1971 when the State of Texas leased 500 lakeside acres from the utility company. The park offers the usual aquatic activities, a 112-site developed campground, some picnic areas, and 2 hiking trails that start from a common parking area. This hike features the Roadrunner Loop Trail, which forms a lollipop loop through desert-like terrain and offers nice views of Lake Colorado City.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0cP0WIUF6kxEtw0SWMi49muUoh-5B4iW74vNLnLD3eqt_2mlgEv0G1dCmQyVQk-l_m1CVM1E9lcZokK0WCdGnXBwXrS7-ZDBPxtdwr-1LAijwaq4euwk8eEafLfiv0w0m2A63AeJPYtAJgVRaDudcQo0b3Ln_IyQUVPbMo4iTjNsSzmhuvoWajXsEi4/s4624/20240205_101306.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0cP0WIUF6kxEtw0SWMi49muUoh-5B4iW74vNLnLD3eqt_2mlgEv0G1dCmQyVQk-l_m1CVM1E9lcZokK0WCdGnXBwXrS7-ZDBPxtdwr-1LAijwaq4euwk8eEafLfiv0w0m2A63AeJPYtAJgVRaDudcQo0b3Ln_IyQUVPbMo4iTjNsSzmhuvoWajXsEi4/s320/20240205_101306.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead for Roadrunner Loop Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> From the signed trailhead parking area, the Roadrunner Loop Trail heads south on a meandering course with gentle undulations. A few large rocks need to be stepped up or down, but overall the going is fairly easy. Mesquite, cedar trees, and prickly pear cactus are the most common plants here.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39eHeMPSrE7C4Yfzt-hi7-ppCRbulL0I8q-bQKPKzcwcUKVfkdesk7JZgfpDYMcD7MzbHo2cmP9RwJjylnynymVRvir5-YWWjASpm796EDgnJqFB0qrE_FyKnNe5fB84RsMBeoV48J-HSgQo28_jeig-qoP3pMW2vnJDY_ALBvjhyphenhyphenz9gTNZiWXEm9Tx8/s4624/20240205_112334.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39eHeMPSrE7C4Yfzt-hi7-ppCRbulL0I8q-bQKPKzcwcUKVfkdesk7JZgfpDYMcD7MzbHo2cmP9RwJjylnynymVRvir5-YWWjASpm796EDgnJqFB0qrE_FyKnNe5fB84RsMBeoV48J-HSgQo28_jeig-qoP3pMW2vnJDY_ALBvjhyphenhyphenz9gTNZiWXEm9Tx8/s320/20240205_112334.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock step in trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Quickly you pass what the trail map calls the Picnic Overlook, a nice viewpoint high above the lake with some interesting and colorful interpretive signs. At 0.25 miles, you reach the unmarked intersection that forms the loop portion of this hike. Trails go left and straight here; I chose the one going straight and used the one going left as my return route, thus hiking the loop clockwise. Some white brush-like trail markers sticking up from the ground mark the trail here, but these markers do not appear elsewhere where they are needed most.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1w5EmhKg2K4_MJqyQXhzixsUiIL5gI61sN-HRJ8mF2GUSl6-5k8KLbWlQLv1TZDkaVVPRb0RUU6_ZxSlllGOQhCs8WJ0ybzlDF7VSF-iaNJwaHqXPiQnBNcu2mXTZd8nFrntOHNt529xGahminT95tj7JibV2sPYFYidUJezNYgI_j4sBwBvp3IBqv0/s4624/20240205_102211.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1w5EmhKg2K4_MJqyQXhzixsUiIL5gI61sN-HRJ8mF2GUSl6-5k8KLbWlQLv1TZDkaVVPRb0RUU6_ZxSlllGOQhCs8WJ0ybzlDF7VSF-iaNJwaHqXPiQnBNcu2mXTZd8nFrntOHNt529xGahminT95tj7JibV2sPYFYidUJezNYgI_j4sBwBvp3IBqv0/s320/20240205_102211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the loop</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail rises gradually and curves left as FM 2836 comes within a few hundred feet on the right. At 0.6 miles, you reach the rim of a steep rocky ravine with some rusty metal car remains scattered about. The official trail angles left and descends into the ravine, but it does not climb out the other side as some wild trails do. There are no trail markers here, and I had to scout around for a few minutes to find the official trail, which does not require any steep boulder scrambling.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3dCMdo5ozU3wJIOEgFSDvXotV-dzQcGkSCBnIvSrFQjjasrj1_8z0UFwseYSKKfjGvoDS8-NfNKvfT6lZf4lc6mZ0PK1idhynHYqPc9ys407-dFTBXbsTBbxGPxBtvvs34sIl-tdp25TBuc1j6jPG8PT3eUqPa74k6FA_3NV8N1uOMnM4AWScaez99g/s4624/20240205_105411.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3dCMdo5ozU3wJIOEgFSDvXotV-dzQcGkSCBnIvSrFQjjasrj1_8z0UFwseYSKKfjGvoDS8-NfNKvfT6lZf4lc6mZ0PK1idhynHYqPc9ys407-dFTBXbsTBbxGPxBtvvs34sIl-tdp25TBuc1j6jPG8PT3eUqPa74k6FA_3NV8N1uOMnM4AWScaez99g/s320/20240205_105411.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Lake Colorado City</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Next the trail curves left again to head north. At 1.2 miles, you reach the grassy and brushy shore of Lake Colorado City. The electricity infrastructure visible across the lake downgrades the view somewhat, but I did see a large waterfowl (probably a crane or heron; I could not tell) take flight near the opposite shore.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmeciBXipTfSP2XaUelmT0QK63CtxngRjTywKONuxKmjMQu68E2mb0dNGw5iz507FjZDy0uSo0o5yRAfe2ncLR-3LWB0_fBGPHjMboYkhh0ZhmfWEgesUoPdCSfzCcQ1dWeqZXtYKWNWUGBztT5G8xpxrEDlW065dBe8WqoMKdXiEyMk_ht5tF94R_qY/s4624/20240205_105603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmeciBXipTfSP2XaUelmT0QK63CtxngRjTywKONuxKmjMQu68E2mb0dNGw5iz507FjZDy0uSo0o5yRAfe2ncLR-3LWB0_fBGPHjMboYkhh0ZhmfWEgesUoPdCSfzCcQ1dWeqZXtYKWNWUGBztT5G8xpxrEDlW065dBe8WqoMKdXiEyMk_ht5tF94R_qY/s320/20240205_105603.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Colorado City</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After a short stint along the lake, the trail abruptly turns south. Just past 1.5 miles, you reach an area the trail map calls "Rock Ridge," a dirt and rock knife-edge ridge that separates Lake Colorado City on the right from a small wetland area on the left. When you get to the west end of the ridge, you need to angle right and climb a short, steep, rocky section to reach a nice overlook with an interpretive sign. Again, there are no trail markers here, and I took a couple of brief wrong turns before I found the right route up the ridge.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispM63SlJAayrQnKqPRPOH-mhKMXGzvupJ_PeHAH2LybMawAfsnzrPqavG4tUOxGbySfX1DPD1WdWwTH7bu9IzyoMUWIkYNOvT2YX78ti8nk8ULKQxM_Hj6tO-1oqfZC2FhehgyBYTXRc79CzdtbfleDym4FFk-uUcD9sYU3wOxdLqRg2xjyvzoqDsulA/s4624/20240205_110745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispM63SlJAayrQnKqPRPOH-mhKMXGzvupJ_PeHAH2LybMawAfsnzrPqavG4tUOxGbySfX1DPD1WdWwTH7bu9IzyoMUWIkYNOvT2YX78ti8nk8ULKQxM_Hj6tO-1oqfZC2FhehgyBYTXRc79CzdtbfleDym4FFk-uUcD9sYU3wOxdLqRg2xjyvzoqDsulA/s320/20240205_110745.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rock Ridge"</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The balance of the trail is a meandering course with minor but occasionally rocky ups and downs. Near 2 miles, you close the loop. Turn right to retrace your steps out the entrance trail to return to the trailhead and complete the hike. If you want to do more hiking, the Cactus Cut Trail starts from the other (north) end of this parking area, and it offers a 1 mile one-way out-and-back along the lakeshore to the park's Lakeview Camping Area.</span><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com083C9+HP Lake Colorado City, TX, USA32.3214469 -100.9306432.31963358910987 -100.93278576721191 32.323260210890126 -100.92849423278808tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-79446271256855178912024-03-09T23:18:00.001-05:002024-03-09T23:22:09.157-05:00Abilene State Park: Nature Trails (Blog Hike #987)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Elm Creek, Eagle, Oak Grove, and Bird Trails<br />Hike Location: Abilene State Park<br />Geographic Location: southwest of Abilene, TX (32.23316, -99.88261)<br />Length: 2.3 miles<br />Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: February 2024<br />Overview: A round-the-park loop with good wildlife viewing opportunities.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/abilene" target="_blank">https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/abilene</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955548" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955548</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0iscldJ8hTPFQXRlvNjmcdIsaSShMDUIGila7gDsd-EfSgJ-y-zkonHiN5U7CGjmmIgrZ6lledBvbFWAp4fzVfRtnOzlfJGcP46YlgwVJPe80o1Odr3-1vtqMWisyoRraO3SB0r8ndzMLpXECiBrITSaicv9YYgoOhtwC9IiJxtqNpy3fdXhgDKtfPw/s4624/20240204_135247.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0iscldJ8hTPFQXRlvNjmcdIsaSShMDUIGila7gDsd-EfSgJ-y-zkonHiN5U7CGjmmIgrZ6lledBvbFWAp4fzVfRtnOzlfJGcP46YlgwVJPe80o1Odr3-1vtqMWisyoRraO3SB0r8ndzMLpXECiBrITSaicv9YYgoOhtwC9IiJxtqNpy3fdXhgDKtfPw/s320/20240204_135247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming November 22)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From Abilene, take US 277 south 20.6 miles to Farm-to-Market Road 89. Turn left on FM 89. Drive FM 89 east 7.5 miles to the state park entrance on the right. Turn right to enter the park, pay the park entrance fee, and drive the main park road past the campground entrance to the parking area for the Elm Creek Nature Trail on the left. Park here.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: As you drive into this park from Abilene along US 277, it is hard not to notice the abrupt change in terrain from the relatively flat sparsely treed area around Abilene to the hilly semi-arid area near the park. In fact, 529 acre Abilene State Park sits on the boundary between the Llano Estacado to the north and the Edwards Plateau to the south. Thus, the imposing rocky hills start here and continue all the way south to Del Rio along the Rio Grande.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The land became a state park in 1933 when the State of Texas acquired it from the City of Abilene, which accounts for this park's name. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cleared land and built roads and buildings here, and the park opened in 1934. The park is located on man-made Lake Abilene, a shallow lake that offers fishing and paddling.</span><br /></div><div><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> The main area of the park is located across FM 89 from Lake Abilene, and it contains the majority of the park's amenities. On point, the main area offers multiple developed campgrounds with 69 total sites, several picnic areas, some athletic fields, and several miles of trails. The park's longest trail is a 5 mile lollipop loop along Lake Abilene, but all you get to see on that trail is the lake. The route described here forms a figure-eight route through the main part of the park, and it visits every point of interest in the park's main area.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHKIvniJ0mRjJ7wIj8JOGlDmK5_DYhY7Mmmsbo82Z7dfdstyjFhCFliFWvK-nMevwlFoBJ9ACaqH4UFsl33JkTn30buk4WGMIqieCiUTeuWDqzzW6VfoqgxWrTJ58-akQHCWaYLvXTxW8wFg04eNO7YjMgZk8AeWvKHNeiDZBaKySyCJFdcnG7zEonug/s4624/20240204_131616.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHKIvniJ0mRjJ7wIj8JOGlDmK5_DYhY7Mmmsbo82Z7dfdstyjFhCFliFWvK-nMevwlFoBJ9ACaqH4UFsl33JkTn30buk4WGMIqieCiUTeuWDqzzW6VfoqgxWrTJ58-akQHCWaYLvXTxW8wFg04eNO7YjMgZk8AeWvKHNeiDZBaKySyCJFdcnG7zEonug/s320/20240204_131616.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elm Creek Trail trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> From the parking area, head west to begin the Elm Creek Nature Trail, which is the main area's longest trail. The single-track dirt trail meanders through brushy forest dominated by elm and oak trees with some cedar trees mixed in. Prickly pear cactus makes an appearance in the understory, and this area has very much a semi-arid feel. The Pecan Grove Campground sits through the trees to the right, but the dense forest keeps it mostly out of sight.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7OsMIImmuWYow-CTXChK9mNx_gnfNLbP7PdeDHd4VPDiX7iHG29DkHaYP-iRfxnWrCAS3tDoeltvTAlyDmu1Jd9mWReIrHYWgYDmL9weH1kCE1i6ZQcdK49NNTsSiTOgC6l02arOnHsl3pSG1FdMgTpbmr85ge44nNxnUi8-bkbae3sMkkA8f_9ruGc/s4624/20240204_131904.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7OsMIImmuWYow-CTXChK9mNx_gnfNLbP7PdeDHd4VPDiX7iHG29DkHaYP-iRfxnWrCAS3tDoeltvTAlyDmu1Jd9mWReIrHYWgYDmL9weH1kCE1i6ZQcdK49NNTsSiTOgC6l02arOnHsl3pSG1FdMgTpbmr85ge44nNxnUi8-bkbae3sMkkA8f_9ruGc/s320/20240204_131904.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Elm Creek Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.4 miles, you cross an old (now closed) park entrance road as traffic noise from FM 89 can be heard to the left. A few hundred feet later, you cross a wooden bridge over the outflow of Lake Abilene and reach a trail intersection. As directed by a brown carsonite post, turn right to stay on the Elm Creek Trail.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCqJxr4KpRWgCuTc4eaM1rGCiQiDRR8kTmG9mg1IaexpmcCXW4CtfRYoW-lV0sVok1UMshgR6r7hyphenhyphen49kxSHCIlTjbng_UO7pu1KA1uWZ2peCNsuqN8cEeroEUG86Aeh064MDmh5OPS0wbWo73qlDVmtoZD4HDDUVE23gtDu7uvodbnDiofOKCEw-Hd4E/s4624/20240204_133300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCqJxr4KpRWgCuTc4eaM1rGCiQiDRR8kTmG9mg1IaexpmcCXW4CtfRYoW-lV0sVok1UMshgR6r7hyphenhyphen49kxSHCIlTjbng_UO7pu1KA1uWZ2peCNsuqN8cEeroEUG86Aeh064MDmh5OPS0wbWo73qlDVmtoZD4HDDUVE23gtDu7uvodbnDiofOKCEw-Hd4E/s320/20240204_133300.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersection with Buffalo Wallow Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Soon you reach a small fishing pond known as Buffalo Wallow. While I did not see any buffalo here, a wild hog ran across the trail as I was leaving this watering hole. The next 0.4 miles heads east through a lowland area with wetlands on either side of the trail. This section of trail could get quite muddy with enough rain, but I had no trouble keeping my feet dry when I hiked here.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3FRLkr1mi7YThS_nx-B3tqru6Cyx1G06Kl5HQs9yiHaVINzSDy_FT1JCfPQPO5a2cduisN3eV_nD2f_k81AwCfNlNqaQQp2xHunYPkDRKNTkLNd2pdkfQDLNrpFwp5DRxpCj7e0CUuSFGl3VxXBEATEogXmLeTBZthc2b4UAlmMmjEWXBJoj4jVyuC8/s4624/20240204_133336.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3FRLkr1mi7YThS_nx-B3tqru6Cyx1G06Kl5HQs9yiHaVINzSDy_FT1JCfPQPO5a2cduisN3eV_nD2f_k81AwCfNlNqaQQp2xHunYPkDRKNTkLNd2pdkfQDLNrpFwp5DRxpCj7e0CUuSFGl3VxXBEATEogXmLeTBZthc2b4UAlmMmjEWXBJoj4jVyuC8/s320/20240204_133336.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Wallow</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 0.9 miles into the hike, you reach a parking area at the north end of the Elm Creek Trail. We will eventually turn left here and do a short road walk, but first angle right, pass some picnic tables, cross a small creek on a stone bridge, and climb some stone steps to reach the CCC-built concession building and swimming pool. Made of red sandstone, the stonework on display here is of the highest quality, and the red hue of the rock gives the cold stone building a warm glow. This building is my favorite thing in Abilene State Park, so take a few minutes and have a trail snack while admiring the construction.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0iscldJ8hTPFQXRlvNjmcdIsaSShMDUIGila7gDsd-EfSgJ-y-zkonHiN5U7CGjmmIgrZ6lledBvbFWAp4fzVfRtnOzlfJGcP46YlgwVJPe80o1Odr3-1vtqMWisyoRraO3SB0r8ndzMLpXECiBrITSaicv9YYgoOhtwC9IiJxtqNpy3fdXhgDKtfPw/s4624/20240204_135247.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0iscldJ8hTPFQXRlvNjmcdIsaSShMDUIGila7gDsd-EfSgJ-y-zkonHiN5U7CGjmmIgrZ6lledBvbFWAp4fzVfRtnOzlfJGcP46YlgwVJPe80o1Odr3-1vtqMWisyoRraO3SB0r8ndzMLpXECiBrITSaicv9YYgoOhtwC9IiJxtqNpy3fdXhgDKtfPw/s320/20240204_135247.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCC-built concession building</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> To continue this hike, backtrack to the parking lot, head north on the park road, then turn left to walk through a small campground and find the signed start of the Eagle Trail. Built by the Chisholm Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the short Eagle Trail heads back toward Buffalo Wallow before curving left to cross the Elm Creek Trail you hiked a few minutes ago. After crossing a small stream on a wooden footbridge and just before the Eagle Trail ends at the Oak Grove Campground, turn left to begin the Oak Grove Trail.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVuaPYnFbN_eKt4qifHmcIQI2azedkp5o4xyFmcScFOgNHbRHNPAWa4wQRlHcJt5C5NcWqCWI-HEaS5U6KFN6TZf_fW_6RG2OHnYpM5HchfPOSGcxCDhvwsQqa5fnGs85kQ_pbk0tVTzi1VK1xOX_jLTlyVncQF6RSs9QL0az-mAt90aciB_OhoU-zUE/s4624/20240204_140339.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVuaPYnFbN_eKt4qifHmcIQI2azedkp5o4xyFmcScFOgNHbRHNPAWa4wQRlHcJt5C5NcWqCWI-HEaS5U6KFN6TZf_fW_6RG2OHnYpM5HchfPOSGcxCDhvwsQqa5fnGs85kQ_pbk0tVTzi1VK1xOX_jLTlyVncQF6RSs9QL0az-mAt90aciB_OhoU-zUE/s320/20240204_140339.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Eagle Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The short Oak Grove Trail treads a narrow strip of woods between its namesake campground on the right and the small stream you crossed merely minutes ago on the left. At 1.7 miles, you reach the end of the Oak Grove Trail. Angle left to begin walking the campground road, then angle left again when you reach the campground bathhouse to begin the Bird Trail.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmZSn5a2S63nGaUTkTI2eubeCQLdGQz798IhigUIyHa92YrxKO4VtvEYFjmZToO5wwVLeFz_HcTZoRcMYusw0QElxHdw6mONQFMzIMIIfuuIh1DxhK7YXvoCgN_PJozCXRIOTWmhUboC-_-5RrgTScFJ5SycsM92gRAZt2uSIGs0cpJrSqp68MWB0qHQ/s4624/20240204_142523.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmZSn5a2S63nGaUTkTI2eubeCQLdGQz798IhigUIyHa92YrxKO4VtvEYFjmZToO5wwVLeFz_HcTZoRcMYusw0QElxHdw6mONQFMzIMIIfuuIh1DxhK7YXvoCgN_PJozCXRIOTWmhUboC-_-5RrgTScFJ5SycsM92gRAZt2uSIGs0cpJrSqp68MWB0qHQ/s320/20240204_142523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View at bird blind</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The short Bird Trail gets its name from a bird blind located near the trail's south end. When I came to this blind, I saw many common birds including </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>cardinals, finches, chickadees...and also a lot of squirrels. I passed the man who fills these bird feeders on my way out, and he related to me his frustration of unsuccessfully trying to avoid feeding the squirrels. When you reach the campground entrance road, cross the road and angle left to begin the Connector Trail, which returns you to the main trailhead in only another 0.1 miles.</div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0Park Rd 32, Tuscola, TX 79562, USA32.2331716 -99.882612232.2313565489598 -99.884757967211911 32.234986651040195 -99.880466432788083tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-34199999691095390882024-03-06T22:51:00.004-05:002024-03-06T22:54:56.216-05:00Lake Mineral Wells State Park: Red Waterfront Trail (Blog Hike #986)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Red Waterfront Trail<br />Hike Location: Lake Mineral Wells State Park<br />Geographic Location: Mineral Wells, TX (32.81422, -98.03063)<br />Length: 1.5 miles<br />Difficulty: 7/10 (Moderate/Difficult)<br />Date Hiked: February 2024<br />Overview: A rocky out-and-back past interesting slump blocks with views of Lake Mineral Wells.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells" target="_blank">https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955490" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955490</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcF17t63CdJQ38UYL4zoutMyHVJSDKqV0PFXhZSoE4F3QWalaze_KT3pbVt9hF9ufwVzBH7Fi5rdRBb0e4U0EqviPBI7FzItvpte3a6reUVU4bz2HbHZyOfK1w6zOs3fz_fTU4CQMZUPvknjKnlo629ZKx_k5ya0psi7ZJkw5sHRqCtQKm8ylXxfQSF4/s4624/20240203_143826.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcF17t63CdJQ38UYL4zoutMyHVJSDKqV0PFXhZSoE4F3QWalaze_KT3pbVt9hF9ufwVzBH7Fi5rdRBb0e4U0EqviPBI7FzItvpte3a6reUVU4bz2HbHZyOfK1w6zOs3fz_fTU4CQMZUPvknjKnlo629ZKx_k5ya0psi7ZJkw5sHRqCtQKm8ylXxfQSF4/s320/20240203_143826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming January 10, 2025)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From downtown Mineral Wells, take US 180 east 4 miles to the park entrance on the left. Turn left to enter the park, pay the entrance fee, and drive the main park road to the main picnic area, where this hike begins.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Lake Mineral Wells State Park opened only in 1981, but the area's reputation as a recreation and resort destination started more than 100 years prior. In 1880, James Alvin Lynch drilled a well on nearby land that produced water that supposedly cured his wife's rheumatism. People flocked to the area for the water's curative effects, and a resort destination was born. In 1922, Lake Mineral Wells was built to supply drinking water for its namesake resort-based town.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> In 1925, the United States military came to the area and established Fort Wolters, which operated as a US Army base from 1925-1946 and as a US Air Force base from 1951-1973. After the base closed, 3282 lakefront acres of its land were donated to the State of Texas to create the park we visit today. Located less than an hour west of Fort Worth, the park offers many amenities including a 77-site developed campground, biking on the 20-mile paved Lake Mineral Wells Trailway, the usual aquatic recreation on the lake, and 12.8 miles of hiking trails. The Red Waterfront Trail described here is the park's shortest trail, but it is also the most scenic due to the unusual rock formations it passes. Those rocks also make this hike more challenging than you might expect for a hike of this length, so do not underestimate the difficulty of this hike.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-YEe92RpnEj8k5YryeuOA20UyZo2HdGvEsM9YmQ-_v72_-hyC1IRrp7Nlw5sMOiqiUKYsbmEkWu4Inzv1htP_32fSg4aUMVrDnBFr9n7ZPEJqm1CJQx9FqIMLa_Ef0jav01AZlH-iA0IWAyCBn4Swn3aVUEPZKCEEe7RGKzMpA5MFjxoO2Ivrd5Wlu8/s4624/20240203_132827.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-YEe92RpnEj8k5YryeuOA20UyZo2HdGvEsM9YmQ-_v72_-hyC1IRrp7Nlw5sMOiqiUKYsbmEkWu4Inzv1htP_32fSg4aUMVrDnBFr9n7ZPEJqm1CJQx9FqIMLa_Ef0jav01AZlH-iA0IWAyCBn4Swn3aVUEPZKCEEe7RGKzMpA5MFjxoO2Ivrd5Wlu8/s320/20240203_132827.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead at picnic area</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail starts across the park road from the picnic area; an information board and interpretive sign mark the trailhead. The rocky trail heads north, going steeply downhill through a forest of stunted and gnarled live oak trees typical of this region, which is called the Cross Timbers. There are many wild trails in this area, and only occasional brown carsonite posts with red squares mark the real trail. Look for the posts and keep picking your way downhill around the trees and rock outcrops.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEwmnvafrGQ94Hn1Wicl6xrMJCX16cDGyzF-NnI0YESWHfJ9WAylVJfEaGmSkFOiaFXAjmz-2MK41U5N7GFM42kShVms3JNaLbUTpwIcssPICwSHbcdbMaAOLljhO5KsE1IUnrkWxIkvJvFrU8T45NK7FULSlPjD_GcDkYZ2IfOetJPqNTrii6ojzm5s/s4624/20240203_134057.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEwmnvafrGQ94Hn1Wicl6xrMJCX16cDGyzF-NnI0YESWHfJ9WAylVJfEaGmSkFOiaFXAjmz-2MK41U5N7GFM42kShVms3JNaLbUTpwIcssPICwSHbcdbMaAOLljhO5KsE1IUnrkWxIkvJvFrU8T45NK7FULSlPjD_GcDkYZ2IfOetJPqNTrii6ojzm5s/s320/20240203_134057.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending to the lakeshore</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After 0.1 miles of steep and occasionally muddy descending, the trail deposits you at the shore of Lake Mineral Wells. A wooden boat dock sits here, and great views across the lake extend to the north. Next the trail curves right and begins following the lakeshore. This section of trail is flatter but no less rocky than the initial descent, plus more wet areas will need to be negotiated.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha756B4Vv8g3RejwQ8xwJZ3GcDjMF0UCH4I-v_JwSZxM3XzkVYqh8LD65aTSCl5d0pObguWP7hm4TnJWFV80W4iTykUM53wq1TWDbDmvTH1G6bj0una9rMlIi3gu7STDE-7rkpepQfXnATTM-e_M-ilcOOrac5qbgo_j_MRZ6t_ZM61YSieTVpGgImhTQ/s4624/20240203_142029.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha756B4Vv8g3RejwQ8xwJZ3GcDjMF0UCH4I-v_JwSZxM3XzkVYqh8LD65aTSCl5d0pObguWP7hm4TnJWFV80W4iTykUM53wq1TWDbDmvTH1G6bj0una9rMlIi3gu7STDE-7rkpepQfXnATTM-e_M-ilcOOrac5qbgo_j_MRZ6t_ZM61YSieTVpGgImhTQ/s320/20240203_142029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Mineral Wells, 1st dock</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW422meHvy2xqbCSvxVVfR7RLVwEPQk3saJZQW9zalH8Hw-AMYkN9V1NHqBtOfqc316gnnKRg21gFN_7-8rNDhZReOvWACTTC2RrhzYxje4o-TBWNpjcLXhw9CuidduN4VQioacbZTYNoqPcnSntcdF6J-x9_shQnVghb2yCkFYxokdCkEJ8KnXD0f2E/s4624/20240203_141950.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW422meHvy2xqbCSvxVVfR7RLVwEPQk3saJZQW9zalH8Hw-AMYkN9V1NHqBtOfqc316gnnKRg21gFN_7-8rNDhZReOvWACTTC2RrhzYxje4o-TBWNpjcLXhw9CuidduN4VQioacbZTYNoqPcnSntcdF6J-x9_shQnVghb2yCkFYxokdCkEJ8KnXD0f2E/s320/20240203_141950.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Mineral Wells, 2nd dock</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.5 miles, a short-cut trail exits right to head uphill to the Penitentiary Hollow parking lot. All of the trails in this area are marked with brown carsonite posts bearing red squares, so the markings can be confusing. You want to stay on the trail closest to the lake to see the best scenery. Soon you reach a second wooden boat dock that offers more excellent lake views.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pps_ifu-NAAsyjkKV4XvR-NtioeLixbDqtyneiJMSJ_JjKkNtEmwvXohLzevMxyP-rYo4kxh-kQjmAWZMU4jkw4LAgkRzOTl76iP1go_RIjzZ0gFFk5MvXsNTpOQDoJ35NQ10Z_uaASDprp9kzXEtgqzRVDXN9oG0nfw1HJU-6ryoklSJnLXVrHMiD8/s4624/20240203_142844.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pps_ifu-NAAsyjkKV4XvR-NtioeLixbDqtyneiJMSJ_JjKkNtEmwvXohLzevMxyP-rYo4kxh-kQjmAWZMU4jkw4LAgkRzOTl76iP1go_RIjzZ0gFFk5MvXsNTpOQDoJ35NQ10Z_uaASDprp9kzXEtgqzRVDXN9oG0nfw1HJU-6ryoklSJnLXVrHMiD8/s320/20240203_142844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave between slump blocks</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just past the second dock, the trail curves right to begin heading uphill into the rock outcrops. Just when there seems to be no way to climb further, the trail heads through a narrow cave formed by two huge slump blocks leaning against each other. The large person I am barely fit through this cave, but I managed to slide through.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxIPPHNwYSg5zK2PAbAoyWjCgMNlhtUwG7rsIc80X2DnLFyKniHTnyOSsuguf2J0NpydvzblxxhS6th8o8d2tnZsTHsNZZHPD4Y_zncfoXKa_C5XioyZpLGlsLPWHiUCjXuIUSjk5iNZlakIy5BoJoAksSSYzbvkVxDrE5vXgifsorD71oXOc4DBVPA0/s4624/20240203_143217.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxIPPHNwYSg5zK2PAbAoyWjCgMNlhtUwG7rsIc80X2DnLFyKniHTnyOSsuguf2J0NpydvzblxxhS6th8o8d2tnZsTHsNZZHPD4Y_zncfoXKa_C5XioyZpLGlsLPWHiUCjXuIUSjk5iNZlakIy5BoJoAksSSYzbvkVxDrE5vXgifsorD71oXOc4DBVPA0/s320/20240203_143217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone staircase</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> When you emerge from the other end of the cave, </span></span>you can see the railings of an overlook atop the cliffs above and in front of you, but again there appears to be no path to climb up to the overlook. The solution is to angle left, which reveals a steep, narrow, twisting stone staircase. Carefully climb the staircase to reach the top of the cliffs and Penitentiary Hollow overlook. This drive-up overlook offers a great view of the rock outcrops and slump blocks you just climbed through, and Lake Mineral Wells extends off in the distance. Unlike the people who drove here, you made it to this overlook the hard way, so take some time to enjoy the view.</div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcF17t63CdJQ38UYL4zoutMyHVJSDKqV0PFXhZSoE4F3QWalaze_KT3pbVt9hF9ufwVzBH7Fi5rdRBb0e4U0EqviPBI7FzItvpte3a6reUVU4bz2HbHZyOfK1w6zOs3fz_fTU4CQMZUPvknjKnlo629ZKx_k5ya0psi7ZJkw5sHRqCtQKm8ylXxfQSF4/s4624/20240203_143826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcF17t63CdJQ38UYL4zoutMyHVJSDKqV0PFXhZSoE4F3QWalaze_KT3pbVt9hF9ufwVzBH7Fi5rdRBb0e4U0EqviPBI7FzItvpte3a6reUVU4bz2HbHZyOfK1w6zOs3fz_fTU4CQMZUPvknjKnlo629ZKx_k5ya0psi7ZJkw5sHRqCtQKm8ylXxfQSF4/s320/20240203_143826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penitentiary Hollow overlook</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After you have savored the view, you will need to get back to your car at the picnic area. If you want to repeat the scenery you saw earlier, you could retrace your steps or use the short-cut trail, which leaves from the parking area adjacent to the overlook. A less scenic but easier way back to the trailhead is to walk the park road, which features moderate traffic but good shoulders to help hikers avoid the cars. Choose the option that seems best to you to conclude your visit to Lake Mineral Wells State Park.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com017 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USA32.8142329 -98.030628232.810626178969528 -98.034919734423823 32.817839621030473 -98.026336665576167tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-48862753335801417932024-03-01T23:18:00.001-05:002024-03-01T23:22:11.761-05:00Chemin-a-Haut State Park: Cabin Area to Castle Tree (Blog Hike #985)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: (unnamed)<br />Hike Location: Chemin-a-Haut State Park<br />Geographic Location: north of Bastrop, LA (32.90658, -91.84063)<br />Length: 2.3 miles<br />Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: February 2024<br />Overview: An out-and-back along Chemin-a-Haut Creek to old-growth bald cypress forest.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chemin-a-haut-state-park" target="_blank">https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/chemin-a-haut-state-park</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955413" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955413</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnZDE9l2PxreS1-c1JoUqjpyQJzqCAmnKQbdsCrnTCfq7Ozob6pHh4-yIEmx__eim_iV2oOzslCeurK48RenhiGDppET-HBp7N_D6hcnBfawgqVOhYFkMEdyJlzyq2aiVRnjuiL17jsO5bHeV2veMBYj_zgvuanUH0vQsNGbSj3TVg2MGLlcfDIeb6qI/s4624/20240202_135455.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnZDE9l2PxreS1-c1JoUqjpyQJzqCAmnKQbdsCrnTCfq7Ozob6pHh4-yIEmx__eim_iV2oOzslCeurK48RenhiGDppET-HBp7N_D6hcnBfawgqVOhYFkMEdyJlzyq2aiVRnjuiL17jsO5bHeV2veMBYj_zgvuanUH0vQsNGbSj3TVg2MGLlcfDIeb6qI/s320/20240202_135455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming December 6)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From Bastrop, take US 425 north 8.1 miles to Loop Park Road. Turn right on Loop Park Rd. Drive Loop Park Rd. east 0.9 miles to the park entrance, and turn right to enter the park. Pay the small entrance fee, turn left at the first intersection, and drive the park road to the cabin area at its end. Park here, taking care not to park in spots reserved for people renting cabins.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Established in 1935, Chemin-a-Haut State Park (pronounced like "Shem in a HOT") is one of the oldest state parks in Louisiana. The northeast Louisiana park protects 750 acres along Bayou Bartholomew, and many of those acres sit on a relatively high bluff overlooking the bayou. The park's name comes from the French phrase that translates to "high road," a reference to a nearby blufftop route taken by migrants many centuries ago.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The park sees few visitors due to its rural location, but it still offers some nice amenities. The park offers a cozy 26-site developed campground, 14 cabins, a large picnic area, 2 playgrounds, and a wading pool. In terms of trails, the park has only 2 short </span>hiker-only trails, but hiking is also allowed on the park's 8 miles of bridle trails. The out-and-back described here heads into the bridle trail system, but it leads to a scenic area along Chemin-a-Haut Creek that features old-growth bald cypress trees. Thus, it forms a hike that is both longer and more scenic than the park's short hiker-only trails.</div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ofdjr7D6dLbpXS-FaBhici47-vBC0pcszjB_fwjbTMfCnfDncBq6d9IueHPKVzt1N5p7PaZwss8Czl855ScvyGYVe7-L_ELi8VyAQx67TZAHUN1iF-xgRJej6z92fPzEJx_9QYftLc0imBOxfTX6qBQ0PvkG6BGlB1U3jG0mHJsGYebxGh1D_xuZJss/s4624/20240202_131116.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ofdjr7D6dLbpXS-FaBhici47-vBC0pcszjB_fwjbTMfCnfDncBq6d9IueHPKVzt1N5p7PaZwss8Czl855ScvyGYVe7-L_ELi8VyAQx67TZAHUN1iF-xgRJej6z92fPzEJx_9QYftLc0imBOxfTX6qBQ0PvkG6BGlB1U3jG0mHJsGYebxGh1D_xuZJss/s320/20240202_131116.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead at cabin area</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The unsigned two-track dirt trail starts to the left of cabin #14 and immediately heads into the woods. After only a few hundred feet, you reach a trail intersection. The trail going left leads past the campground to the gatehouse, and both of those destinations are alternate starting points for this hike. To continue to the old-growth bald cypress trees, turn right to begin heading east.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRHtDkjAc5x1dhJ68Nbo_2T2nEL-Lfp01voigTtfeKaQm2rAsFme6tZtrvNcCrcOaYLuRTajPUoJTkmdLI5795GUjwZEJLxbzT6XVmbIo5NejXT_LKdhfc1bjDqq4pGSdkNuzSkvbZNpBZTV6D1gSr0rMWiHxNMca2J2FfhzN0A3Y5ZDuwQKgusBolsc/s4624/20240202_132416.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRHtDkjAc5x1dhJ68Nbo_2T2nEL-Lfp01voigTtfeKaQm2rAsFme6tZtrvNcCrcOaYLuRTajPUoJTkmdLI5795GUjwZEJLxbzT6XVmbIo5NejXT_LKdhfc1bjDqq4pGSdkNuzSkvbZNpBZTV6D1gSr0rMWiHxNMca2J2FfhzN0A3Y5ZDuwQKgusBolsc/s320/20240202_132416.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Slough Lake</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Soon Big Slough Lake, a crescent-shaped body of water formed by damming a tributary of Bayou Bartholomew, comes into view on the right. I did some nice bird watching along this lake that included a </span></span></span>heron, some blue jays, and some cardinals. Pine trees dominate the high ground, but bald cypress trees take center stage when you get closer to the water.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmAR4l_jGF1ClPCDOz6Op4-f8Umo4gjpPQL0gWruIi9bDApvG5ealLKZ0DrZbNO5J7L85JcOOw7gmG6-RKoanKOh4KZ7_KyRDcrgi0ZecFizl7i1G_FxvVfdeI4lJuiSYr7Pg8xo_VQPduGlPedkg6keVwCQxJGsprQG4lV5sCIQFL95XY_YVYAVwvog/s4624/20240202_132640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmAR4l_jGF1ClPCDOz6Op4-f8Umo4gjpPQL0gWruIi9bDApvG5ealLKZ0DrZbNO5J7L85JcOOw7gmG6-RKoanKOh4KZ7_KyRDcrgi0ZecFizl7i1G_FxvVfdeI4lJuiSYr7Pg8xo_VQPduGlPedkg6keVwCQxJGsprQG4lV5sCIQFL95XY_YVYAVwvog/s320/20240202_132640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking along Chemin-a-Haut Creek</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Near 0.5 miles, you pass the earthen dam that forms Big Slough Lake. Next the trail descends slightly and curves left to begin heading upstream along the west bank of Chemin-a-Haut Creek. A few muddy areas will need to be negotiated, but the entire trail was easily passable on the warm Friday afternoon in early February that I hiked here.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAFQFpfX_njMNzmionoqwB61jPHzk-KbARCMARF6yzSZDOlnVZnvFXzq9BMCNqWnkTaobPWSzZAe_KUO9uAuspvIqt14WIRG1zCQDs1tQVIPDCKXVlNdgkDqkNz24b1-QogEN9N_egdH1Zq-6EzkVMs64PCauc7KTeqS4PeqgaHTzvJE1n5_AXFTNQCs/s4624/20240202_135843.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAFQFpfX_njMNzmionoqwB61jPHzk-KbARCMARF6yzSZDOlnVZnvFXzq9BMCNqWnkTaobPWSzZAe_KUO9uAuspvIqt14WIRG1zCQDs1tQVIPDCKXVlNdgkDqkNz24b1-QogEN9N_egdH1Zq-6EzkVMs64PCauc7KTeqS4PeqgaHTzvJE1n5_AXFTNQCs/s320/20240202_135843.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic area near castle tree</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 1.15 miles, you reach a cluster of picnic tables along </span></span>Chemin-a-Haut Creek. These picnic tables sit beside the grove of old-growth bald cypress trees, and a particularly large cypress tree known as the "castle tree" grows on the far side of the creek. You cannot see the opening of the "castle" from this angle; you would need to paddle to the other side to see it. Take some time to admire these giants while sitting at the picnic tables for a water break and/or trail snack.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnZDE9l2PxreS1-c1JoUqjpyQJzqCAmnKQbdsCrnTCfq7Ozob6pHh4-yIEmx__eim_iV2oOzslCeurK48RenhiGDppET-HBp7N_D6hcnBfawgqVOhYFkMEdyJlzyq2aiVRnjuiL17jsO5bHeV2veMBYj_zgvuanUH0vQsNGbSj3TVg2MGLlcfDIeb6qI/s4624/20240202_135455.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnZDE9l2PxreS1-c1JoUqjpyQJzqCAmnKQbdsCrnTCfq7Ozob6pHh4-yIEmx__eim_iV2oOzslCeurK48RenhiGDppET-HBp7N_D6hcnBfawgqVOhYFkMEdyJlzyq2aiVRnjuiL17jsO5bHeV2veMBYj_zgvuanUH0vQsNGbSj3TVg2MGLlcfDIeb6qI/s320/20240202_135455.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old-growth cypress trees</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b860q3HG6haBMjTo8ZATLNJ_RrDbyY0iHtMDPDsg98piR62mrvJs7XN8Y98DsHLi7zrrKRRwsBdwWeo1nohvAPQ0Ksay9p04cuP9wIU4I-bIWdG1pUDbwwYiRaCyohzCN5171Eud6obQ_dR1Xm1D94-d_l2Z4uc6-BFCNNIyKTfxFLF_H302_pvuQ6k/s4624/20240202_135916.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b860q3HG6haBMjTo8ZATLNJ_RrDbyY0iHtMDPDsg98piR62mrvJs7XN8Y98DsHLi7zrrKRRwsBdwWeo1nohvAPQ0Ksay9p04cuP9wIU4I-bIWdG1pUDbwwYiRaCyohzCN5171Eud6obQ_dR1Xm1D94-d_l2Z4uc6-BFCNNIyKTfxFLF_H302_pvuQ6k/s320/20240202_135916.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old-growth cypress trees</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The bridle trail continues for several more miles past the picnic area, but the old-growth bald cypress grove that is the main attraction has already been attained. Thus, I turned around here and retraced my steps to the cabin area to complete the hike. If you want to add more distance, you can add the spur trail to the gatehouse. Alternatively, another trail called the Cypress Trail forms a short hiker-only loop through the developed part of the park.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0W545+JP Bastrop, LA, USA32.9065788 -91.840625232.90297582772174 -91.844916734423833 32.910181772278257 -91.836333665576177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-84459359967593823802024-02-13T23:21:00.001-05:002024-02-13T23:26:15.071-05:00Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve: Bridge Loop in Gainesville, GA (Blog Hike #984)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Elachee Creek and Bridge Loops<br />Hike Location: Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve<br />Geographic Location: Gainesville, GA (34.24608, -83.83197)<br />Length: 3.1 miles<br />Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: January 2024<br />Overview: A lollipop loop crossing 5 trail bridges.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www.gainesville.org/facilities/facility/details/Chicopee-Woods-Area-Park-118" target="_blank">https://www.gainesville.org/facilities/facility/details/Chicopee-Woods-Area-Park-118</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955192" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=955192</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdw_00H5kQliPXOvev41pC7Ia3QHJBPwZC1xqYDikXmwypmRq3fznL3rkY5QKr5Kngg9zl6c1YtJ6PqIg-6iVBhsJjbyZcdZlBPs8dndJFUPBAE8AILkwhSSVpparpWCf9dNFz_GXvsoEt-Re9s1BeMyWZEbEE5m02TI53vtASmpz5C_LSx6c-9R81YY/s4624/20240130_130339.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdw_00H5kQliPXOvev41pC7Ia3QHJBPwZC1xqYDikXmwypmRq3fznL3rkY5QKr5Kngg9zl6c1YtJ6PqIg-6iVBhsJjbyZcdZlBPs8dndJFUPBAE8AILkwhSSVpparpWCf9dNFz_GXvsoEt-Re9s1BeMyWZEbEE5m02TI53vtASmpz5C_LSx6c-9R81YY/s320/20240130_130339.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming March 28, 2025)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: Northeast of Atlanta, take I-985 to SR 13 (exit 17). Exit and go north on SR 13. Drive SR 13 north 1.5 miles to Elachee Drive and turn sharply right on Elachee Dr. Elachee Dr. crosses back over I-985 before ending at the Elachee Nature Science Center, where this hike begins.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Sprawling for 2674 acres over the hills on the south side of Gainesville, Chicopee Woods is the crown jewel of Gainesville's city park system. The park's most famous amenity is its 27 hole golf course, which is one of the best public courses in northeast Georgia. Other than the golf course, the rest of the park is maintained as a natural area known as Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, which features dense woods and abundant trails. A new park entrance road was under construction when I came here, and that road will feature a new bridge over I-985 designed to highlight this park and the City of Gainesville's parklands.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Over 12 miles of trails wind through Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve for hikers and mountain bikers (but usually not both: most trails are single-use). The hiking trails are organized into loops of various lengths and difficulties; this hike features the Bridge Loop. The Bridge Loop earns its name by crossing 5 wooden trail bridges, and it is neither the shortest and easiest nor the longest and hardest loop Chicopee Woods has to offer. I did this hike as a get-back-in-shape hike after a long Christmas break, and it had enough distance and elevation to serve the purpose well.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVzgTaHUF3DmXLy1lhJLOiizy-sy2lCNIGJgo4KkEWHU2CSJgXGzl6ZVSV4jq9lTtudYxK7Tucmns5_wG_PQ6sUWpbOF2ng5gZYn524rW5mtHwEiFaRKbOvSc7Ql1VW20JSWXyQOA4eo5hNqDP-Yh7vo1D2RD6iM4WLOhPP5IB1RrN0lAGVbJ03h4cKY/s4624/20240130_120050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVzgTaHUF3DmXLy1lhJLOiizy-sy2lCNIGJgo4KkEWHU2CSJgXGzl6ZVSV4jq9lTtudYxK7Tucmns5_wG_PQ6sUWpbOF2ng5gZYn524rW5mtHwEiFaRKbOvSc7Ql1VW20JSWXyQOA4eo5hNqDP-Yh7vo1D2RD6iM4WLOhPP5IB1RrN0lAGVbJ03h4cKY/s320/20240130_120050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the Geiger Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Starting from the Elachee Nature Science Center, which features several educational exhibits and classroom areas, your first task is to find the start of the Bridge Loop. Near the parking lot entrance, walk down the concrete Geiger Trail to the dirt and yellow-blazed Elachee Creek Loop. Angle right on the Elachee Creek Loop, and in about 700 feet you reach the green-blazed Bridge Loop. A secondary parking area sits uphill to the right. Continue straight to begin following the green blazes, then angle first right and then left to begin hiking clockwise around the Bridge Loop.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_R1bvAiwYa47FRMi3a5Ot9yL0n30OOanwiKlX_ZwL8HM23PJrYfwab_omVJg2vxYQWxuCd4C_CLROEXq9KcVSiTnHoVATLzfLJxdok5wXtsCKytc-_Zev6_NH0a2XegSkghBXLHX6JUSwLsJfDvpSG1EhRjlbOtpEpZxA1ui6hadcndf_W-i7EHDvH0/s4624/20240130_120427.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_R1bvAiwYa47FRMi3a5Ot9yL0n30OOanwiKlX_ZwL8HM23PJrYfwab_omVJg2vxYQWxuCd4C_CLROEXq9KcVSiTnHoVATLzfLJxdok5wXtsCKytc-_Zev6_NH0a2XegSkghBXLHX6JUSwLsJfDvpSG1EhRjlbOtpEpZxA1ui6hadcndf_W-i7EHDvH0/s320/20240130_120427.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intersecting the Bridge Loop</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail descends on a gradual to moderate grade as you head out one of this area's many finger ridges. Distance is marked by brown carsonite posts in 0.25 mile increments. This park's</span></span></span> deciduous forest makes for good fall leaf peeping, and some large beech trees merit your attention as you descend. At 0.5 miles, you reach a junction with the blue-blazed Ridge Trail, which continues straight. Turn right to keep descending on the Bridge Loop.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ACUj4VRnYIqHB-wuGYRt4PwS8DCAQClqCOF9vb6bKbSb30nEJx9-rnifcHE-fPplqfoCHtqNSeBvGPZP2b9tHGYBgbAiqrc4ItzRCcGvu2NLOFoy2CWMnyFFuydZNWuDGS3CjVwgjXnbJnE67mYyVI1E5CTli9_U75t_Fz6r6L028w9_appBAHdYUE/s4624/20240130_122411.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ACUj4VRnYIqHB-wuGYRt4PwS8DCAQClqCOF9vb6bKbSb30nEJx9-rnifcHE-fPplqfoCHtqNSeBvGPZP2b9tHGYBgbAiqrc4ItzRCcGvu2NLOFoy2CWMnyFFuydZNWuDGS3CjVwgjXnbJnE67mYyVI1E5CTli9_U75t_Fz6r6L028w9_appBAHdYUE/s320/20240130_122411.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bridge over Walnut Creek</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 0.8 miles into the hike, you reach Walnut Creek and the bottom of the hill. The first of the 5 bridges, a narrow wooden bridge with nice handrails, gets you across the creek. A broad switchback lifts you to the top of the next ridge, which stands about 170 feet above the creek. Ignore some old dirt roads that now serve as park maintenance roads; white carsonite posts identify them as service roads.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM9cS7fs-kXlOSr9l4U7Js6pcBnZvEed_WjBT7qi6dHJpZRj8JkcxfVShzrHhnO_q1wZ9TUjgqoTUa5TamzsM1qi-cOPGS3qhr9e2jhEujpJiqWATj1bidZ5AiWmZ9cvgA9eg7fnIHizPDwsEbRy173OySFfRAmTHB_-KZ7kKto92Dcyy_sqz6AuZsv4/s4624/20240130_124937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM9cS7fs-kXlOSr9l4U7Js6pcBnZvEed_WjBT7qi6dHJpZRj8JkcxfVShzrHhnO_q1wZ9TUjgqoTUa5TamzsM1qi-cOPGS3qhr9e2jhEujpJiqWATj1bidZ5AiWmZ9cvgA9eg7fnIHizPDwsEbRy173OySFfRAmTHB_-KZ7kKto92Dcyy_sqz6AuZsv4/s320/20240130_124937.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending on eroded trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 1.3 miles, you reach some picnic tables and another major trail intersection. The orange-blazed Lake Loop exits left to head downhill to Chicopee Lake, but you want to angle right to head downhill on a trail used by both the Bridge and Lake Loops. 0.3 miles of moderate downhill hiking on somewhat eroded trail brings you to your second crossing of Walnut Creek. This time a 141-foot suspension bridge gets you across the creek, and this second bridge on the Bridge Loop is this park's biggest and best trail bridge.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdw_00H5kQliPXOvev41pC7Ia3QHJBPwZC1xqYDikXmwypmRq3fznL3rkY5QKr5Kngg9zl6c1YtJ6PqIg-6iVBhsJjbyZcdZlBPs8dndJFUPBAE8AILkwhSSVpparpWCf9dNFz_GXvsoEt-Re9s1BeMyWZEbEE5m02TI53vtASmpz5C_LSx6c-9R81YY/s4624/20240130_130339.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdw_00H5kQliPXOvev41pC7Ia3QHJBPwZC1xqYDikXmwypmRq3fznL3rkY5QKr5Kngg9zl6c1YtJ6PqIg-6iVBhsJjbyZcdZlBPs8dndJFUPBAE8AILkwhSSVpparpWCf9dNFz_GXvsoEt-Re9s1BeMyWZEbEE5m02TI53vtASmpz5C_LSx6c-9R81YY/s320/20240130_130339.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspension bridge over Walnut Creek</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Now on the west side of Walnut Creek, the Bridge and Lake Loops part ways. Turn right to stay on the Bridge Loop. Next you cross a low but steep ridge before beginning a gradual creekside climb for the next 0.7 miles. You climb first along Walnut Creek, then along Vulture Rock Creek, then along Homestead Creek. Just before the bridge over Vulture Rock Creek, you pass an interesting old concrete dam that today forms a nice waterfall.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX-7YD_IdUhx_k4toUijVhi4X8GDpLdGVEk6Tdyl7aLlz9jzoesfUERZv7zFyRLVMrsHOSOoCTVcS9t8Be5YnYiKcdfhcCyzqX6In3q1lsA3OKhZz-TUcIZqrH6fD9LWkuN2_9SHa2ek19rnUesZTrYxjs5K_4L8wM7SBrRlTOGx0OyvTYrm_l4-fmpM/s4624/20240130_131533.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX-7YD_IdUhx_k4toUijVhi4X8GDpLdGVEk6Tdyl7aLlz9jzoesfUERZv7zFyRLVMrsHOSOoCTVcS9t8Be5YnYiKcdfhcCyzqX6In3q1lsA3OKhZz-TUcIZqrH6fD9LWkuN2_9SHa2ek19rnUesZTrYxjs5K_4L8wM7SBrRlTOGx0OyvTYrm_l4-fmpM/s320/20240130_131533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old concrete dam</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Ignore the pink-blazed Upland Trail that exits right before you cross the final 2 bridges, both simple wooden bridges over Homestead Creek. Just past 2.5 miles, the fuchsia-blazed Chicopee Backcountry Trail, this park's longest and hardest trail, exits left. Another pair of picnic tables here makes a nice creekside spot to rest before tackling the final climb of the hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiyocrnN7fkoAlBYfAvrBuwEK9FRe_1gjDr1Z1d_Tb_OV-I2NoEXdDAXWJFcREhRD8kmLrSD6TlDkH6fd35GJKJ3nlrb2d1tSaA09RoxslZHh0qZo4NaG0CDzZgCCGUPdxVFrj9oUKeHiO0B83ZsjnNnI2I4pGT0zIja4V6FK4AoaOTY1Zx2JDaB8xv0/s4624/20240130_133806.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiyocrnN7fkoAlBYfAvrBuwEK9FRe_1gjDr1Z1d_Tb_OV-I2NoEXdDAXWJFcREhRD8kmLrSD6TlDkH6fd35GJKJ3nlrb2d1tSaA09RoxslZHh0qZo4NaG0CDzZgCCGUPdxVFrj9oUKeHiO0B83ZsjnNnI2I4pGT0zIja4V6FK4AoaOTY1Zx2JDaB8xv0/s320/20240130_133806.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final trail bridge</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The climb away from Homestead Creek is the steepest and muddiest part of this loop, but it only gains about 100 vertical feet of elevation. At 2.8 miles, you reach the secondary parking area, where you need to turn right to hike a short connector trail down to the outbound portion of the Bridge Loop, thus closing the loop. Turn left and retrace your steps back to the Elachee Nature Science Center to finish the hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504, USA34.2460735 -83.831970934.242526106031832 -83.83626243442383 34.249620893968171 -83.827679365576174tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-46838106226133354862024-01-18T21:47:00.001-05:002024-01-18T21:50:35.881-05:00Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve: Blue Trail (Blog Hike #983)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Blue Trail<br />Hike Location: Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve<br />Geographic Location: southwest of Columbia, SC (33.82813, -81.20238)<br />Length: 2.2 miles<br />Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: December 2023<br />Overview: A lollipop loop passing Peachtree Rock, Little Peachtree Rock, and a waterfall.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/peachtree-rock-heritage-preserve/" target="_blank">https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/peachtree-rock-heritage-preserve/</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=952196" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=952196</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDnj20K6f2Lcz77wWPMS4Pf1MtPNqXilEC5WQmwlCadNk9Kf1Z519HzV0CfxMGx1qcBrPnHrTFY6wJ5w5i3-KXvGEZLBWO9LFqiFsOrIBx3vT9XNjjHK8dY0M019f87OZOI9yZwER753wX0L_6ZQ8gxdh-hDAYudrl7hf28wLKZoIHPydaV8heqGe86A/s4624/20231207_135818.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDnj20K6f2Lcz77wWPMS4Pf1MtPNqXilEC5WQmwlCadNk9Kf1Z519HzV0CfxMGx1qcBrPnHrTFY6wJ5w5i3-KXvGEZLBWO9LFqiFsOrIBx3vT9XNjjHK8dY0M019f87OZOI9yZwER753wX0L_6ZQ8gxdh-hDAYudrl7hf28wLKZoIHPydaV8heqGe86A/s320/20231207_135818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming November 15)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: In Columbia, take I-26 to SR 302 (exit 113). Exit and go west on SR 302. Drive SR 302 west 10.9 miles to SR 6 and turn left on SR 6. Drive SR 6 south 1 mile to the dirt parking lot for Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve on the left. Park here; there is room for 8-10 cars here.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Many people know of South Carolina's state parks, national parks, and national forests, but few people seem to know about South Carolina's heritage preserves and their function. Created by the South Carolina Legislature in 1976, the Heritage Trust Program protects lands of cultural and natural interest called heritage preserves, and over 83,000 acres have been protected under the Trust. The heritage preserves are managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which also manages South Carolina's state parks. Thus, heritage preserves are like state parks but with no amenities, and most heritage preserves offer at most a parking lot and a few trails.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve fits the Trust's undeveloped pattern, although it is jointly managed with The Nature Conservancy, a private organization. The preserve was established to protect its namesake rock, a large boulder that sat atop a small pedestal in a balanced-rock type configuration. Unfortunately, Peachtree Rock fell over in 2013, but the preserve still offers plenty to see including Little Peachtree Rock, a smaller version of the larger rock, and the only naturally occurring waterfall in South Carolina's coastal plains. Several trails allow hikers to access the preserve. This hike features the Blue Trail, the preserve's main trail that passes every major point of interest in the preserve.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HQZ3DU8iiR9sVFjvfHTqMH8p-wgeCuZwRXsw0UFZQAKOsGMUNKOPVMYcFaqcSTR1jMlbNnk3DgSMZieEw1xgCmEHzwEL6ymw7C7ZU9S8ShyFC1SqPk_-2G4N1GbRf37UZUQLAQjafiyzsHJNypNSDPNPuNMZ8ISmbGUEsWc9IbXNbtnsYAv68NKLMvE/s4624/20231207_130634.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HQZ3DU8iiR9sVFjvfHTqMH8p-wgeCuZwRXsw0UFZQAKOsGMUNKOPVMYcFaqcSTR1jMlbNnk3DgSMZieEw1xgCmEHzwEL6ymw7C7ZU9S8ShyFC1SqPk_-2G4N1GbRf37UZUQLAQjafiyzsHJNypNSDPNPuNMZ8ISmbGUEsWc9IbXNbtnsYAv68NKLMvE/s320/20231207_130634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> From the parking area, head in the entrance trail, which is marked with blue aluminum trail markers. The single-track sandy dirt trail heads into the pine woods along the ridge top, but soon the trail descends gradually via a couple of switchbacks. The difference between maximum and minimum elevation on this hike is only a little over 100 feet, so all grades are moderate and brief.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.2 miles, you approach a small creek and reach a trail intersection. The Red Trail goes right here, so you want to turn left to stay on the Blue Trail. All official trails in this preserve are well-marked with small metal discs of the appropriate color, but there are a large number of unmarked unofficial trails that need to be avoided.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGImO4SnKEbR5dzljak75xDsUx0p5Tb1dJqxdAvt69QujnCdt7ztzHt6ny2ohgHHDybF2oAtb_C-xdISyRuuVEcNAGZ2jdoF374xb1jo8u5cIa2SqpGsKGD9P6SqkX85XmlbucqRucjjOt6fniSoPUl6pWMvYqwFHA1ncBe6JOJtiJv8QRAUyRRnePrQ/s4624/20231207_132120.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGImO4SnKEbR5dzljak75xDsUx0p5Tb1dJqxdAvt69QujnCdt7ztzHt6ny2ohgHHDybF2oAtb_C-xdISyRuuVEcNAGZ2jdoF374xb1jo8u5cIa2SqpGsKGD9P6SqkX85XmlbucqRucjjOt6fniSoPUl6pWMvYqwFHA1ncBe6JOJtiJv8QRAUyRRnePrQ/s320/20231207_132120.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of Peachtree Rock</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVisqPoE87lZ2Zpit4QR3eWiEc0n9lK5IK6L7NAJhHN3cZBX-Apf3iPosWKtfHAcdU0DbvICA91C2H4CfebiGOCw98Zxpp0sZMwdVXcbmfObHbRDQHVWFbJyhOrkwqqt9L_1v-V63xRc6oX4-5fo6nJacHcaT9U-IsxFRammPtQJ4I2UaTp7Yy2ItXc4M/s4624/20231207_132343.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVisqPoE87lZ2Zpit4QR3eWiEc0n9lK5IK6L7NAJhHN3cZBX-Apf3iPosWKtfHAcdU0DbvICA91C2H4CfebiGOCw98Zxpp0sZMwdVXcbmfObHbRDQHVWFbJyhOrkwqqt9L_1v-V63xRc6oX4-5fo6nJacHcaT9U-IsxFRammPtQJ4I2UaTp7Yy2ItXc4M/s320/20231207_132343.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Peachtree Rock</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Topping a low finger ridge brings you to Peachtree Rock at 0.3 miles. Today you see the stone pedestal and the rock on its side, and an interpretive sign tells you the story of Peachtree Rock and its formation via erosion. A chain fence prevents you from touching or climbing the rock.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Continuing up this small hollow brings you to a small waterfall. Though only about 15 feet high, this waterfall is the only naturally occurring waterfall in South Carolina's coastal plains. Some sandstone cliffs in this area, another rarity for the coastal plains, add to this hollow's interesting rock scenery.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfPYvma0sbna3zPlSMbBQZ8aSV7SHY9Oy1Zhk17WEYn3CmXZvTZI17mfu2aJIjYy6V0VWrmAr-qGxJAUNg0prUVF3hdFrPzS_ZHdNeeC4dBZJWJld7XPBPZsmACgxGOcEjf2KzHUbPC9smzM9xr3apgH3sOD8tvieejYc9VIydYsNrUP4XdRIjhHMEi4/s4624/20231207_132452.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfPYvma0sbna3zPlSMbBQZ8aSV7SHY9Oy1Zhk17WEYn3CmXZvTZI17mfu2aJIjYy6V0VWrmAr-qGxJAUNg0prUVF3hdFrPzS_ZHdNeeC4dBZJWJld7XPBPZsmACgxGOcEjf2KzHUbPC9smzM9xr3apgH3sOD8tvieejYc9VIydYsNrUP4XdRIjhHMEi4/s320/20231207_132452.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small waterfall</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Some wild trails ascend near the waterfall, but the official Blue Trail heads out of the hollow below Peachtree Rock. After stepping across the stream that formed the waterfall, you reach the trail intersection that forms the Blue Trail's loop at 0.45 miles. To give myself some more options near the end of the hike, I chose to turn left and use the trail going right as my return route, thus hiking the loop clockwise.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e4j6r8Uvx68cxugbnCNlw1OLT4MHXX9LAfI7zS_s5O6GYJB3dCGpd9OUswvYAQyue8E1TJvpobw5vwydySLo4wOLw_oasNuUeIO8wbs1sxgEublbLLYR5jRi2PAWuz5enBfybq94Q7oR6BfXcUZLlSPKULWce3Gc-qMzcUYhr110KQ1NinSEkpp0hzM/s4624/20231207_133458.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e4j6r8Uvx68cxugbnCNlw1OLT4MHXX9LAfI7zS_s5O6GYJB3dCGpd9OUswvYAQyue8E1TJvpobw5vwydySLo4wOLw_oasNuUeIO8wbs1sxgEublbLLYR5jRi2PAWuz5enBfybq94Q7oR6BfXcUZLlSPKULWce3Gc-qMzcUYhr110KQ1NinSEkpp0hzM/s320/20231207_133458.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old moonshine still</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The narrow sandy dirt trail climbs moderately through the pines. As you near the top of the ridge, an interpretive sign points out the ruins of a moonshine still on the left, a reminder that this hollow was used for illegal liquor production during the Prohibition era. 0.7 miles into the hike, you reach the top of the ridge and an intersection with what appears to be a two-track fire road. Turn right to begin hiking east with the preserve's north boundary immediately to your left.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfDh3sA6YmUS_O34GrbHVXQRw4h2JPlNTGdn3NQeW7a9ygLoCrQrut_E9-bvythaaym-usS-IIkTmQm3T4P-2luV4iq9v-cqrgD_hCyYcPLJ3ok643E1fBGeRm2YeOX5032OGnDdvqgiz6d1kShD5celtEWx6pgD1rEYp7ZFu2gctB-srgrnAhl8Zdk/s4624/20231207_134035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfDh3sA6YmUS_O34GrbHVXQRw4h2JPlNTGdn3NQeW7a9ygLoCrQrut_E9-bvythaaym-usS-IIkTmQm3T4P-2luV4iq9v-cqrgD_hCyYcPLJ3ok643E1fBGeRm2YeOX5032OGnDdvqgiz6d1kShD5celtEWx6pgD1rEYp7ZFu2gctB-srgrnAhl8Zdk/s320/20231207_134035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking through pine forest</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After about 1000 feet on the road, the trail turns right to leave the fire road. Watch for the blue aluminum trail markers to ensure you do not miss this turn. The next 0.3 miles stay along the ridgetop and pass through sunny open pine forest. Burn marks imply this area has been cleared by a controlled burn recently.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 1.2 miles into the hike, you descend a brief steep and rocky area to reach Little Peachtree Rock. Though only about half the size of this preserve's namesake, Little Peachtree Rock still stands on its pedestal, and it gives you some idea of what Peachtree Rock looked like before it fell over. Some boulders here make nice places to sit and rest near the midpoint of this hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDnj20K6f2Lcz77wWPMS4Pf1MtPNqXilEC5WQmwlCadNk9Kf1Z519HzV0CfxMGx1qcBrPnHrTFY6wJ5w5i3-KXvGEZLBWO9LFqiFsOrIBx3vT9XNjjHK8dY0M019f87OZOI9yZwER753wX0L_6ZQ8gxdh-hDAYudrl7hf28wLKZoIHPydaV8heqGe86A/s4624/20231207_135818.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDnj20K6f2Lcz77wWPMS4Pf1MtPNqXilEC5WQmwlCadNk9Kf1Z519HzV0CfxMGx1qcBrPnHrTFY6wJ5w5i3-KXvGEZLBWO9LFqiFsOrIBx3vT9XNjjHK8dY0M019f87OZOI9yZwER753wX0L_6ZQ8gxdh-hDAYudrl7hf28wLKZoIHPydaV8heqGe86A/s320/20231207_135818.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Peachtree Rock</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail exits downhill from the Little Peachtree Rock area. The rest of the Blue Trail's loop is a gently rolling excursion through streamside forest that contains a few oak and sweet gum trees. Where the Green, Orange, and Red Trails exit left, stay right to remain on the Blue Trail unless you want to extend your hike. At 1.75 miles, you close the Blue Trail's loop. Walk past Peachtree Rock one more time as you retrace your steps back out of the hollow to return to the trailhead and complete the hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0883 Peachtree Rock Rd, Lexington, SC 29073, USA33.8281359 -81.202392333.82100598379165 -81.210975368847656 33.835265816208349 -81.193809231152343tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-75864828195666618172024-01-14T22:08:00.002-05:002024-01-14T22:11:39.191-05:00Warriors' Path State Park: Overlook Trail (Blog Hike #982)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Overlook Trail<br />Hike Location: Warriors' Path State Park<br />Geographic Location: south of Kingsport, TN (36.49052, -82.47716)<br />Length: 0.7 miles<br />Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A short lollipop loop to an overlook above the Holston River.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://tnstateparks.com/parks/warriors-path" target="_blank">https://tnstateparks.com/parks/warriors-path</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=950132" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=950132</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l6RlcNy6SpvIwI83jn5U8OIS9JrCPhTHLCzfRFD7xmtwulmT_ytyrjMGNUA4l3MPYnLBm-LPG70PGyoZEWH3H5zr4c_HGtWKsq_rkLXGppZ0AydILSCzOj3rzyKjJh5QOMijcLR5XNrcOO9-w1MkGqY0F9xT0Q2TqiNwrrCZB2vth2tV89I1AmLQ8_A/s4624/20231031_111412.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l6RlcNy6SpvIwI83jn5U8OIS9JrCPhTHLCzfRFD7xmtwulmT_ytyrjMGNUA4l3MPYnLBm-LPG70PGyoZEWH3H5zr4c_HGtWKsq_rkLXGppZ0AydILSCzOj3rzyKjJh5QOMijcLR5XNrcOO9-w1MkGqY0F9xT0Q2TqiNwrrCZB2vth2tV89I1AmLQ8_A/s320/20231031_111412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming November 22)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: In northeast Tennessee, take I-81 to SR 36 (exit 59). Exit and go north on SR 36. Drive SR 36 north 1.3 miles to Hemlock Road and turn right on Hemlock Rd. Drive Hemlock Rd. east 1.6 miles to the state park entrance on the right. Turn softly right to enter the park. Drive the main park road 1.1 miles to the boat ramp parking lot and the adjacent parking lot for the Cliffside Disc Golf Course and the Overlook Trail. Park here.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Consisting of 950 acres in the northeast tip of Tennessee, Warriors' Path State Park occupies a scenic area along Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir on the South Fork Holston River. Fort Patrick Henry Dam was built in the early 1950's by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for purposes of hydroelectric power generation and water flow regulation. The park's land was acquired from the TVA by the State of Tennessee in 1952. The park is named for its proximity to the Cherokee Great War and Trading Path, an ancient road that went through this area.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The park has many fantastic amenities including a 90-site developed campground, an 18 hole golf course, 2 18 hole disc golf courses, a marina on the reservoir, athletic fields, and several hiking trails. The Overlook Trail described here is one of the park's shorter trails, but it may be the park's most scenic trail. As its name suggests, the Overlook Trail leads to a scenic overlook high above </span>the South Fork Holston River, and few trails in east Tennessee match this trail's effort to reward ratio.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02G5EmLfYogWtW-KA10Nu1eeo0ehgQO7Mo-XEcRMN6VgSnxEIiNlfGf5nXy61UvTlAaRk3QBz1OSN1KRHn3d8X3MqQaKOzQoLWqF-_96K6LLQJ9_pAMpt636ku0eAcPAjVUFlwlsAeWt5stkW9zkzom6wmw-I30lu2q3hyyyAfyiej9XTRFvKByJSGVY/s4624/20231031_110331.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02G5EmLfYogWtW-KA10Nu1eeo0ehgQO7Mo-XEcRMN6VgSnxEIiNlfGf5nXy61UvTlAaRk3QBz1OSN1KRHn3d8X3MqQaKOzQoLWqF-_96K6LLQJ9_pAMpt636ku0eAcPAjVUFlwlsAeWt5stkW9zkzom6wmw-I30lu2q3hyyyAfyiej9XTRFvKByJSGVY/s320/20231031_110331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlook Trail trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Start at the rear of the parking area, where a metal vehicle gate and wooden sign that says "Overlook Trail" mark the trailhead. Marked with new red paint blazes and older light green paint blazes, the Overlook Trail heads south as it climbs gradually on single track dirt trail; the wider path going right is the first hole on this park's Cliffside Disc Golf Course. The forest here is a nice mix of deciduous trees that includes maple, oak, hickory, and sweet gum.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N7q6uHir821lwxcAFHAuerBXLNKASkNT0m9bl5DvCT_F2CvXyEBIA6f20acqG1dNuiu2dvSOyaMDqV-CLqQkY2kJDjbGLspS4wPt1_OJjoJblDBznGfM_Wih7eM_AsIE5_POBD_E9vuc40lMV9YLDd6rZ7HtIjaZjRX_vkP1J1AT2H86oVDfq8yvtOw/s4624/20231031_110515.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N7q6uHir821lwxcAFHAuerBXLNKASkNT0m9bl5DvCT_F2CvXyEBIA6f20acqG1dNuiu2dvSOyaMDqV-CLqQkY2kJDjbGLspS4wPt1_OJjoJblDBznGfM_Wih7eM_AsIE5_POBD_E9vuc40lMV9YLDd6rZ7HtIjaZjRX_vkP1J1AT2H86oVDfq8yvtOw/s320/20231031_110515.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing on the Overlook Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After 0.3 miles of gradual climbing, you reach the intersection that forms the Overlook Trail's short loop. To go directly to the overlook, turn left and hike the loop clockwise. Scrambling down a short rocky area brings you to the overlook. This viewpoint looks southeast over the wide South Fork Holston River with the I-81 river bridge visible to the right. This viewpoint is indeed this hike's and this park's best overlook, so take a few minutes to enjoy the view.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l6RlcNy6SpvIwI83jn5U8OIS9JrCPhTHLCzfRFD7xmtwulmT_ytyrjMGNUA4l3MPYnLBm-LPG70PGyoZEWH3H5zr4c_HGtWKsq_rkLXGppZ0AydILSCzOj3rzyKjJh5QOMijcLR5XNrcOO9-w1MkGqY0F9xT0Q2TqiNwrrCZB2vth2tV89I1AmLQ8_A/s4624/20231031_111412.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l6RlcNy6SpvIwI83jn5U8OIS9JrCPhTHLCzfRFD7xmtwulmT_ytyrjMGNUA4l3MPYnLBm-LPG70PGyoZEWH3H5zr4c_HGtWKsq_rkLXGppZ0AydILSCzOj3rzyKjJh5QOMijcLR5XNrcOO9-w1MkGqY0F9xT0Q2TqiNwrrCZB2vth2tV89I1AmLQ8_A/s320/20231031_111412.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main overlook</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Past the overlook, the trail descends a steep rocky area to cross what appears to be an old dirt road. Another disc golf hole follows the old road to the right through what looks like a hill cut. The Overlook Trail climbs more gradually than it descended and curves right to pass 2 more holes on the disc golf course before closing the loop. A left turn takes you back down the entrance trail to the parking area to complete the hike.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0Overlook Trail, 408 Warrior Dr, Colonial Heights, TN 37663, USA36.4905134 -82.47716849999999136.488788323974205 -82.4793142672119 36.49223847602579 -82.475022732788076tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-17283560074587997522024-01-08T21:40:00.003-05:002024-01-08T21:45:29.108-05:00Point Pleasant Riverfront Park to Tu-Endie-Wei State Park (Blog Hike #981)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: (unnamed)<br />Hike Location: Riverfront Park and Tu-Endie-Wei State Park<br />Geographic Location: Point Pleasant, WV (38.84250, -82.13919)<br />Length: 0.7 miles<br />Difficulty: 0/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A flat hike, mostly on paved trail, along the Ohio River to the Point Pleasant Monument.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://wvstateparks.com/park/tu-endie-wei-state-park/" target="_blank">https://wvstateparks.com/park/tu-endie-wei-state-park/</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=950002" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=950002</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqxnfBKuHEZAwrOeSVg_kgkgDPmfomVJYeP2lIZVzoI6mIX-ynyymdxbx3I6Tlz7NX8ayMBE4sDXZCwyexTYElE0BmYiSkUgcG25VQ90URqyPVykEJ8Gwtts0xgKKxOosseaXTCY2x-ZuLeslOG88fNlPqmP_bTFrwn9Fj5SLVTIsdgRSS7Y_E15Dfng/s4624/20231029_140338.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqxnfBKuHEZAwrOeSVg_kgkgDPmfomVJYeP2lIZVzoI6mIX-ynyymdxbx3I6Tlz7NX8ayMBE4sDXZCwyexTYElE0BmYiSkUgcG25VQ90URqyPVykEJ8Gwtts0xgKKxOosseaXTCY2x-ZuLeslOG88fNlPqmP_bTFrwn9Fj5SLVTIsdgRSS7Y_E15Dfng/s320/20231029_140338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming July 2)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: This hike starts at the Riverfront Park floodwall door in downtown Point Pleasant. Park in the perpendicular parking on the north side of the town's post office.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: When most people think of American wars during the 1770's, the Revolutionary War is the first one to come to mind. Yet while revolution against the British was fomenting in America's eastern cities of Boston and Philadelphia, another war was taking place on what was then America's northwestern frontier. Named for the Royal Governor of the Virginia Colony, Lord Dunmore's War came about when forces under Shawnee Chief Cornstalk tried to stop the advance of American/British settlers in the Ohio valley.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Lord Dunmore's War had only one major battle, namely the Battle of Point Pleasant in present-day West Virginia on October 10, 1774. Though he was outnumbered at least 2 to 1, Chief Cornstalk advanced south to attack the Virginia militia under the command of Colonel Andrew Lewis. Cornstalk's goal was to prevent the militia from crossing the Ohio River into present-day Ohio, thereby protecting Shawnee land along the river. Fighting lasted all day, but the Shawnee were eventually outflanked and forced to retreat north across the river. Later that month, Lord Dunmore led the Virginia militia deep into present-day Ohio, thus forcing the Shawnee to sign the Treaty of Camp Charlotte to end the war and surrender land claims south of the Ohio River.</span><br /></div><div><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Today the Battle of Point Pleasant is commemorated by Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, a tiny 4 acre park in downtown Point Pleasant at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers. The park's name comes from the Wyandot word that translates to "point between two waters," a reference to the park's confluential location. The park's main structure is the Mansion House, a wooden structure dating to 1796 that was originally a tavern. The City of Point Pleasant's Riverfront Park is only a short distance away, and walking the asphalt trail that joins the two parks forms the super short and super easy "hike" described here.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTrMhDb1gOsnw-mD5YqBsvfp_4GUDRAOPwuOG7BFR4hpltktFuGxfAyRh-8ICoUCBagr3RzXM9Lh8eOzN2SHIe54h7tgLZbPSACA4kdTARppMsrHobkDMPTPK95vNJzv4DNi7tCJHdyNVOJyA-4sVUMOGDRN9rHUAue0346hwvRgoRy2fyr5MDzDTwGM/s4624/20231029_134945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTrMhDb1gOsnw-mD5YqBsvfp_4GUDRAOPwuOG7BFR4hpltktFuGxfAyRh-8ICoUCBagr3RzXM9Lh8eOzN2SHIe54h7tgLZbPSACA4kdTARppMsrHobkDMPTPK95vNJzv4DNi7tCJHdyNVOJyA-4sVUMOGDRN9rHUAue0346hwvRgoRy2fyr5MDzDTwGM/s320/20231029_134945.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Pleasant floodwall</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx-z_vkKFATo3s-BHdUQHGxj8Tv8m2fgOVLcTeoaLnXOoIjmU4FarXLZVFgWslZu8GNpB5Vj80Npx6xzH9l0UWLb7d6Q2NuSEz-rqPvafM_giou0NV84UcgOmbOgBP7CUqfRd0z4-GPmBg8zkJQz2xoM3PiHjEOYdgFQEp4KS6YV2c6wVAT5lX1NXDCA/s4624/20231029_134753.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx-z_vkKFATo3s-BHdUQHGxj8Tv8m2fgOVLcTeoaLnXOoIjmU4FarXLZVFgWslZu8GNpB5Vj80Npx6xzH9l0UWLb7d6Q2NuSEz-rqPvafM_giou0NV84UcgOmbOgBP7CUqfRd0z4-GPmBg8zkJQz2xoM3PiHjEOYdgFQEp4KS6YV2c6wVAT5lX1NXDCA/s320/20231029_134753.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverfront Park</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Start by walking through the floodwall door, which brings you to the top of the amphitheater at Riverfront Park. The amphitheater's stage is right by the Ohio River, and the "seats" are formed by a tiered wavy concrete structure. The amphitheater looks like a small version of Cincinnati's famous Serpentine Wall, and the Ohio River bridges visible in either direction add to the scenery.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rGEq9OtQuTm8EKdp58cUsTt6051WfC2TEUD-QvO25T9ns3TR0aAvrdtNCWaqHe6x49jLXJMdRX2aeC1wopFq2fwTLazRxdLW3oL-bWYkf5rdPUveWWaEwTpKrnhmivIcOVR8OMilQkuG2j3YPH108dqBQ3bGVIXaT5ZlVVhDa1bkrOYh0cyZcmkDUgw/s4624/20231029_135431.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rGEq9OtQuTm8EKdp58cUsTt6051WfC2TEUD-QvO25T9ns3TR0aAvrdtNCWaqHe6x49jLXJMdRX2aeC1wopFq2fwTLazRxdLW3oL-bWYkf5rdPUveWWaEwTpKrnhmivIcOVR8OMilQkuG2j3YPH108dqBQ3bGVIXaT5ZlVVhDa1bkrOYh0cyZcmkDUgw/s320/20231029_135431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Tu-Endie-Wei State Park</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> To head for Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, turn left and begin walking downstream with the Ohio River on your right and the floodwall on your left. A beautiful mural of pioneer life in this area adorns the floodwall, and metal statues of famous people from the pioneer era such as Sacagawea and Mad Anne Bailey line the asphalt trail. At 0.25 miles, the asphalt trail ends where a sign welcomes you to Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. Continue straight to walk across the mowed grass and enter the state park.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqxnfBKuHEZAwrOeSVg_kgkgDPmfomVJYeP2lIZVzoI6mIX-ynyymdxbx3I6Tlz7NX8ayMBE4sDXZCwyexTYElE0BmYiSkUgcG25VQ90URqyPVykEJ8Gwtts0xgKKxOosseaXTCY2x-ZuLeslOG88fNlPqmP_bTFrwn9Fj5SLVTIsdgRSS7Y_E15Dfng/s4624/20231029_140338.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqxnfBKuHEZAwrOeSVg_kgkgDPmfomVJYeP2lIZVzoI6mIX-ynyymdxbx3I6Tlz7NX8ayMBE4sDXZCwyexTYElE0BmYiSkUgcG25VQ90URqyPVykEJ8Gwtts0xgKKxOosseaXTCY2x-ZuLeslOG88fNlPqmP_bTFrwn9Fj5SLVTIsdgRSS7Y_E15Dfng/s320/20231029_140338.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Pleasant Monument</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5VBvn79c2YBdL0M0aLvDoNc0XFjG_54ID5mwS-ZMNcPIR9vf-0yPHZdMg_48Rlikm7otk158vTfDjESiLR7Gl0CVE6_b3zGI9HYC5PuxYyuUjDdrmsNqoy8yquSzTTuQDx0FGRxMa72vCyjYU9VyeupxwiMxAM63vzxJ-01ly0NzAJbqD_n_Gm_ION4/s4624/20231029_140017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5VBvn79c2YBdL0M0aLvDoNc0XFjG_54ID5mwS-ZMNcPIR9vf-0yPHZdMg_48Rlikm7otk158vTfDjESiLR7Gl0CVE6_b3zGI9HYC5PuxYyuUjDdrmsNqoy8yquSzTTuQDx0FGRxMa72vCyjYU9VyeupxwiMxAM63vzxJ-01ly0NzAJbqD_n_Gm_ION4/s320/20231029_140017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confluence of Ohio and Kanawha Rivers</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The state park occupies only about a city block, but there is lots to see here. In addition to the aforementioned Mansion House, separate monuments stand to Shawnee leader Chief Cornstalk and The Magazine, where several members of the Virginia Militia are buried. The tallest monument is the Point Pleasant Monument, a stone obelisk that stands to the battle itself. Walking to the other (south) end of the park brings you to the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers and allows you to see river bridges on both rivers. After exploring the park, retrace your steps back to Riverfront Park and the floodwall door to complete the hike.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0329 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, USA38.8424916 -82.139190938.841655962881035 -82.14026378360596 38.84332723711897 -82.138118016394046tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-51837005552635224822024-01-06T21:27:00.001-05:002024-01-06T21:31:47.236-05:00Strouds Run State Park: White Pine and Vista Point Trails (Blog Hike #980)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: White Pine and Vista Point Trails<br />Hike Location: Strouds Run State Park<br />Geographic Location: east of Athens, OH (39.35180, -82.04494)<br />Length: 1.7 miles<br />Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: An out-and-back to a vista overlooking Dow Lake.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/strouds-run-state-park" target="_blank">https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/strouds-run-state-park</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949963" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949963</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY68Qeh_FZzDEkElEbTqNO84gnHQJ3n72U2_56VoB59xZqrT-ayF-GqPHpjQHuxv_9k_E2oiL7qNvMi89h9u6r22cpX6xEVHCyeeDBZ6_yNcREJ3zEC75Cy_WlJsnutYIzo92pHhyphenhyphen1HTO9sx9w3vLoDhGbHL9NZCd2UWxGMrknJ3l7wl9PVYX8c2XC17k/s4624/20231028_110455.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY68Qeh_FZzDEkElEbTqNO84gnHQJ3n72U2_56VoB59xZqrT-ayF-GqPHpjQHuxv_9k_E2oiL7qNvMi89h9u6r22cpX6xEVHCyeeDBZ6_yNcREJ3zEC75Cy_WlJsnutYIzo92pHhyphenhyphen1HTO9sx9w3vLoDhGbHL9NZCd2UWxGMrknJ3l7wl9PVYX8c2XC17k/s320/20231028_110455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming October 18)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From downtown Athens, head north on Lancaster Street. Drive Lancaster St. north 0.4 miles to Columbia Avenue. Angle softly right on Columbia Ave. After passing over US 33, turn right on Strouds Run Road. The trailhead parking area is 2.2 miles ahead on the left.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Occupying land acquired in the 1940s and 1950s for the now defunct Athens State Forest, Strouds Run State Park comprises 2606 acres in the hills and hollows east of Athens. The park is centered around Dow Lake, a 161 acre man-made lake that was built in 1960. The park is named for William Stroud, who was a shareholder in the Ohio Company of Associates. The Ohio Company was a land company in the 1700's that founded Marietta, Ohio and facilitated European and early American settlement of southeast Ohio including Athens County.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The large park offers many amenities including a 76-site developed campground, numerous picnic areas, and aquatic recreation on Dow Lake. The park is oft-frequented by students at nearby Ohio University, and some of the University's aquatic sports such as rowing train on Dow Lake. For hikers, Strouds Run State Park offers over 14 miles of trails that range in difficulty from flat lakeside strolls to long, steep routes through the hills. The hike described here leads to the park's most famous overlook while passing some other interesting sites, and it is long and hilly enough to get you going without completely wearing you out. I came here on a cool damp Saturday morning before an Ohio University football game and had a nice hike.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3osHIJIAfevaVrINk7N7DNMDCGFk24Wx3UiiJNVAbNdRmSVutYCAtRCST9j6ALYL6zHHHWS5s0B-7G4kaG5zhSGrIEn3pWfGSzdiKqtb4QjtUkXaJoPNhdMZNK-0pLAWrDm7V1dGGBBTVd8xnDn2_kGGpMynQOnE838-j4y4YXRyv80p0aNg_wvCUqaw/s4624/20231028_103142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3osHIJIAfevaVrINk7N7DNMDCGFk24Wx3UiiJNVAbNdRmSVutYCAtRCST9j6ALYL6zHHHWS5s0B-7G4kaG5zhSGrIEn3pWfGSzdiKqtb4QjtUkXaJoPNhdMZNK-0pLAWrDm7V1dGGBBTVd8xnDn2_kGGpMynQOnE838-j4y4YXRyv80p0aNg_wvCUqaw/s320/20231028_103142.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead for White Pine Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> A brown road sign that says "White Pine Trail" stands at the rear of the parking area and marks the trailhead. The narrow trail climbs steeply and reaches a trail intersection after only a few hundred feet. The trail going right leads to the mountain bike trailhead, so you need to turn left to continue climbing on the White Pine Trail. As the trail's name suggests, a large number of white pine trees </span></span>(probably planted by foresters) grow on this hillside, and in total you gain about 200 feet of elevation on this initial segment.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm6w2Xtb7IiCMBXvyJZ8O3NeIOJTprlCNzs2v3_g4U6a_1zWFjahKq1PvtOz4ynYv2hXojyaCqnTgJaaXntDCjWRkKE9o_nG9Cdmao-j6ixL1nJq0Ep3fXFN-cnPbiMW-XaCA_vO4VogsmFMRgMvnI9XwvTl7SPRjznw5fAKv0tdLoMVTXyTVNpEKmRU/s4624/20231028_103333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm6w2Xtb7IiCMBXvyJZ8O3NeIOJTprlCNzs2v3_g4U6a_1zWFjahKq1PvtOz4ynYv2hXojyaCqnTgJaaXntDCjWRkKE9o_nG9Cdmao-j6ixL1nJq0Ep3fXFN-cnPbiMW-XaCA_vO4VogsmFMRgMvnI9XwvTl7SPRjznw5fAKv0tdLoMVTXyTVNpEKmRU/s320/20231028_103333.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing steeply on the White Pine Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.3 miles, you reach the top of the ridge and a trail intersection with the Vista Point Trail, which goes left and right. A well-placed bench also sits here. To head to this park's most famous vista, turn right to begin heading east on the Vista Point Trail.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB93AkpewmnZQULZVVwa8Eq8F0V0RQfm-XhFsgAy5JU5rxuSLLAOqHcMgSkQm1We5t4VIZrQ0plQCEpc45ZJd3Pu5VamaxHxdt8azAK8FiPIhZBXIdDj4hnNiBQj9UoRhu1fP9ks7FmSrIuSLDYo7VE8tb0ZIBMGs57W4z-DvtTI1nbuicYUwp6XtAcH8/s4624/20231028_104439.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB93AkpewmnZQULZVVwa8Eq8F0V0RQfm-XhFsgAy5JU5rxuSLLAOqHcMgSkQm1We5t4VIZrQ0plQCEpc45ZJd3Pu5VamaxHxdt8azAK8FiPIhZBXIdDj4hnNiBQj9UoRhu1fP9ks7FmSrIuSLDYo7VE8tb0ZIBMGs57W4z-DvtTI1nbuicYUwp6XtAcH8/s320/20231028_104439.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Vista Point Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The Vista Point Trail is a ridge-running trail that embarks on a gently rolling course. Just past 0.4 miles, you reach an ancient burial mound that sits to the right of the trail. Experts think this mound is between 2100 and 2400 years old, and many similar mounds were built on the hills of southeast Ohio. This mound is fairly long but not very tall, and almost nobody would notice it today but for the interpretive sign.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFW1GTtKq2lEA466n_ff1yO43dqGHLI18BobkEvGgs6nV3QVHOH22op_ABGehEpsQQoGj5hmTOVZ1sPYMogEHbSj1KwqqBbfXee0tZ971nsRwVNmHsv5nwL0_Viv-1nUfy6d54UmVsT4IoQlgv7a1ZEtfklvK7DBng1pjAQpSRGXWkqaGJGDH3TfTLwc/s4624/20231028_104841.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFW1GTtKq2lEA466n_ff1yO43dqGHLI18BobkEvGgs6nV3QVHOH22op_ABGehEpsQQoGj5hmTOVZ1sPYMogEHbSj1KwqqBbfXee0tZ971nsRwVNmHsv5nwL0_Viv-1nUfy6d54UmVsT4IoQlgv7a1ZEtfklvK7DBng1pjAQpSRGXWkqaGJGDH3TfTLwc/s320/20231028_104841.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient burial mound</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail meanders its way east along the top of the increasingly narrow ridge. M</span></span></span>aple and pine trees dominate this ridge at first, but more oak trees appear as you approach the end of the ridge. Just shy of 0.9 miles, you reach this park's most famous vista. While this vista peeps through a narrow window in the tree branches, you can see Dow Lake, the park's main lake, below surrounded by several ridges. I came here in late October just after peak leaf color, and some remaining reds and yellows brightened the hillsides.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY68Qeh_FZzDEkElEbTqNO84gnHQJ3n72U2_56VoB59xZqrT-ayF-GqPHpjQHuxv_9k_E2oiL7qNvMi89h9u6r22cpX6xEVHCyeeDBZ6_yNcREJ3zEC75Cy_WlJsnutYIzo92pHhyphenhyphen1HTO9sx9w3vLoDhGbHL9NZCd2UWxGMrknJ3l7wl9PVYX8c2XC17k/s4624/20231028_110455.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY68Qeh_FZzDEkElEbTqNO84gnHQJ3n72U2_56VoB59xZqrT-ayF-GqPHpjQHuxv_9k_E2oiL7qNvMi89h9u6r22cpX6xEVHCyeeDBZ6_yNcREJ3zEC75Cy_WlJsnutYIzo92pHhyphenhyphen1HTO9sx9w3vLoDhGbHL9NZCd2UWxGMrknJ3l7wl9PVYX8c2XC17k/s320/20231028_110455.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vista of Dow Lake</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> From this overlook, 2 options to get back to the trailhead present themselves. The Vista Point Trail switches back to descend the steep and rocky hillside and intersect the Thunderbunny Trail, a mountain bike trail that leads west back toward the parking area that contains your car. I didn't feel like hiking steep terrain or sharing the trail with mountain bikes, so I simply retraced my steps back up the Vista Point Trail and down the White Pine Trail to complete my hike. The two options are about equidistant, so choose whichever one you like best.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com012353-12981 Strouds Run Rd, Athens, OH 45701, USA39.3517951 -82.04493959999999239.34515814369216 -82.053522668847648 39.358432056307834 -82.036356531152336tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-35337280469629142882024-01-03T22:03:00.001-05:002024-01-03T22:08:21.741-05:00Lake Hope State Park: Olds Hollow Trail (Blog Hike #979)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Olds Hollow Trail<br />Hike Location: Lake Hope State Park<br />Geographic Location: northeast of McArthur, OH (39.33138, -82.34008)<br />Length: 1.2 miles<br />Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A short loop passing the Hope Iron Furnace, a rock shelter, and a pioneer cemetery.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-hope-state-park" target="_blank">https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-hope-state-park</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949877" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949877</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6OXQtipcyv94JCPmNvqGgEa-Azs72tzPhbuJCzM1oOHi4rtrkXafzwPurb_C_9LGga-L0q0GBs0zmNeLULqfzWQwGKGaD-RnBJlfHtqoRmDPs5fP-XyrE9c38Tp05Rw_vkDftt3_qUGT3xOJSwrrnJ9bdSnLkO6BjGyLWcQxIlAER9A2F4bs5yXtrY4/s4624/20231027_112917.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6OXQtipcyv94JCPmNvqGgEa-Azs72tzPhbuJCzM1oOHi4rtrkXafzwPurb_C_9LGga-L0q0GBs0zmNeLULqfzWQwGKGaD-RnBJlfHtqoRmDPs5fP-XyrE9c38Tp05Rw_vkDftt3_qUGT3xOJSwrrnJ9bdSnLkO6BjGyLWcQxIlAER9A2F4bs5yXtrY4/s320/20231027_112917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming August 30)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: East of McArthur or west of Athens, take US 50 to SR 278 or SR 677. Turn north on SR 278 or SR 677. Where SR 278 and SR 677 merge in the town of Zaleski, continue north on SR 278. Drive SR 278 north 5.1 miles from Zaleski to the parking area for Hope Iron Furnace on your left. Park here.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Often overlooked in favor of the large and famous <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2013/06/hocking-hills-state-park-grandma.html" target="_blank">Hocking Hills State Park</a> some 20 miles to the north, Lake Hope State Park actually predates the establishment of Ohio's state park system. Originally named Lake Hope Forest Park, the park was founded in 1937 by the Ohio Division of Forestry. That Division still manages 28,000 acre Zaleski State Forest, which surrounds the park. The area was broken off from the state forest and became a state park when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was founded in 1949.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Before the land became a park, the mining and lumber industries ruled this area. The Hope Iron Furnace at this trailhead produced pig iron from 1854 until 1874. During those years, iron and limestone were mined and hillsides were clear-cut to supply inputs for the furnace. After the furnace was shut down, coal was mined in this area. </span>The park and lake are named for the town of Hope, Ohio, an old mining town that existed from 1865 through 1890 and now sits under Lake Hope. Only a 1-room schoolhouse and an abandoned church remain of the town.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Today Lake Hope State Park offers surprisingly good amenities that include a lodge, boating, fishing, and swimming on Lake Hope, 2 cabins, a 189-site developed campground, and many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Among hikers the park is best known as a trailhead for the Zaleski Backpack Trail, a 23-mile loop known as the one of the best and toughest backpacking trails in Ohio. Yet the park also has 8 trails suitable for dayhiking that total over 11 miles. The Olds Hollow Trail described here is neither the longest nor shortest of this park's hiking options, but it may be the most scenic. This trail passes through a rocky gorge that is a small version of the gorges found in Hocking Hills while also letting you see some of this area's history.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6OXQtipcyv94JCPmNvqGgEa-Azs72tzPhbuJCzM1oOHi4rtrkXafzwPurb_C_9LGga-L0q0GBs0zmNeLULqfzWQwGKGaD-RnBJlfHtqoRmDPs5fP-XyrE9c38Tp05Rw_vkDftt3_qUGT3xOJSwrrnJ9bdSnLkO6BjGyLWcQxIlAER9A2F4bs5yXtrY4/s4624/20231027_112917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6OXQtipcyv94JCPmNvqGgEa-Azs72tzPhbuJCzM1oOHi4rtrkXafzwPurb_C_9LGga-L0q0GBs0zmNeLULqfzWQwGKGaD-RnBJlfHtqoRmDPs5fP-XyrE9c38Tp05Rw_vkDftt3_qUGT3xOJSwrrnJ9bdSnLkO6BjGyLWcQxIlAER9A2F4bs5yXtrY4/s320/20231027_112917.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope Iron Furnace ruins</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Before starting the hike, take a few minutes to check out the ruins of the Hope Iron Furnace, which stand on a small hill behind the parking area. When this furnace was in operation, the fire required to produce pig iron would be tended 24 hours per day. Today one stone furnace remains somewhat intact while another structure is basically a pile of rocks. The interpretive signs and historical markers that describe the site make for interesting reading.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqubyWBHFDjANyNYxyfG8LnxJG1qonQhOTFeYk0znPD8C16y8yxEptrODgee4O5WKsQ7AqQjm74k2HJlWN-oTcOLp0lDpdj0IFyzDqZbZTMyxqcRujMtF9O46yzzcUZDngosqXH1O6YgEWVXpT8vbwQz-7vog5X6ct4MqindsG4EEM2lhEntvUm3NqlDw/s4624/20231027_113432.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqubyWBHFDjANyNYxyfG8LnxJG1qonQhOTFeYk0znPD8C16y8yxEptrODgee4O5WKsQ7AqQjm74k2HJlWN-oTcOLp0lDpdj0IFyzDqZbZTMyxqcRujMtF9O46yzzcUZDngosqXH1O6YgEWVXpT8vbwQz-7vog5X6ct4MqindsG4EEM2lhEntvUm3NqlDw/s320/20231027_113432.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olds Hollow Trail trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> To start the actual hike, walk out to the state road, turn right, cross Sandy Run on the highway bridge, then look to the left for the large wooden sign marking the Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trailhead. This trailhead is one of the main trailheads for the Zaleski Backpack Trail, but it also serves the Olds Hollow Trail. After crossing a wetland area on a short wooden boardwalk, the trail curves left to begin heading east with the hillside to your right and Sandy Run's wetlands on your left.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiWw-LH9_p0PFwV5SqB_vk6Rkba-VqliW-9c4BuaRtGL2BMn83FFX5ENdXLzys8TzQAhiecW2T_QDI3rxBnzsYlUYAC3fqSdLhaUWR1LQVLku255Ap4X00SWDoWssl3-qNd5TrC9LgFK_H-6XTr1cdHtvmhnko6HIXkukwHjJfgkWmBRY_sgt6EMeV9k/s4624/20231027_113634.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiWw-LH9_p0PFwV5SqB_vk6Rkba-VqliW-9c4BuaRtGL2BMn83FFX5ENdXLzys8TzQAhiecW2T_QDI3rxBnzsYlUYAC3fqSdLhaUWR1LQVLku255Ap4X00SWDoWssl3-qNd5TrC9LgFK_H-6XTr1cdHtvmhnko6HIXkukwHjJfgkWmBRY_sgt6EMeV9k/s320/20231027_113634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the entrance trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.2 miles, you reach the signed trail intersection that forms the Olds Hollow Trail's loop. I chose to angle left here and use the trail going right as my return route, thus hiking the loop clockwise. The blue blazes of the Olds Hollow Trail and the orange blazes of the Zaleski Backpack Trail run conjointly as the singletrack dirt trail heads north. The forest is dominated by beech trees, and a woodpecker kept me company as I hiked through a light rain on a Friday morning. Occasional views of Sandy Run's wetlands can be had to the left.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WwOL5JX4oAwag0H0D8tVHbsxPN3439fZS-K3lsDxONNXen5cJFKWSQvlHx84KBHL6icXpwn0ZgbV2o63hhpnsVNspst-68cVROFIcSrj0fRwqqjRhj3M0vfqN0M6nMJ8XCONyl175fa_L04zFt9g-5y28MBr_DAihNAf1xiLUWN7NWiZPlu_ssvvS90/s4624/20231027_115317.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WwOL5JX4oAwag0H0D8tVHbsxPN3439fZS-K3lsDxONNXen5cJFKWSQvlHx84KBHL6icXpwn0ZgbV2o63hhpnsVNspst-68cVROFIcSrj0fRwqqjRhj3M0vfqN0M6nMJ8XCONyl175fa_L04zFt9g-5y28MBr_DAihNAf1xiLUWN7NWiZPlu_ssvvS90/s320/20231027_115317.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading into the hollow</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just past 0.5 miles, you reach the trail intersection where the Zaleski Backpack Trail and the Olds Hollow Trail part ways. As indicated by the blue blazes, turn right to remain on the Olds Hollow Trail. Next comes perhaps the most scenic part of this hike: the trail heads up a narrow hollow with a small rock shelter on the left. This rock shelter is small compared to <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2022/12/hocking-hills-state-park-ash-cave-blog.html" target="_blank">Ash Cave</a> or <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2022/12/hocking-hills-state-park-old-mans-cave.html" target="_blank">Old Mans Cave</a> in nearby Hocking Hills, but it is a scenic sight for almost anywhere else in Ohio.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJFFXSXMahpaz_1EPKeX0BLTkJ2TVv-PTHgJJ1CRt_aBW2okLFvY4L9ssnLey4NKOMO1z5NtLybA_82-rjZqgF23_9EoP2hPFzFFRfKoRgAvhyphenhyphenCt2KxAsoih6qeivZz3HL2tD8HQCz9weSl8UorBys2iKZGQ5pahjUdMxGucfZWLxiakpmAf9R9P0LzU/s4624/20231027_115815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJFFXSXMahpaz_1EPKeX0BLTkJ2TVv-PTHgJJ1CRt_aBW2okLFvY4L9ssnLey4NKOMO1z5NtLybA_82-rjZqgF23_9EoP2hPFzFFRfKoRgAvhyphenhyphenCt2KxAsoih6qeivZz3HL2tD8HQCz9weSl8UorBys2iKZGQ5pahjUdMxGucfZWLxiakpmAf9R9P0LzU/s320/20231027_115815.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small rock shelter</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Upon reaching the rock shelter, the trail curves right to climb steeply out of the hollow via some wooden steps. The grade quickly moderates, and in total you gain about 100 feet of elevation over less than 0.2 miles. Near the hike's highest elevation, you pass the Hope Furnace Graveyard, a pioneer cemetery where some of the workers at the iron furnace are buried. 5 headstones can be seen today, but researchers think as many as 50 people could be buried here. A bench encourages you to take a few minutes to ponder this solemn area.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkVzGN-buM0ApUt4WeX6TKTOAOe2XptLWGZnU5010lIy4-ukMaSMaBRFeUf9dgQePF8FhrE9JYiUiDGX9K4bAWAEd4AG37F4WvC3h8WqNvfv2Hm45saRG88K7khCIAHUXECcpzl8YDqX3wRDczuuR0YN2Q7Lh1rW36ADsIklD0NuTHMTB3jcuc57KXBA/s4624/20231027_120753.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkVzGN-buM0ApUt4WeX6TKTOAOe2XptLWGZnU5010lIy4-ukMaSMaBRFeUf9dgQePF8FhrE9JYiUiDGX9K4bAWAEd4AG37F4WvC3h8WqNvfv2Hm45saRG88K7khCIAHUXECcpzl8YDqX3wRDczuuR0YN2Q7Lh1rW36ADsIklD0NuTHMTB3jcuc57KXBA/s320/20231027_120753.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope Furnace Graveyard</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Past the cemetery, the trail descends on a grade similar to the one you climbed on. After crossing an unnamed small stream, the trail curves right to head out the hollow you just descended into. Just shy of 1 mile, you close the loop. Angling left retraces your steps out the entrance trail and back along SR 278 to return to the parking area and complete the hike. If you want to do more hiking, the state park's Peninsula Trail and Furnace Trail each offer 3+ mile hikes along Lake Hope, and of course the Zaleski Backpack trail offers an even longer option through the adjacent state forest.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com027331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA39.3313956 -82.340081739.328076140567731 -82.344373234423827 39.33471505943227 -82.335790165576171tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-2497121166679960952024-01-01T13:20:00.001-05:002024-01-01T13:25:13.493-05:00Wayne National Forest: Archers Fork Trail to Irish Run Natural Bridge (Blog Hike #978)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Archers Fork Trail<br />Hike Location: Wayne National Forest, St. Patrick Cemetery<br />Geographic Location: northeast of Marietta, OH (39.52388, -81.18097)<br />Length: 2.3 miles<br />Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: An out and back passing a large rock shelter en route to Irish Run Natural Bridge.<br />Trail Information: <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/wayne/recarea/?recid=10344" target="_blank">https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/wayne/recarea/?recid=10344</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949804" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949804</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtswR-2sYOVYXY4dkqEjXAqnrx3rQCjFl95KmWtjH6BtkW3szmK3qi53e5fqT7sYGt1w6HjoAhyphenhyphen0NY43wbwc8f09QTPWksdpaSeEViqV5-B-1IkDLAQaw1oBmOpt6k5qP5PEJ7U1iATS4YUOZix_eBwZxtliaNPhDlu9j2Or3MxCIGPOcgQWExDOLtz8/s4624/20231026_111716.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtswR-2sYOVYXY4dkqEjXAqnrx3rQCjFl95KmWtjH6BtkW3szmK3qi53e5fqT7sYGt1w6HjoAhyphenhyphen0NY43wbwc8f09QTPWksdpaSeEViqV5-B-1IkDLAQaw1oBmOpt6k5qP5PEJ7U1iATS4YUOZix_eBwZxtliaNPhDlu9j2Or3MxCIGPOcgQWExDOLtz8/s320/20231026_111716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming March 14, 2025)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From Marietta, take SR 26 northeast 24.7 winding miles to SR 260 and turn right on SR 260. Drive SR 260 east 2.9 miles to Township Road 34 and turn right on TR 34. TR 34 becomes gravel just before you reach the signed turnoff for the Archers Fork Trailhead on your left. Turn left and drive the trailhead access road, which is marked on some maps as TR 411, to the trailhead at St. Patrick's Cemetery. There is room for 3 or 4 cars at the cemetery/trailhead parking area.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: I first learned of Wayne National Forest's Archers Fork Trail in 1997 when I read my first hiking book: <i>50 Hikes in Ohio</i>, a classic multi-edition work by Ralph Ramey and the inspiration for all of the trail writing I have ever done. Ramey wrote highly of the rustic and remote hills through which this trail passes, and I quickly added this trail to the list of Ohio trails I wanted to hike. At long last, more than 25 years later I drove up the steep, narrow gravel road that leads to this trailhead. The hike was every bit as good as I had hoped.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> On its own merit, the Archers Fork Trail is widely regarded as one of the best (but not longest) backpacking options in Ohio. The trail forms a 14 mile loop that goes up and down multiple steep ridges, and several creeks will need to be waded during normal water levels. For dayhikers such as I, the out-and-back to Irish Run Natural Bridge described here makes for a perfect short hike. Irish Run Natural Bridge is one of the largest natural bridges in Ohio, and this segment of the Archers Fork Trail gives you a taste of the full trail without overwhelming you with distance or difficulty.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingTC_DNEV1B9fGPvWyBGhuOuVSvlDhyphenhyphen5MwTG0PZnlyX1yPtxoHxDpqg5RjfyXQExsmtuMbEehNNX3a685JOzt38rvLriP6wrMnD5DIQC8plALjl2N32l8ZFNfdYWuAaTbF8yJnbXVADzOYaLf2_asZCRM1SQXr5JMmqxEUC2OsXkjAu_sWi3Px7n6yVI/s4624/20231026_103339.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingTC_DNEV1B9fGPvWyBGhuOuVSvlDhyphenhyphen5MwTG0PZnlyX1yPtxoHxDpqg5RjfyXQExsmtuMbEehNNX3a685JOzt38rvLriP6wrMnD5DIQC8plALjl2N32l8ZFNfdYWuAaTbF8yJnbXVADzOYaLf2_asZCRM1SQXr5JMmqxEUC2OsXkjAu_sWi3Px7n6yVI/s320/20231026_103339.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Cemetery Trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The signed trailhead is located at the northwest corner of St. Patrick's Cemetery, which is a surprisingly modern cemetery for such a rustic area: St. Patrick's Cemetery has 185 headstones with dates ranging from 1849 to 2020. The single track dirt trail heads east with the cemetery on your right. This trail is marked with both yellow/orange plastic diamonds and powder blue rectangles painted on trees. A metal pipe partially buried in the ground runs beside the trail here.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvRKlZe3ZsbyBcTTTQ_PCNgzwjaX-OMihVJmGe9bsF0Jxr-FnIjTgcFTWE-HlBTAeuWBl_ATD-c0S3h65Nu5rLXT6XAuF-2jFysoK0Y35YObbf9KC38WLrwUjBqCnZVx-n9ZT9rikeZflWaaJEs8zZvKKRBp39Lwcv7OXWMkZHT0nzKiAzslF5ouL3BE/s4624/20231026_104346.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvRKlZe3ZsbyBcTTTQ_PCNgzwjaX-OMihVJmGe9bsF0Jxr-FnIjTgcFTWE-HlBTAeuWBl_ATD-c0S3h65Nu5rLXT6XAuF-2jFysoK0Y35YObbf9KC38WLrwUjBqCnZVx-n9ZT9rikeZflWaaJEs8zZvKKRBp39Lwcv7OXWMkZHT0nzKiAzslF5ouL3BE/s320/20231026_104346.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Archers Fork Trail's loop</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After 0.3 miles of fairly flat ridgetop walking, you reach the trail intersection that forms the loop portion of the Archers Fork Trail. As directed by a wooden sign, turn right for the shortest route to Irish Run Natural Bridge. The trail descends steeply down the west side of the ridge, and you will lose about 200 feet of elevation over the next 0.2 miles. Maple trees are the most common trees in this forest, and their leaves were a brilliant shade of yellow when I hiked here in late October.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGrx2G3Se1A9EHwMYAENvhDtNlUUQo-4qimHA7FwHgdJvBcIU8mKdob8Zqh2xoP5s9yuSame8AFCgG-xcTv3UpWpc4E_acShFkNB3wiF_ETc8tAUQbceK1ElPeeqPQaINL6S_8ok1h8ZPg3Ci1JzE20uRG6aMkkdzA8dFDBuewSX4kRBvvrHNW1m6aWU/s4624/20231026_103602.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGrx2G3Se1A9EHwMYAENvhDtNlUUQo-4qimHA7FwHgdJvBcIU8mKdob8Zqh2xoP5s9yuSame8AFCgG-xcTv3UpWpc4E_acShFkNB3wiF_ETc8tAUQbceK1ElPeeqPQaINL6S_8ok1h8ZPg3Ci1JzE20uRG6aMkkdzA8dFDBuewSX4kRBvvrHNW1m6aWU/s320/20231026_103602.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in the fall</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just past 0.5 miles, you reach the top of a large rock shelter. Peering down into the shelter, you can see an established fire ring beneath the shelter, but the steep spur trail to get to the floor of the shelter was too steep for me to attempt while hiking alone. The main trail continues by circling the upper reaches of the ravine and heading south along the ravine's west wall. The hillside is very steep here, and some sections of the sidehill trail are quite narrow.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68tIvbfjbCw_FgQzlaZ7AY2vc8hnUC9T31RZFLOikk63aJyfbbvbIdhMZ83Mrfn0R4ZKXsPWnkWJBa01Z_T8L0QGh5tgcjTBtHqLrQIzRnUe_N92fLJU0hspRkgiJUtjJpKjy6BCisoNc4TNeJW3WBXbXsKEGXojQIXQGz93QnxQNZgpzFu8t7CKK_WE/s4624/20231026_105548.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68tIvbfjbCw_FgQzlaZ7AY2vc8hnUC9T31RZFLOikk63aJyfbbvbIdhMZ83Mrfn0R4ZKXsPWnkWJBa01Z_T8L0QGh5tgcjTBtHqLrQIzRnUe_N92fLJU0hspRkgiJUtjJpKjy6BCisoNc4TNeJW3WBXbXsKEGXojQIXQGz93QnxQNZgpzFu8t7CKK_WE/s320/20231026_105548.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock shelter, as seen from above</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 1.1 miles into the hike, you reach the signed spur trail that exits left to Irish Run Natural Bridge, which is reached only a couple hundred feet later. At 51 feet long, 19 feet wide, 16 feet thick, and 39 feet high, this sandstone bridge is one of the largest natural bridges in Ohio. The spur trail approaches the bridge at the top of its north support. The trail to the base of the bridge seemed too steep for me to descend safely, so I enjoyed the view looking down under the bridge from above.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtswR-2sYOVYXY4dkqEjXAqnrx3rQCjFl95KmWtjH6BtkW3szmK3qi53e5fqT7sYGt1w6HjoAhyphenhyphen0NY43wbwc8f09QTPWksdpaSeEViqV5-B-1IkDLAQaw1oBmOpt6k5qP5PEJ7U1iATS4YUOZix_eBwZxtliaNPhDlu9j2Or3MxCIGPOcgQWExDOLtz8/s4624/20231026_111716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtswR-2sYOVYXY4dkqEjXAqnrx3rQCjFl95KmWtjH6BtkW3szmK3qi53e5fqT7sYGt1w6HjoAhyphenhyphen0NY43wbwc8f09QTPWksdpaSeEViqV5-B-1IkDLAQaw1oBmOpt6k5qP5PEJ7U1iATS4YUOZix_eBwZxtliaNPhDlu9j2Or3MxCIGPOcgQWExDOLtz8/s320/20231026_111716.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Run Natural Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The entire 14 mile loop is too long for a comfortable dayhike. Thus, I turned around at the bridge and retraced my steps to the St. Patrick's Cemetery Trailhead to complete my hike. Alternatively, continuing another 0.2 miles past the bridge would bring you to a crossing of Township Road 411, which is the continuation of the last road you drove uphill to the trailhead. Therefore, you could form a loop by continuing to the road and turning right to walk the road back to the trailhead. Be warned that the road is rough, heavily rutted, and eroded if you choose that option.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com09 St Patrick Cemetery Rd, Matamoras, OH 45767, USA39.5238759 -81.180959739.5205656958203 -81.185251234423831 39.5271861041797 -81.176668165576174tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-82525683226608188162023-12-29T14:01:00.002-05:002024-01-02T12:41:17.479-05:0061 New Hikes in 2023!<div style="text-align: left;">I have a few more hikes to post from my October hiking trip to Ohio, but the turning of the calendar says it is time for my annual summary and reflection post. 2023 was a great year on the trail with God's creation in its natural state. We did 61 new hikes in 2023, a new record for number of new hikes in a year. Those 61 hikes covered 155.9 miles of trails across 24 different states. Major hiking destinations covered in 2023 included <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2023/03/cumberland-island-national-seashore-sea.html" target="_blank">Cumberland Island National Seashore</a> in coastal Georgia (I had waited almost 20 years to hike there), <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2023/10/mount-greylock-state-reservation-jones.html" target="_blank">Mount Greylock State Reservation</a>, the highest point in Massachusetts, <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2023/10/taconic-state-park-copake-iron-works-to.html" target="_blank">Bash Bish Falls and adjacent Taconic State Park</a> on the New York/Massachusetts line, and <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2023/12/warren-dunes-state-park-dunesbeach-loop.html" target="_blank">Warren Dunes State Park</a> on the shore of Lake Michigan. We also completed our goal of visiting and hiking in every state park in Georgia. I went through a difficult and major life change in 2022, but the first year of my "new life" has been a prolific one on the trail.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking ahead to 2024, we have a long hiking trip to southern California scheduled for early in the year. Blog Hike #1000 will probably happen out west in the middle of that trip, which will check off one of my long term goals set many years ago: 1000 blog hikes before I turn 50 years old. We will also spend quite a bit of time in Indiana next year with the goal being to finish visiting and hiking in every state park in Indiana; we have hiked in about half of Indiana's state parks already, so we will try to do the other half in 2024. We should also have our usual trips to Ohio and Tennessee. I am looking forward to another great year on the trail in 2024!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As always, I want to thank you for reading the posts and watching the videos here at Parking Full Time. Your views, comments, subscriptions, and likes encourage me to keep this project going. I'll see you on the trail in 2024!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy new year, take care, and Lord bless,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">David Prager, aka Big Dave, the Parks Professor</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2023 Summary and Reflection Video (recorded at <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2013/06/lake-hartwell-state-recreation-area.html" target="_blank">Lake Hartwell State Park</a> in South Carolina):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oij9n0IS2os" width="320" youtube-src-id="oij9n0IS2os"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-54613548284926172882023-12-28T21:52:00.001-05:002023-12-28T21:57:51.855-05:00North Bend State Park: Hibbs Cemetery and Nature Trails (Blog Hike #977)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Hibbs Cemetery and Nature Trails<br />Hike Location: North Bend State Park<br />Geographic Location: east of Parkersburg, WV (39.22497, -81.10469)<br />Length: 3.7 miles<br />Difficulty: 8/10 (Moderate/Difficult)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A loop hike over hills and along the North Fork of the Hughes River.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://wvstateparks.com/park/north-bend-state-park/" target="_blank">https://wvstateparks.com/park/north-bend-state-park/</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949744" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949744</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN2BZHXFgGGHhAQLUBY6-IjoOhkJpeFt4W3FUub5MYn0O1kgTnGzerFZVnxlUbh8WUejcfWWsszt9O-_KIWDa43wmaGu3kBbdswb7QQT-hLKOxLEDep9hb3NHK2PtCcDCtxSNPFJOJ1jtMDZjrLrceACq6CEzBHk_48gdG8RzHCXlPGeXukHNUq2VmJc/s4624/20231025_124532.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN2BZHXFgGGHhAQLUBY6-IjoOhkJpeFt4W3FUub5MYn0O1kgTnGzerFZVnxlUbh8WUejcfWWsszt9O-_KIWDa43wmaGu3kBbdswb7QQT-hLKOxLEDep9hb3NHK2PtCcDCtxSNPFJOJ1jtMDZjrLrceACq6CEzBHk_48gdG8RzHCXlPGeXukHNUq2VmJc/s320/20231025_124532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming June 21)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: In northern West Virginia, take I-77 to US 50 (exit 179). Exit and go east on US 50. Drive US 50 east 18 miles to SR 31 and turn right on SR 31. Drive SR 31 south 5 miles, passing through the town of Cairo along the way, to Low Gap Road. Turn left on Low Gap Rd. Low Gap Rd. deadends at a 4-way stop at the park entrance in 3.3 miles. Continue straight to enter the park, then drive the main park road 1.2 miles downhill to the River View Campground, where this hike begins.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Most state parks located on shores of man-made reservoirs were built at the same time as their lakes, but such is not the case with North Bend State Park. The park dates to 1951, when the West Virginia State Legislature authorized the purchase of 1405 acres of depleted oil and natural gas fields. The park opened a few years later, but North Bend Lake was not built until 2002. The plain-looking concrete dam that forms the lake can be seen in the eastern end of the park today.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> In addition to aquatic activities on the lake, the park offers a cozy 29-room lodge, a 49-site developed campground, a swimming pool, a picnic area, and access to the <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2022/12/north-bend-rail-trail-cairo-to-silver.html" target="_blank">North Bend Rail Trail</a>, a 74-mile bike trail built atop an abandoned railroad grade. The park also offers several miles of hiking and mountain bike trails in a part of West Virginia with few quality hiking options. Most people view the park's Nature Trail as its best trail, and this hike combines the Nature Trail with one of its spurs to form a challenging and primitive 3.7 mile loop. Be warned that many parts of this trail are hard to discern on the ground, so do not attempt this hike without a park trail map and good route-finding skills.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiN-j5uv57fHUVzrF8IiHIAHWO6LtyNOwcc_Lxek3U7aN7rEsot83XM8JSOt_hl9xHlTtygFzOJKtltPcjxsMQLSFwBdt68oJE4yYwBHy7FpJs4HD6PemlDx-9qzotxvQ431GsgWXISBWCNsgKxHh6TY9e9d4S2ox7aoSvX6vt-Hr_ywiD6cYiXZ6Hbk/s4624/20231025_110719.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiN-j5uv57fHUVzrF8IiHIAHWO6LtyNOwcc_Lxek3U7aN7rEsot83XM8JSOt_hl9xHlTtygFzOJKtltPcjxsMQLSFwBdt68oJE4yYwBHy7FpJs4HD6PemlDx-9qzotxvQ431GsgWXISBWCNsgKxHh6TY9e9d4S2ox7aoSvX6vt-Hr_ywiD6cYiXZ6Hbk/s320/20231025_110719.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Hibbs Cemetery Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> This hike starts on the Hibbs Cemetery Trail, which begins at a small wooden sign behind the River View Campground check-in building. The Hibbs Cemetery Trail is marked with blue plastic diamonds, and it begins climbing a narrow finger ridge on a moderate to steep grade. This finger ridge separates the developed and primitive parts of the River View Campground, so camping areas exist downhill on both sides of this ridge.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglngKfc-2ilW_Z_HYG06HbUCYXpT8ZcEP9T66iKcHsG3EJGO5QpIg8bvQlc0wULhOg9GbMO-myxK4DglS5i4DxGQlq-Oq9wgJcCXo3LOZ1jL0tPv20JBIM6NJZ4gpfC_2GK_gHmaWUjvlW6-J8L8L0bXNdwp1nYHt-jW94Rqlgpav1BrVQHCicXScA-pk/s4624/20231025_111001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglngKfc-2ilW_Z_HYG06HbUCYXpT8ZcEP9T66iKcHsG3EJGO5QpIg8bvQlc0wULhOg9GbMO-myxK4DglS5i4DxGQlq-Oq9wgJcCXo3LOZ1jL0tPv20JBIM6NJZ4gpfC_2GK_gHmaWUjvlW6-J8L8L0bXNdwp1nYHt-jW94Rqlgpav1BrVQHCicXScA-pk/s320/20231025_111001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulders along Hibbs Cemetery Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail stays near the top of the ridge as it passes some large boulders and rock outcrops. The trail map indicates that Hibbs Cemetery sits in this area, but I either could not find it or walked past it unawares. At 0.5 miles, you reach a trail intersection as the park's lodge comes into sight on the right. The Hibbs Cemetery Trail ends here. To continue this hike, turn left and cross over a small hill to reach the </span></span></span>4-way stop road intersection at the park entrance; you drove through this intersection on the way in. Walk diagonally across the intersection to pick up the Nature Trail, which you will follow for the rest of this hike.</div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rN9WYj61tui-8U9eyvcbHr3Ip4aAMq6ETdrE9lqaMp_BFvXXSI1v83Y80zH7Cahjl4SKDqKRQn1ckvfHcuGJwBmoiaR1Ooi6XLLZhV1D7CgtsDSvyrO5-GOMMJaJm0RMD9t4yvVcgJ2UWA8xzLZmAbCi-fXrCGHhwLT1STolqBEe1rvQC2jX9cEult0/s4624/20231025_114122.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rN9WYj61tui-8U9eyvcbHr3Ip4aAMq6ETdrE9lqaMp_BFvXXSI1v83Y80zH7Cahjl4SKDqKRQn1ckvfHcuGJwBmoiaR1Ooi6XLLZhV1D7CgtsDSvyrO5-GOMMJaJm0RMD9t4yvVcgJ2UWA8xzLZmAbCi-fXrCGHhwLT1STolqBEe1rvQC2jX9cEult0/s320/20231025_114122.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joining the Nature Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Marked with orange plastic diamonds, the Nature Trail heads into a narrow strip of woods with park roads above you to the left and below you to the right. When I hiked here, the Nature Trail as shown in the park map was overgrown and practically impassible, so I ended up hiking an unmarked and unofficial trail that stays well below the top of the ridge. This choice reduced the length and elevation gain of this hike, but I rejoined the Nature Trail at 1.2 miles into my hike. I have learned over the years that trail maintenance can be an issue in West Virginia's state parks, and this is one place where that issue comes to the forefront.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtscpU3Sh_RzHDhvsDEFVZZH1H0TW-N2h2r7jpsB-BpQasB6Afk9DsAHsW9rBuoJ_LJ1Asaj7Bxy-55C5yIn9-iEf8Ndnc5aKhVPSFbOwIdujgRZHmlbumx7R8qZhnkPCPYr0yvcIDt93axqDm3jFk2dZ91MmaiDO79AGoVUQ1lAqQmlkmNGq2v4jPvN0/s4624/20231025_121305.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtscpU3Sh_RzHDhvsDEFVZZH1H0TW-N2h2r7jpsB-BpQasB6Afk9DsAHsW9rBuoJ_LJ1Asaj7Bxy-55C5yIn9-iEf8Ndnc5aKhVPSFbOwIdujgRZHmlbumx7R8qZhnkPCPYr0yvcIDt93axqDm3jFk2dZ91MmaiDO79AGoVUQ1lAqQmlkmNGq2v4jPvN0/s320/20231025_121305.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Nature Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> A moderate to steep downgrade brings you to a park road crossing at 1.4 miles. Next comes a surprisingly flat section of trail that treads through nice forest as you partially circle a low knob on the left. Beech and maple are the most common trees in this forest, and this section of trail is really quite pleasant.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s0FpP00nDjly1MBnA8OwKNEcqLGv5ADifuRxjbsPY2IeUbNNLK6Ku4X620dZiVPbDpnZohpI9pJRH7Swd3rD_85Js44ko5B4hADYS7tjJqlMWQc_bLIE0e2jI5A-U6957-YqYztL2IipmAaTGqCVfkPuM_hyphenhyphenEZY3nSJ3aK5Hxea8YL_l6M0pkJpp3wU/s4624/20231025_124236.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s0FpP00nDjly1MBnA8OwKNEcqLGv5ADifuRxjbsPY2IeUbNNLK6Ku4X620dZiVPbDpnZohpI9pJRH7Swd3rD_85Js44ko5B4hADYS7tjJqlMWQc_bLIE0e2jI5A-U6957-YqYztL2IipmAaTGqCVfkPuM_hyphenhyphenEZY3nSJ3aK5Hxea8YL_l6M0pkJpp3wU/s320/20231025_124236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grassy area along river</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just shy of 2 miles into the hike, the flat section ends as you begin a steep switchbacking descent to the North Fork Hughes River. This section of trail has recently been rerouted, and orange plastic diamonds seem to be everywhere here. You cross a tiny stream without the aid of a bridge before finally making it to the river bank at 2.4 miles. The riverside area has a thick grassy groundcover, and you will have to rely on the orange plastic diamonds to stay on the trail: it is indistinguishable from the surrounding forest in this area.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN2BZHXFgGGHhAQLUBY6-IjoOhkJpeFt4W3FUub5MYn0O1kgTnGzerFZVnxlUbh8WUejcfWWsszt9O-_KIWDa43wmaGu3kBbdswb7QQT-hLKOxLEDep9hb3NHK2PtCcDCtxSNPFJOJ1jtMDZjrLrceACq6CEzBHk_48gdG8RzHCXlPGeXukHNUq2VmJc/s4624/20231025_124532.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN2BZHXFgGGHhAQLUBY6-IjoOhkJpeFt4W3FUub5MYn0O1kgTnGzerFZVnxlUbh8WUejcfWWsszt9O-_KIWDa43wmaGu3kBbdswb7QQT-hLKOxLEDep9hb3NHK2PtCcDCtxSNPFJOJ1jtMDZjrLrceACq6CEzBHk_48gdG8RzHCXlPGeXukHNUq2VmJc/s320/20231025_124532.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Fork Hughes River</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The scenic riverside area lasts only a few hundred feet before you begin the steep climb away from the river. Ignore the Tanker Run Spur Trail, which exits right, and keep following the orange plastic diamonds to remain on the Nature Trail. At 2.65 miles, you reach picnic shelter #1 at </span>the top of the ridge. Restrooms are available here, and this shelter makes a nice place to rest and enjoy a trail snack before beginning the final leg of the hike.</div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_f6QfwEqh71DKDYjVzcdjO0Ay3y5uTuC5D6UsE3yCT2ixS3LeZC1OXsvMJb6xgmRjsPOxP-POgMeuFQUnrAAndN0byORxN5adMeokhGbCOgwGQkjIuY711GAUQ3yHujHSBh9sNJSO2F7MdyAwozaIhUQKpEIGp06TbDRkniO3tVGO06iqGrkmvgq8p2g/s4624/20231025_131332.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_f6QfwEqh71DKDYjVzcdjO0Ay3y5uTuC5D6UsE3yCT2ixS3LeZC1OXsvMJb6xgmRjsPOxP-POgMeuFQUnrAAndN0byORxN5adMeokhGbCOgwGQkjIuY711GAUQ3yHujHSBh9sNJSO2F7MdyAwozaIhUQKpEIGp06TbDRkniO3tVGO06iqGrkmvgq8p2g/s320/20231025_131332.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic Shelter #1</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Next the trail passes through a steep and narrow ravine to reach picnic shelter #2. Another steep descent on narrow trail drops you below the rock cliffs and returns you to the river at 3 miles. Some Canada geese greeted me along this section of the river.</span></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBtxdkC2-lbl7j41rJL8QezhLPQeI29TNiq37sbEk9T4Cin1vFkynPq0j8zSY61W0Rd5rZArlQ3v9PQPc8nKDZ5bhNeN6_JxjxqmiKcN6wHnMVSutOhEOe0bEoh5vZcKRgimgD6rAinAwC9X_Dkt75PG7V02yhhsbEchmFOUksZj-yt71OqJ90PTELkU/s4624/20231025_133932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBtxdkC2-lbl7j41rJL8QezhLPQeI29TNiq37sbEk9T4Cin1vFkynPq0j8zSY61W0Rd5rZArlQ3v9PQPc8nKDZ5bhNeN6_JxjxqmiKcN6wHnMVSutOhEOe0bEoh5vZcKRgimgD6rAinAwC9X_Dkt75PG7V02yhhsbEchmFOUksZj-yt71OqJ90PTELkU/s320/20231025_133932.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking along the river</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The balance of the hike uses narrow trail that treads sometimes near the river and sometimes along the bluff high above the river. A couple parts of this trail cling perilously to the hillside. A final switchback brings you down to the primitive campground, where a left turn on the park road will bring you back to the campground check-in station to complete the hike.</span><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com01280 Main Park Rd, Cairo, WV 26337, USA39.2249599 -81.104684439.224128767785416 -81.105757283605953 39.225791032214588 -81.103611516394039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-57728138450097869902023-12-22T23:22:00.004-05:002023-12-22T23:28:45.581-05:00Shawnee State Park: Lookout Trail (Blog Hike #976)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Lookout Trail<br />Hike Location: Shawnee State Park<br />Geographic Location: west of Portsmouth, OH (38.72549, -83.17625)<br />Length: 1.6 miles<br />Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A loop hike to an overgrown lookout.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-park" target="_blank">https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-park</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949700" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949700</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB_Ih2ysEijHoWE2qTDNbvIEgqkjxBmejK7OHaSFtCBXY7ut9KnDu47VVNN_gLQOs6uZ8hk7dqSSG4mGT8VanNJ3GbZau8-P4iOgir0ntu1_0lf6aqrMtPenLDKFxKMSrxmdyGKyGoDq6jVelAOgfZgccSx4roWE1sr6v0YmSKWfKzgTt85imeCKI9lw/s4624/20231024_130318.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB_Ih2ysEijHoWE2qTDNbvIEgqkjxBmejK7OHaSFtCBXY7ut9KnDu47VVNN_gLQOs6uZ8hk7dqSSG4mGT8VanNJ3GbZau8-P4iOgir0ntu1_0lf6aqrMtPenLDKFxKMSrxmdyGKyGoDq6jVelAOgfZgccSx4roWE1sr6v0YmSKWfKzgTt85imeCKI9lw/s320/20231024_130318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming August 2)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From Portsmouth, take US 52 west 6.6 miles to SR 125 and turn right on SR 125. Drive SR 125 west 4.8 miles to Mackletree Road and turn left on Mackletree Rd. The parking lot for the Lookout Trail is 0.3 miles ahead on the left.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Often referred to as Ohio's "little smokies," a reference to the steep and massive Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, Shawnee State Park is located on Ohio's land of greatest relief. The State of Ohio acquired the park's land in 1922 and named it the Theodore Roosevelt State Game Preserve, making it one of the oldest public parklands in Ohio. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked to improve the park in the 1930's, and it officially became a state park after the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1949.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Shawnee State Park has many fine amenities. The park is centered around a pair of lakes formed by two dams on the same stream: Roosevelt Lake and Turkey Creek Lake. The lakes offer the usual aquatic recreation, and the park also has a marina </span>on the Ohio River at a separate nearby unit. A wild disc golf course plays up and down the steep hills, and the park had a ball golf course until it closed in 2019.</div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrzJzMne-zq3BdPp32B7PYpfIWW5J7F3FHdSjHhyphenhyphenZ6JGTCTLYjqomeS_PP9B8xeU1Nh8otKpEsOYwEU2Bq5VomHa5nLC2tyvyEH2UBPdHTI_rwEUEwbeTEcXYNePBGpcVDiXJTidz__HtFOViDo5v5fviAqfUu5gR6UtfJBC2ogbso9GbB6XapA8bRjY/s4624/20231024_134248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrzJzMne-zq3BdPp32B7PYpfIWW5J7F3FHdSjHhyphenhyphenZ6JGTCTLYjqomeS_PP9B8xeU1Nh8otKpEsOYwEU2Bq5VomHa5nLC2tyvyEH2UBPdHTI_rwEUEwbeTEcXYNePBGpcVDiXJTidz__HtFOViDo5v5fviAqfUu5gR6UtfJBC2ogbso9GbB6XapA8bRjY/s320/20231024_134248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosevelt Lake, near the trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Although Shawnee State Park has only 1095 acres, it is surrounded by 69,603 acre Shawnee State Forest, which is by far Ohio's largest state forest. Thus, the park feels much larger and more remote than it actually is. Shawnee State Forest is known for its long, primitive, and very rugged backpacking trails that provide some of the toughest hiking Ohio has to offer. Though nowhere near the length or difficulty of the backpacking trails, the Lookout Trail described here starts in Shawnee State Park but quickly enters the state forest. Thus, it gives you a taste of what hiking is like in this area without overwhelming you with distance or difficulty.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitytO5pRVyub8Xn8H2xAfaRXyJlo5PTPeETobBuvoH25peP4fXOuwDCjLJ4gkqcOByMnJvSKpBtd8KFnDQXoYe16K4juiAGA7EvxTIBS5D4IMZUe0ZHcBQ8AUfIytNnBwsIXwTF2gitRHymtFhw_zhx1Xev2b4wIHjazSrIfscUcvgxJTj2IkKJ-EZ7Rc/s4624/20231024_122957.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitytO5pRVyub8Xn8H2xAfaRXyJlo5PTPeETobBuvoH25peP4fXOuwDCjLJ4gkqcOByMnJvSKpBtd8KFnDQXoYe16K4juiAGA7EvxTIBS5D4IMZUe0ZHcBQ8AUfIytNnBwsIXwTF2gitRHymtFhw_zhx1Xev2b4wIHjazSrIfscUcvgxJTj2IkKJ-EZ7Rc/s320/20231024_122957.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Lookout Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> A small sign and trail map mark the trailhead for the Lookout Trail. Marked with painted pink triangles, the wide single-track dirt Lookout Trail begins climbing through dense forest on a moderate but persistent grade. The forest here is dominated by </span></span>beech and oak trees, and the fall colors were near peak when I hiked here in late October.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kqpBvoWfHoMEMdxQJvGM2HyzRplidt1fUc6KQwpbUEb19rcfHnctACqLq6-aEn7i-vspTidBE1z822W0TxTNqcYE3_zIgfNNv4R1bLYEoX02Wfg5FwQIZGvRIWNjIuvZyQtgFnP9RKnwb3kWPy71Yeuprg3TiQpsoxWWbIlrA4BttDC9fCn1FxZKU_w/s4624/20231024_123220.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kqpBvoWfHoMEMdxQJvGM2HyzRplidt1fUc6KQwpbUEb19rcfHnctACqLq6-aEn7i-vspTidBE1z822W0TxTNqcYE3_zIgfNNv4R1bLYEoX02Wfg5FwQIZGvRIWNjIuvZyQtgFnP9RKnwb3kWPy71Yeuprg3TiQpsoxWWbIlrA4BttDC9fCn1FxZKU_w/s320/20231024_123220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing on the Lookout Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just past 0.2 miles, the trail curves left to cross a small creek on a wooden footbridge. Next comes something unexpected: a gradual descent. You never get back down to lake level, and a few hundred feet later the trail curves right to continue the moderate climb. This section of trail crosses back and forth between Shawnee State Park and Shawnee State Forest; the transitions are both unmarked and unnoticeable.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i4NdvyWIsMIWUrPfknxgDen-V3XV9mWlPaGR94cUvFnQHtwaa8OOKmVH6NXhg2HInOUIdf7NAjiv2WLPjZPKVjTAEHqZFF0n6_kgLmFGTcJbQlt4OynpJJLGIN5rRnJyj7B0F0caYNAUCzefutI1bahD-1YYb5Zrz0RQDVT6z1siBs2tIv7-HiB1byc/s4624/20231024_123932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i4NdvyWIsMIWUrPfknxgDen-V3XV9mWlPaGR94cUvFnQHtwaa8OOKmVH6NXhg2HInOUIdf7NAjiv2WLPjZPKVjTAEHqZFF0n6_kgLmFGTcJbQlt4OynpJJLGIN5rRnJyj7B0F0caYNAUCzefutI1bahD-1YYb5Zrz0RQDVT6z1siBs2tIv7-HiB1byc/s320/20231024_123932.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing a small creek</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Two switchbacks bring you to a trail intersection at 0.6 miles with options going softly left and sharply right. We will take the trail going right eventually, but first angle left to quickly reach the lookout for which this trail is named. Sadly, this north-facing "lookout" high above Roosevelt Lake is very overgrown, and these days it offers almost no view. The excellent wooden shelter with a bench still offers a nice place to rest after the hardest part of the climb.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB_Ih2ysEijHoWE2qTDNbvIEgqkjxBmejK7OHaSFtCBXY7ut9KnDu47VVNN_gLQOs6uZ8hk7dqSSG4mGT8VanNJ3GbZau8-P4iOgir0ntu1_0lf6aqrMtPenLDKFxKMSrxmdyGKyGoDq6jVelAOgfZgccSx4roWE1sr6v0YmSKWfKzgTt85imeCKI9lw/s4624/20231024_130318.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB_Ih2ysEijHoWE2qTDNbvIEgqkjxBmejK7OHaSFtCBXY7ut9KnDu47VVNN_gLQOs6uZ8hk7dqSSG4mGT8VanNJ3GbZau8-P4iOgir0ntu1_0lf6aqrMtPenLDKFxKMSrxmdyGKyGoDq6jVelAOgfZgccSx4roWE1sr6v0YmSKWfKzgTt85imeCKI9lw/s320/20231024_130318.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookout on the Lookout Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Back on the main Lookout Trail, the climb continues but at a more gradual rate before topping out at 0.8 miles about 100 feet below the top of this hill. Next the trail curves right and begins a gradual descent. The forest is beautiful here, but rocky and rooty trail ensures that you need to mind where you step.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliGv5GqwF1LB9ppBokexgKSbOgAWL1PmLDBtSoekBulLLjzr8Q2yuchLABtTV6kh_F6ECc1HcWNNwckELbQHaZHUGX_iFB4-JnjgzwxCH5z1Fy9g-K8ExC273KjMUZXwSfIs4zLGbS1pyT_3aFtfeM_QdEyS77LRhTt79Qs0T_LSbhPePbE_UbKYW9Ck/s4624/20231024_131821.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliGv5GqwF1LB9ppBokexgKSbOgAWL1PmLDBtSoekBulLLjzr8Q2yuchLABtTV6kh_F6ECc1HcWNNwckELbQHaZHUGX_iFB4-JnjgzwxCH5z1Fy9g-K8ExC273KjMUZXwSfIs4zLGbS1pyT_3aFtfeM_QdEyS77LRhTt79Qs0T_LSbhPePbE_UbKYW9Ck/s320/20231024_131821.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending from the highest point</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After a steeper descent, you intersect the Markleberry Trail, a bridle trail, and what appears to be an old road at 1.2 miles. As indicated by the pink triangles, turn right to continue descending on the old road. The Lookout and Markleberry Trails run conjointly for a few hundred feet before the bridle trail exits left. Stay straight to continue descending, still following the old road.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aXCaMpW2sJ8zMBvW70vEuGBWXs7PTuW96At_CE_NHn7nnNQ5qh5hsShgT03gmi_6XZABFjXLz06RnZxh6nvOpQ99Ni0eGrZivMoe34xOsfyXevZ0H1sOVsHHcz8ErpK8f-5pGALN26q2bOYtWBGycHcqpFStgF3DUJo6_rgZh5OtwrGSlMBkeAQZ2yM/s4624/20231024_133052.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aXCaMpW2sJ8zMBvW70vEuGBWXs7PTuW96At_CE_NHn7nnNQ5qh5hsShgT03gmi_6XZABFjXLz06RnZxh6nvOpQ99Ni0eGrZivMoe34xOsfyXevZ0H1sOVsHHcz8ErpK8f-5pGALN26q2bOYtWBGycHcqpFStgF3DUJo6_rgZh5OtwrGSlMBkeAQZ2yM/s320/20231024_133052.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending on the old road</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> One switchback later, the trail abruptly turns right to leave the old road. Be sure to look for the pink triangles so you do not miss this turn. A steep descent deposits you on the shoulder of Mackletree Road in a few hundred feet, where a right turn and a short road walk return you to the parking lot that contains your car. If you want to do more hiking, the 5 mile Park Loop Trail stays entirely in Shawnee State Park (not Forest) and circumnavigates both of the park's lakes. I came here on a day when I had a long drive ahead of me, and I would have hiked that trail if I had allotted more time at Shawnee State Park.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0PRGF+5G West Portsmouth, OH, USA38.7254994 -83.176245438.722151330153594 -83.180536934423827 38.7288474698464 -83.171953865576171tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-50506989277008892662023-12-18T22:09:00.001-05:002023-12-18T22:14:05.832-05:00Paint Creek State Park: Little Pond and Harmony Trails (Blog Hike #975)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Little Pond and Harmony Trails<br />Hike Location: Paint Creek State Park<br />Geographic Location: between Hillsboro, OH and Chillicothe, OH (39.25130, -83.35641)<br />Length: 2.9 miles<br />Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: Two short loops, one around a pond and another beside Paint Creek and some cliffs.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/paint-creek-state-park" target="_blank">https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/paint-creek-state-park</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949633" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949633</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiX9cCxz1quoHVBF12DlqZLcNYQ9NTqgU0-TY71K467_T78VY_DvFl0y4fw9O2GHNRdV-fqiyQBOzLEsRxt3qIpLvW3mKOKAMuM1zGrDKrkdSphVGYD7k_dsufCq21_M4v3_ZDNvNrC_WCJ8LSdyIsmHekS_ThneP36-34alr6yyXJHgFOKhL6p9hbvY/s4624/20231023_120719.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiX9cCxz1quoHVBF12DlqZLcNYQ9NTqgU0-TY71K467_T78VY_DvFl0y4fw9O2GHNRdV-fqiyQBOzLEsRxt3qIpLvW3mKOKAMuM1zGrDKrkdSphVGYD7k_dsufCq21_M4v3_ZDNvNrC_WCJ8LSdyIsmHekS_ThneP36-34alr6yyXJHgFOKhL6p9hbvY/s320/20231023_120719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming September 27)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: Just east of the Ross/Highland county line, take US 50 to Rapid Forge Road and turn north on Rapid Forge Rd. Drive Rapid Forge Rd. north 2.2 miles to the signed park entrance on the left. Turn left to enter the park, then park in the first parking lot on the right where the Little Pond Trail begins. If you want to drive to the Harmony Trail's start, continue south on the park road to cross the dam, then turn left and drive downhill to the picnic area parking lot below the dam.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Straddling the Ross/Highland County line in south-central Ohio, Paint Creek State Park was established in 1972 as part of Ohio's great reservoir and state park building era. The park protects 5652 acres along its namesake creek and reservoir, and it sits on the boundary between glaciated north/west Ohio and unglaciated south/east Ohio. Several rare plants live here including the Sullivantia and the Smooth Cliffbrake fern.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Like most parks from its era, Paint Creek State Park has many amenities including a swimming beach and marina on Paint Creek Lake, a 197-site developed campground, a 21 hole disc golf course, and several picnic areas. In terms of trails, the park offers 25 miles of bridle trails, 12 miles of mountain bike trails, and several miles of hiking trails. The park's longest hikes all involve the bridle trails, but this hike combines two short hiker-only trails with a road walk to explore both the area above and the area below Paint Creek Dam.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v5VXyTVB6lID34DX7uc9qKRbuc2Lk8pbLElUCCY16YcjljDRwJw9p92AY5tFCd4x6Qf7xE3e3gl433ZiLixuItq39-jR12B9H5OTEiIF9Prk2nQdWoWfK-GdcRAqrRoAoWV3Q10wRyie35IU4u5mUJqXg2Q7xinPXVr9N-TDeMwd1aFnJ5skkSy3K4Y/s4624/20231023_110929.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v5VXyTVB6lID34DX7uc9qKRbuc2Lk8pbLElUCCY16YcjljDRwJw9p92AY5tFCd4x6Qf7xE3e3gl433ZiLixuItq39-jR12B9H5OTEiIF9Prk2nQdWoWfK-GdcRAqrRoAoWV3Q10wRyie35IU4u5mUJqXg2Q7xinPXVr9N-TDeMwd1aFnJ5skkSy3K4Y/s320/20231023_110929.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead for Little Pond Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Begin with the Little Pond Trail, which starts beside its namesake pond downhill and behind the restroom building. A small brown sign bearing the universal hiker symbol marks this trailhead. The Little Pond Trail forms a tight loop around its namesake pond. The leaves on the sycamore, oak, and beech trees that line this pond were in full fall colors when I hiked here in late October, and lush honeysuckle dominated the understory.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUVvlkZBRcVnuZUtBfqk3zjrIcJRqsF0LfPbwguOFKUQlzfjKIqgX1BJ5mQoBY8SPZWwYputLEHh1ODcTY6HvvC13IWsdzsn4aRjbH9-_3ocgNYL5MOBcIwFSBbCtL5AQQ7yRh7gv5Q_5E-g_ytMMAw2GjVzVjG42ev-kUODbpNq_FwkVhhoDx2xB7z8/s4624/20231023_110936.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUVvlkZBRcVnuZUtBfqk3zjrIcJRqsF0LfPbwguOFKUQlzfjKIqgX1BJ5mQoBY8SPZWwYputLEHh1ODcTY6HvvC13IWsdzsn4aRjbH9-_3ocgNYL5MOBcIwFSBbCtL5AQQ7yRh7gv5Q_5E-g_ytMMAw2GjVzVjG42ev-kUODbpNq_FwkVhhoDx2xB7z8/s320/20231023_110936.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Pond</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.25 miles, the trail crosses a wooden bridge over Little Pond's main feeder stream. Winding and minor undulations take you down the west side of the pond. At 0.6 miles, you reach a trail intersection at the pond's dam. We will eventually turn left to cross the dam, but first continue straight to climb a small hill and reach a wooden overlook platform. This platform overlooks a narrow rocky gorge that sits downstream from Little Pond's dam, and you can also see Paint Creek Lake further downhill to the right from here.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_OI-QxhbYtOPqeZZvHwY_p9Ohz5npdbnymau8dgEqg_YWjZDkrUMOjz5qG0S4QrhvAiFAkxQ6mzL6D_oWEEmcPK5Qf4urWUKhEgy16WRt-PBxwhtLp5p1ng3k26AgFB8lOev8Xwq_zCJL09SyFjLdtJjurz3j_JBHjy-zCPf8FcLBqr33__9Um1n1Gs/s4624/20231023_113600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_OI-QxhbYtOPqeZZvHwY_p9Ohz5npdbnymau8dgEqg_YWjZDkrUMOjz5qG0S4QrhvAiFAkxQ6mzL6D_oWEEmcPK5Qf4urWUKhEgy16WRt-PBxwhtLp5p1ng3k26AgFB8lOev8Xwq_zCJL09SyFjLdtJjurz3j_JBHjy-zCPf8FcLBqr33__9Um1n1Gs/s320/20231023_113600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky gorge below pond dam</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> A trail that connects to the park's bridle trail system continues past the platform, but this hike returns to Little Pond's dam and crosses the dam. Curving right and climbing slightly brings you to a second overlook platform on the opposite side of the narrow gorge from the one you visited earlier. A support pier suggests a bridge may have connected these two overlook platforms in the past. Passing over a final hill returns you to the parking lot to complete the Little Pond Trail.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhZHR7qpUAwdv0Rnik3y6y76xJWa3R0-Y4J-cTSoQyivWEWIxwhs4zfrfNQ8OFZ3X4DRcqmT4W15zyPqQO9flG0M9g38dOx5IN5klWJcgx5ZddwWsRzBAHm3b1wTHLcBn34CGV6mwUG0Fgw_-bkCf-RpvkHAM4lAg11M0tRd1SkubCFLVeiFSJPWWQgQ/s4624/20231023_115125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhZHR7qpUAwdv0Rnik3y6y76xJWa3R0-Y4J-cTSoQyivWEWIxwhs4zfrfNQ8OFZ3X4DRcqmT4W15zyPqQO9flG0M9g38dOx5IN5klWJcgx5ZddwWsRzBAHm3b1wTHLcBn34CGV6mwUG0Fgw_-bkCf-RpvkHAM4lAg11M0tRd1SkubCFLVeiFSJPWWQgQ/s320/20231023_115125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Harmony Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Your next task is to get to the start of the Harmony Trail, the other trail on this hike. You can hike there by hiking the main park road southeast across Paint Creek Dam and then turning left to descend on another park road to the picnic area where the Harmony Trail begins. Alternatively, you could drive to the picnic area parking lot on the park roads; the road distance is about 0.6 miles one way.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-0OzXlJEcXM15jVeteMRX6b5DwFJMDpc2piILtCJNXe7z61AQZ40w5SGuwixDUOZnDJcL_YF_umqaSaw4uUAF3motnZfghbV-DIjRJGcjcthRgzysgekWEyJxPoAwAwnUH-ov3EMPskoFGwqGRhcvHyFxIMBAwXZ3psVua3xfUCBgz7gV0Be31Vkwgs/s4624/20231023_121557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-0OzXlJEcXM15jVeteMRX6b5DwFJMDpc2piILtCJNXe7z61AQZ40w5SGuwixDUOZnDJcL_YF_umqaSaw4uUAF3motnZfghbV-DIjRJGcjcthRgzysgekWEyJxPoAwAwnUH-ov3EMPskoFGwqGRhcvHyFxIMBAwXZ3psVua3xfUCBgz7gV0Be31Vkwgs/s320/20231023_121557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint Creek below the dam</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Walk through the picnic area but stay close to the creek to begin a clockwise journey around the Harmony Trail. Some nice views across Paint Creek poke through the trees to the left, and the cliffs you see across the creek hint at the scenery that lays ahead. The wide flat dirt trail stays close to the creek on the left. Park maintenance personnel were blowing leaf litter off of the trail with lawn mowers when I hiked here.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiX9cCxz1quoHVBF12DlqZLcNYQ9NTqgU0-TY71K467_T78VY_DvFl0y4fw9O2GHNRdV-fqiyQBOzLEsRxt3qIpLvW3mKOKAMuM1zGrDKrkdSphVGYD7k_dsufCq21_M4v3_ZDNvNrC_WCJ8LSdyIsmHekS_ThneP36-34alr6yyXJHgFOKhL6p9hbvY/s4624/20231023_120719.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiX9cCxz1quoHVBF12DlqZLcNYQ9NTqgU0-TY71K467_T78VY_DvFl0y4fw9O2GHNRdV-fqiyQBOzLEsRxt3qIpLvW3mKOKAMuM1zGrDKrkdSphVGYD7k_dsufCq21_M4v3_ZDNvNrC_WCJ8LSdyIsmHekS_ThneP36-34alr6yyXJHgFOKhL6p9hbvY/s320/20231023_120719.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliffs above Harmony Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 1.9 miles into the hike, the trail curves right as the scenic limestone cliffs appear on the left. The cliffs grow taller and get closer to the trail as you continue north, and some interesting cracks in the cliffs become evident. At 2.3 miles, you return to the picnic area and close the loop. Retrace the road walk 0.6 miles to return to the Little Pond Trailhead and complete the hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com01200 Rapid Forge Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612, USA39.251301 -83.35641869999999239.198108899873532 -83.425083250781242 39.304493100126464 -83.287754149218742tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-82514954666747762682023-12-14T22:10:00.001-05:002023-12-14T22:15:16.177-05:00Indian Creek MetroPark, Springfield Road Area: Trillium and Indian Mound Trails (Blog Hike #974)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Trillium and Indian Mound Trails<br />Hike Location: Indian Creek MetroPark, Springfield Road Area<br />Geographic Location: south of Oxford, OH (39.43897, -84.76891)<br />Length: 1.3 miles<br />Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A loop hike partly along Indian Creek passing an ancient burial mound.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www.yourmetroparks.net/parks/indian-creek-metropark" target="_blank">https://www.yourmetroparks.net/parks/indian-creek-metropark</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949507" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949507</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1sETcoNbfUx6j3GPmTBKcDCIKKJy_7wrG-dZjKzSwjf7bPedodC1cvzJTAOzR8GzTNi9zl-9Ir7rErDXU1jKgCTYQdggjLy2rQEFlQdkiRA1vhfFhFYN4s1BQxX6EXhkh5E6kukwWFMXaLtNw0ccoFOUVSkBiLiuc7m0KCCd_s3pDpga950zWYs8ShE/s4624/20231021_133637.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1sETcoNbfUx6j3GPmTBKcDCIKKJy_7wrG-dZjKzSwjf7bPedodC1cvzJTAOzR8GzTNi9zl-9Ir7rErDXU1jKgCTYQdggjLy2rQEFlQdkiRA1vhfFhFYN4s1BQxX6EXhkh5E6kukwWFMXaLtNw0ccoFOUVSkBiLiuc7m0KCCd_s3pDpga950zWYs8ShE/s320/20231021_133637.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming May 10)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: From Oxford, take SR 732 south to the community of Reily. Where SR 732 turns left to continue south, continue straight on Springfield Road. Turn right on the west side of Reily to remain on Springfield Rd., and drive Springfield Rd. less than 1 mile to the park entrance on the right. Turn right to enter the park and park in the only parking lot.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Flowing through a channel that winds from north to south, Indian Creek is one of the largest creeks in Butler County. The creek rises near the Ohio/Indiana state line west of Oxford before flowing south through western Butler County. Indian Creek empties its contents into the Great Miami River in southwest Butler County near Ross, which is the town I grew up in.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Located in rural Reily Township in western Butler County just a few miles east of the Indiana state line, Indian Creek MetroPark consists of 5 disjoint areas near and along its namesake creek. Each of the park's 5 areas provide points of interest that include Pioneer Church, a brick church building that dates to 1829, and historic Bunker Hill Cemetery. For hikers, the park's only area to contain official trails is the Springfield Road Area featured here. Two trails explore both the upland and creekside habitats, and this area also features a small ancient burial mound. The hike described here uses both trails, and it gives you a tour of everything the Springfield Road Area has to offer.</div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SlhpxsKrhriIa02Y-HXgQ3cLWSCYRKNmXsMre2ftoJBYjYWK3SHbYr_5zD58vF3kq3sQA83BCEksxbpqoQJF4HUjJfwbBSqgVfwA3FR184CAVuTmzxCnPSsAKuOJm5e4azNqdLsJJtcEtQOIwbIZv3F2p-x0iyW4-_bOIWFY7UG0cXhdJdx7dWgXKPI/s4624/20231021_131315.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SlhpxsKrhriIa02Y-HXgQ3cLWSCYRKNmXsMre2ftoJBYjYWK3SHbYr_5zD58vF3kq3sQA83BCEksxbpqoQJF4HUjJfwbBSqgVfwA3FR184CAVuTmzxCnPSsAKuOJm5e4azNqdLsJJtcEtQOIwbIZv3F2p-x0iyW4-_bOIWFY7UG0cXhdJdx7dWgXKPI/s320/20231021_131315.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the Trillium Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Pick up the Trillium Trail as it heads north from the parking lot. Strategically placed wooden posts block vehicle access, and a simple wooden sign that says "Trillium Trail" marks this trailhead. The initial segment of this hike follows an old park road that is now closed to vehicles. Some old asphalt lies underfoot, and dense honeysuckle lines either side of the road.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbsKge78qu-syPrzc2h6_iA1KdVosWzysLfVlcSY1jFJhD85jS6u9L79QadKi3XmDyccjBnXh0kfxHD898lcYfVhSalgB6tH2YZQGCoL7rJNTIhYqmKmIUnQM5VepvMoKO0na_bJBGHlXRhLrkCycPRtKBoS3CgtwHQphv3NGNYBB4c2bl36jiQg2A0s/s4624/20231021_131946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbsKge78qu-syPrzc2h6_iA1KdVosWzysLfVlcSY1jFJhD85jS6u9L79QadKi3XmDyccjBnXh0kfxHD898lcYfVhSalgB6tH2YZQGCoL7rJNTIhYqmKmIUnQM5VepvMoKO0na_bJBGHlXRhLrkCycPRtKBoS3CgtwHQphv3NGNYBB4c2bl36jiQg2A0s/s320/20231021_131946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the cul-de-sac</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just past 0.2 miles, you reach the cul-de-sac at this road's end. Angle gently left to begin descending on single track dirt trail. Maple trees are the most common tree in this forest, and the fall leaves were near peak when I came here in mid-October.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWjHOjQBwQGusVHqYlO7vRJJYzzhyphenhyphen_hKXPtiTSCwdO8syO-6iJP6RA1RqbcH7T2B1KYut2j3mX-17N40iJqTcPzoK1XLntkSzqCLGP2BIVY9t7P-HPE2G36twgmcRw0Q3iD1QM1NMEpX97Lc4Aekv1xT5vvPlNcnBW8qu3-5Z6k6j5XPUae43DoDvZYU/s4624/20231021_132707.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWjHOjQBwQGusVHqYlO7vRJJYzzhyphenhyphen_hKXPtiTSCwdO8syO-6iJP6RA1RqbcH7T2B1KYut2j3mX-17N40iJqTcPzoK1XLntkSzqCLGP2BIVY9t7P-HPE2G36twgmcRw0Q3iD1QM1NMEpX97Lc4Aekv1xT5vvPlNcnBW8qu3-5Z6k6j5XPUae43DoDvZYU/s320/20231021_132707.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Creek</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> </span>After a moderate descent, you reach the first overlook of Indian Creek. Although the creek was quite low when I came here, the large channel filled with rocks testifies to this creek's power after a good rain. Next you top a low ridge and continue downstream to reach the first real point of interest: an old stone structure perched beside Indian Creek. While I could not find any information about this specific structure, the structure is clearly not natural, and its size and creekside location suggest the remains of an old bridge. Take some time to ponder what might have been here many years ago.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1sETcoNbfUx6j3GPmTBKcDCIKKJy_7wrG-dZjKzSwjf7bPedodC1cvzJTAOzR8GzTNi9zl-9Ir7rErDXU1jKgCTYQdggjLy2rQEFlQdkiRA1vhfFhFYN4s1BQxX6EXhkh5E6kukwWFMXaLtNw0ccoFOUVSkBiLiuc7m0KCCd_s3pDpga950zWYs8ShE/s4624/20231021_133637.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1sETcoNbfUx6j3GPmTBKcDCIKKJy_7wrG-dZjKzSwjf7bPedodC1cvzJTAOzR8GzTNi9zl-9Ir7rErDXU1jKgCTYQdggjLy2rQEFlQdkiRA1vhfFhFYN4s1BQxX6EXhkh5E6kukwWFMXaLtNw0ccoFOUVSkBiLiuc7m0KCCd_s3pDpga950zWYs8ShE/s320/20231021_133637.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone structure along Indian Creek</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Past the stone structure, you climb a steep set of wooden stairs to reach an intersection with the Indian Mound Trail at 0.8 miles. Turning right here would give a short-cut back to the parking lot, but this hike turns left to visit the ancient burial mound, which is reached in a small grassy clearing just shy of 1 mile into the hike. The oblong mound is only a couple of feet high today, but it is fun to imagine what this area might have looked like several hundred years ago.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuEjL3kaowjuSdJgGOy0gnQvqg4CnvLiXzCkSbvcJuIG5Xmq46gAnvpCIM-MARzHXfmczlToglfY00gX14r4PawX6hZX2a5MfoKtX_E04CuE5fw4E5jwhvsR63wbDQFbidUW6xpbjodZfiR2Cyvtt0aiT1eKdf3iXvbHOPqIIumjoEQ5sIcmWeux0Cww/s4624/20231021_135211.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuEjL3kaowjuSdJgGOy0gnQvqg4CnvLiXzCkSbvcJuIG5Xmq46gAnvpCIM-MARzHXfmczlToglfY00gX14r4PawX6hZX2a5MfoKtX_E04CuE5fw4E5jwhvsR63wbDQFbidUW6xpbjodZfiR2Cyvtt0aiT1eKdf3iXvbHOPqIIumjoEQ5sIcmWeux0Cww/s320/20231021_135211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient burial mound</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwhB52DmHv55SsovncIz_1cqGBZmWfNfxOCT5G6tIC4A5fKRnqR_iqluBNmcps9fFKIVGia7KajcV99m22q6K568-uzsvckLQ3I2DmTsEachLdkegmUGtZiwoFVJ-SxhgJy95v-4Kj1Cq_PORm1_-SBcfBpEEGkNL4RwwB7W0bRKByrzVK4DQrSUD9qo/s4624/20231021_135920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwhB52DmHv55SsovncIz_1cqGBZmWfNfxOCT5G6tIC4A5fKRnqR_iqluBNmcps9fFKIVGia7KajcV99m22q6K568-uzsvckLQ3I2DmTsEachLdkegmUGtZiwoFVJ-SxhgJy95v-4Kj1Cq_PORm1_-SBcfBpEEGkNL4RwwB7W0bRKByrzVK4DQrSUD9qo/s320/20231021_135920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking through the pine planting</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Next the trail curves right to begin the final segment of this hike. Soon you pass a small pond and enter a white pine planting, as indicated by the perfect row and column configuration of the trees here. Judging from the size of the trees, this pine planting is probably 80-90 years old. At the north side of the pine planting, the trail comes out at the parking lot, thus completing the hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com06500 Springfield Rd, Oxford, OH 45056, USA39.4389669 -84.76890879999999139.4356525602244 -84.773200334423819 39.442281239775596 -84.764617265576163tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-25670139313722421662023-12-11T22:50:00.004-05:002023-12-11T22:55:14.657-05:00Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge: Turkey and Bird Trails (Blog Hike #973)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Turkey and Bird Trails<br />Hike Location: Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge<br />Geographic Location: east of Seymour, IN (38.93987, -85.80098)<br />Length: 1.6 miles<br />Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A lollipop loop passing several wetlands with good bird-viewing opportunities.<br />Refuge Information: <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/muscatatuck" target="_blank">https://www.fws.gov/refuge/muscatatuck</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949428" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949428</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRW-o3SjzKaPXLEm2MAGrkv_orOWpcbUPXb5xhR8-5DseyNVH6GXTFE-ot3B36bXPAdv1Y7A6xrbZG7PYZHjibyHv1dBzZjjzsjaSnfCoLH4wD3BmVuaM8m6E1Wukmj2pAF69op6LYS1m_5jTyBR6_MlyfepIzoy19ST9Zve0SUfthw0bNQczrXSiqn4/s4624/20231020_160229.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRW-o3SjzKaPXLEm2MAGrkv_orOWpcbUPXb5xhR8-5DseyNVH6GXTFE-ot3B36bXPAdv1Y7A6xrbZG7PYZHjibyHv1dBzZjjzsjaSnfCoLH4wD3BmVuaM8m6E1Wukmj2pAF69op6LYS1m_5jTyBR6_MlyfepIzoy19ST9Zve0SUfthw0bNQczrXSiqn4/s320/20231020_160229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming September 13)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: In southern Indiana, take I-65 to US 50 (exit 50A). Exit and go east on US 50. Drive US 50 east 2.6 miles to the signed refuge entrance on the right. Turn right to enter the refuge. Drive the main refuge road 2 miles, turn right, then turn right again to enter the parking lot that serves the Turkey and Bird Trails. Park here.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: My October 2023 visit to Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge was my second visit to this collection of wetlands. On a cold day in January 2002, I drove out here from my home near Cincinnati and did a 5+ mile hike on the refuge's East River and West River Trails. I had a very wet and muddy hike that day, and those trails were later closed to better protect the Muscatatuck River's floodplain. More than 21 years later, I drove out here again from my hotel in Cincinnati, and I had a damp but shorter and much more pleasant hike.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Established in 1966, Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge protects 7880 acres of wetlands and woodlands along its namesake river. The refuge's main purpose is to provide habitat for waterfowl and other birds, and wildlife watching is one of the main activities at this refuge. The refuge also protects some historical points of interest: a log cabin and 2 pioneer cemeteries exist on its grounds.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Like most national wildlife refuges, Muscatatuck offers a 4 mile tour for automobiles but only short trails for hikers. Most of the refuge's trails explore the wetlands, and all of its trails are less than 1 mile in length. This hike combines 2 of the refuge's longer trails to form its longest possible hike without doing a road walk. Also, this hike explores both the woodlands and wetlands at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, and it allows you to do some good wildlife viewing in both of those habitats.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaybVBNiBpBIxp1tieBZwokF_OMV9ntxNJQtDRZtMAygREZe3muluw1_JbBoYenP-ZgweT-DHcf1p0ieYv9nDj8qf3wHg8XwledLVzd9-LosvbpnLBqJQDYjcxHSzXGqlfeBOptY0W3uUMdhJJNYNN3glE_I5VrmVzrEDx5ubMO2cZiLapfYoQlC3ZIn8/s4624/20231020_151236.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaybVBNiBpBIxp1tieBZwokF_OMV9ntxNJQtDRZtMAygREZe3muluw1_JbBoYenP-ZgweT-DHcf1p0ieYv9nDj8qf3wHg8XwledLVzd9-LosvbpnLBqJQDYjcxHSzXGqlfeBOptY0W3uUMdhJJNYNN3glE_I5VrmVzrEDx5ubMO2cZiLapfYoQlC3ZIn8/s320/20231020_151236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Turkey Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Start on the Turkey Trail as it heads into the woods at the rear of the parking area. Two interpretive signs, one large and one small, stand at this trailhead. Trails at Muscatatuck are unblazed, and these trails were narrow but obvious on my visit. After only a few hundred feet, the Turkey Trail splits to form its loop. To save the best wetland for last, I chose to angle left here and use the trail going right as my return route, thus hiking the loop clockwise.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K2kXyfUeRQ3eyly224l6PYN4ve4cs8bjtz4Dw7e7sQOSn3Q3BOhnxQCLfq_78GuwJ3tk2CS4gxMxps20pbYL2aFFbZxgN9pcsNXCYy6ImZfRQ7Bie0RrNrYJHzENMSqaDZDGJ5RXERi7ihzUQP_K8r8KXzWe8g_6FENPYPtsLqa36gpT1136HiFJTTo/s4624/20231020_153431.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K2kXyfUeRQ3eyly224l6PYN4ve4cs8bjtz4Dw7e7sQOSn3Q3BOhnxQCLfq_78GuwJ3tk2CS4gxMxps20pbYL2aFFbZxgN9pcsNXCYy6ImZfRQ7Bie0RrNrYJHzENMSqaDZDGJ5RXERi7ihzUQP_K8r8KXzWe8g_6FENPYPtsLqa36gpT1136HiFJTTo/s320/20231020_153431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking through the woods</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The winding trail heads the general direction of north through a dense forest that contains a large number of beech trees. A few large oak trees also live in this forest. The terrain is very flat with only minor ups and downs. Some short spur trails head left to a wet grassy meadow. The meadow should be a good area for wildlife viewing, but I saw no wildlife when I came here on a late Friday afternoon.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsJZZ7QSssdV0145wk4NkfidBTgqtd1-33zALpLp3dxYvAEEUDRBYdsrGHTm0ynlz2SQeu6L1Tr-sJTlwFsAZxLcC0j2iJp3EkJ-CDUI70c1g-GD7HKj9A2BFVyv_ksg5iAPR8nMPAoUue1sa1qJxpcvlpGmGQsVKpZPhlnl71BB3crN6ccy9g_AZHv4/s4624/20231020_152142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsJZZ7QSssdV0145wk4NkfidBTgqtd1-33zALpLp3dxYvAEEUDRBYdsrGHTm0ynlz2SQeu6L1Tr-sJTlwFsAZxLcC0j2iJp3EkJ-CDUI70c1g-GD7HKj9A2BFVyv_ksg5iAPR8nMPAoUue1sa1qJxpcvlpGmGQsVKpZPhlnl71BB3crN6ccy9g_AZHv4/s320/20231020_152142.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grassy wet meadow</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just past 0.5 miles, you reach the start of the Bird Trail. Angle left to leave the Turkey Trail and begin the Bird Trail, which forms a loop through similar forest and terrain. True to its name, I heard and saw many common birds while hiking this trail including </span></span></span>blackbirds, robins, blue jays, and mourning doves.</span></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRW-o3SjzKaPXLEm2MAGrkv_orOWpcbUPXb5xhR8-5DseyNVH6GXTFE-ot3B36bXPAdv1Y7A6xrbZG7PYZHjibyHv1dBzZjjzsjaSnfCoLH4wD3BmVuaM8m6E1Wukmj2pAF69op6LYS1m_5jTyBR6_MlyfepIzoy19ST9Zve0SUfthw0bNQczrXSiqn4/s4624/20231020_160229.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRW-o3SjzKaPXLEm2MAGrkv_orOWpcbUPXb5xhR8-5DseyNVH6GXTFE-ot3B36bXPAdv1Y7A6xrbZG7PYZHjibyHv1dBzZjjzsjaSnfCoLH4wD3BmVuaM8m6E1Wukmj2pAF69op6LYS1m_5jTyBR6_MlyfepIzoy19ST9Zve0SUfthw0bNQczrXSiqn4/s320/20231020_160229.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algae-covered pond</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 1.15 miles, you reach the east end of the Bird Trail where it rejoins the Turkey Trail. Angle left to continue your clockwise journey around the Turkey Trail. Soon you reach the best wetland on this hike: an algae-covered expanse of open water. I saw a blue heron here, and this pond is the best spot for waterfowl viewing on this hike. Continuing a little further south closes the Turkey Trail's loop, where angling left brings you back to the trailhead to complete the hike. If you want to do more hiking, the refuge has several other short trails that beckon your exploration, or <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2021/07/muscatatuck-park-in-north-vernon-in.html" target="_blank">Muscatatuck County Park</a> in nearby North Vernon has many miles of trails through rolling terrain.</span><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0W5QX+WJ Seymour, IN, USA38.9398742 -85.8009831999999938.926522200776319 -85.8181493376953 38.953226199223678 -85.783817062304678tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-74478851929407622152023-12-09T16:04:00.001-05:002023-12-09T16:09:27.258-05:00Fort Custer Recreation Area: Blue Trail (Blog Hike #972)<div style="text-align: left;">Trail: Blue Trail<br />Hike Location: Fort Custer Recreation Area<br />Geographic Location: between Battle Creek, MI and Kalamazoo, MI (42.31123, -85.36183)<br />Length: 3.4 miles<br />Difficulty: 4/10 (Easy/Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A loop hike around Whitford & Lawler and Jackson Hole Lakes.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=448&type=SPRK" target="_blank">https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=448&type=SPRK</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949309" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949309</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldUY2JIxtLIPJDUCUROoNJ_94M-vHiLSvQ3OKlKRO4fq4rDVsw_0W4HWE5UZUc3v7knFLUb2xt_oDnlNFqfD33gvL_TNCMWDwNW8E6G-GqaFpk4SM7rjTIVcDt9JvqHhWJ0I_Qn8gYyeoIVJIz8mpOpzzZChB8UERYtrKb3wXp_4NL3lCUCEjdFXc2dE/s4624/20231018_120315.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldUY2JIxtLIPJDUCUROoNJ_94M-vHiLSvQ3OKlKRO4fq4rDVsw_0W4HWE5UZUc3v7knFLUb2xt_oDnlNFqfD33gvL_TNCMWDwNW8E6G-GqaFpk4SM7rjTIVcDt9JvqHhWJ0I_Qn8gYyeoIVJIz8mpOpzzZChB8UERYtrKb3wXp_4NL3lCUCEjdFXc2dE/s320/20231018_120315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming July 19)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: Between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, take I-94 to 40th Street (exit 88). Exit, go north on 40th St., then almost immediately turn left on Michigan Avenue. Drive Michigan Ave. west 1.6 miles to McCollum Street and turn right on McCollum St. When McCollum St. ends in 0.5 miles, turn right on SR 96. Drive SR 96 east 4.7 miles to the park entrance on the right. Turn right to enter the park, pay the entrance fee, then turn right at the first intersection past the gatehouse. Drive this road to its end at the parking lot for Whitford & Lawler Lake, where this hike begins.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: The name Fort Custer Recreation Area correctly implies that this land has military history, but in fact there has never been a fort here. The federal government acquired the land in 1917, and the United States military operated several induction and training centers here over the next several decades. Known as Camp Custer, over 100,000 troops trained here during World War I, the Officer Reserve Corps and Civilian Conservation Corps trained here in the 1920's and 1930's, more than 300,000 troops trained here during World War II, and Navy Reserves and Marine Corps Reserves trained here during the Cold War. The name was officially changed to Fort Custer in 1940, and in 1968 the facility was turned over to the State of Michigan.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The eastern part of the former Fort Custer is still used by the Michigan National Guard and other branches of the armed forces, but the western 3033 acres were developed into a park called Fort Custer Recreation Area. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources acquired the land in 1971, and today it offers many fine amenities. On point, the park offers a 219-site developed campground, fishing on several lakes and the Kalamazoo River, and more than 40 miles of trails including bridle and mountain bike trails. The hike described here follows the Blue Trail around two of the park's larger lakes, thus providing a good overview of the scenery this park has to offer.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwBlHbEHf5mNJUixIqM6hJky-zKtbnTRPQODEmIKMIhZ-lg4HGNPz8exg-dL9_PrXAUz94Di-TKJunB-slH7SpJogi7cnY3oIqUkeOxY7n230fn8HOZtOKhg7N16yFpQv5Y650ysgeI47ITlhhbCztBYN22o5Je6Gvw1tQ0m1SHMO0Fax8BK_NvR-VzY/s4624/20231018_100212.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwBlHbEHf5mNJUixIqM6hJky-zKtbnTRPQODEmIKMIhZ-lg4HGNPz8exg-dL9_PrXAUz94Di-TKJunB-slH7SpJogi7cnY3oIqUkeOxY7n230fn8HOZtOKhg7N16yFpQv5Y650ysgeI47ITlhhbCztBYN22o5Je6Gvw1tQ0m1SHMO0Fax8BK_NvR-VzY/s320/20231018_100212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitford Lake Trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> This hike forms a true loop, so you can go either direction from the parking lot for Whitford & Lawler Lake. This description starts at the right (south) side of the parking lot, which is marked by post B1. As in most Michigan state parks, major intersections in this trail system are marked by numbered posts; this hike passes posts B1 through B10 in increasing order. A sign that says "Whitford Lake Hiking Trail" and an information board that contains a trail map stand near post B1. The B in the post numbers stands for "Blue" from the Blue Trail.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi5JUIbgUBey_NJYvefZ5QQY9DJ7p0wb0ngzaa7wGVGREgLa-x1TBy2WD5XpkxUwM1s0n90klYocnaGlOQHZncrK-deCyZnTQlOWEL9l0LaXBfzHm172ea1Ut4zOZ8VyRVtrd1RZseN6xf3UJ3GHSmfGJh6AnMVf3V1KvutcN7aORG_xxe3e0Z9T16O0/s4624/20231018_100408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFi5JUIbgUBey_NJYvefZ5QQY9DJ7p0wb0ngzaa7wGVGREgLa-x1TBy2WD5XpkxUwM1s0n90klYocnaGlOQHZncrK-deCyZnTQlOWEL9l0LaXBfzHm172ea1Ut4zOZ8VyRVtrd1RZseN6xf3UJ3GHSmfGJh6AnMVf3V1KvutcN7aORG_xxe3e0Z9T16O0/s320/20231018_100408.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking along the prairie edge</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail heads southeast along the edge of a tallgrass prairie with Whitford & Lawler Lake out of sight through the trees to the left. Black walnut and oak trees are the most common trees in this lakeside forest. After 0.6 miles of very flat hiking, you reach an old concrete silo, a remnant of this land's agricultural days before it was a military center or a park.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYw6N1EVxBWAjwGQME2GMZdsatKVAWujvNsglpXJqRkZoGkdeTNlr9r02wFoxnYwdFtRlPi1u-_ChS9fp0XDAfFMUyZ4QLR2BwqF0i9EV-liVIx0MJ3N-4CN6WJfgCQ2_njR4f4S8iB1bTldIXz1fHx9LYeHHPL4TKOnf_l-olt8G9MhqC0ik81NKHxo/s4624/20231018_101937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYw6N1EVxBWAjwGQME2GMZdsatKVAWujvNsglpXJqRkZoGkdeTNlr9r02wFoxnYwdFtRlPi1u-_ChS9fp0XDAfFMUyZ4QLR2BwqF0i9EV-liVIx0MJ3N-4CN6WJfgCQ2_njR4f4S8iB1bTldIXz1fHx9LYeHHPL4TKOnf_l-olt8G9MhqC0ik81NKHxo/s320/20231018_101937.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old concrete silo</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Next the trail climbs to top a low and broad ridge before descending to cross the main feeder stream for Whitford & Lawler Lake. At 1.5 miles, you reach a primitive cabin. This cabin sits near the east end of Whitford & Lawler Lake, and while I have read that excellent sunset views can be had from behind this cabin, I did not wait around to confirm that fact when I came here on a chilly Wednesday morning. Continue straight at posts B3 and B4, which are passed in quick order. Some dying red cedars live in this area, and honeysuckle seems to grow everywhere.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLKB8nrZyF9a10IT29lZRAKzcAJXg4L20TfldyT8l-ftnlnmUGkkRZOf8bikaUHfxU4fGaMmLSilAc02j8linGK2G03d0pFL80WfW_OLOI3rg1B2KeCwcPoEimKCYzi7yQckHP5LH4_W0UNXhtRaT0IEArgVVMJ-7pR0qLgG0VMUPLKJNHQEGY568hpE/s4624/20231018_104918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLKB8nrZyF9a10IT29lZRAKzcAJXg4L20TfldyT8l-ftnlnmUGkkRZOf8bikaUHfxU4fGaMmLSilAc02j8linGK2G03d0pFL80WfW_OLOI3rg1B2KeCwcPoEimKCYzi7yQckHP5LH4_W0UNXhtRaT0IEArgVVMJ-7pR0qLgG0VMUPLKJNHQEGY568hpE/s320/20231018_104918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water source for primitive cabin</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 1.7 miles into the hike, you reach post B5, where you need to make a decision. The trail going left goes between Whitford & Lawler and Jackson Hole Lakes, and it provides a short-cut back to the parking area. To also go around Jackson Hole Lake, angle right to top another low ridge. Next the trail descends to cross the main feeder stream for Jackson Hole Lake near post B6. A balance beam type bridge will get you across the creek with dry feet if water levels are normal.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOhEH0Ju754CB5OLJtiSfzKtu7mw6sMh07hV9J9P7OyBiVuKYOGSJBN_YlyDwU0Az-voTujtvWrI1-wCXMmZdfsC8GMKtsoZXJntGU5regSrEqgqkIep8KN6bfZq5r2f3KL6esVaSup2hcClv_iMdUzMDVob9Il0pMxAPgcR6-FzsYZ80AB-AgGRMQz4/s4624/20231018_112024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOhEH0Ju754CB5OLJtiSfzKtu7mw6sMh07hV9J9P7OyBiVuKYOGSJBN_YlyDwU0Az-voTujtvWrI1-wCXMmZdfsC8GMKtsoZXJntGU5regSrEqgqkIep8KN6bfZq5r2f3KL6esVaSup2hcClv_iMdUzMDVob9Il0pMxAPgcR6-FzsYZ80AB-AgGRMQz4/s320/20231018_112024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing a feeder stream</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At the next couple of unmarked intersections, angle left where spur trails exit right and head for the equestrian trailhead. Now on the north side of Jackson Hole Lake, continue straight at posts B7 and B8 where spur trails exit right to reach the main campground. A couple of spur trails go left to the shore of Jackson Hole Lake, but better lake views lie ahead.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WO5ZN3ffLwclJaFAxxAKzkLRwvoherT03VOip-vhkNqUKWGFA7-p4YaG_5fz75gxCyoDsPKxy_5gRVh1B2xH203zHaI8i-03u0h7qIWX0PLqRi7UZxz1NXIp13DC4PxntiKGQ01hWrc-4tZLiRfYgJA1wjL7_Cmuu9fBCQGtigVDoeWWH5nXzmdPozU/s4624/20231018_114746.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WO5ZN3ffLwclJaFAxxAKzkLRwvoherT03VOip-vhkNqUKWGFA7-p4YaG_5fz75gxCyoDsPKxy_5gRVh1B2xH203zHaI8i-03u0h7qIWX0PLqRi7UZxz1NXIp13DC4PxntiKGQ01hWrc-4tZLiRfYgJA1wjL7_Cmuu9fBCQGtigVDoeWWH5nXzmdPozU/s320/20231018_114746.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada geese</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldUY2JIxtLIPJDUCUROoNJ_94M-vHiLSvQ3OKlKRO4fq4rDVsw_0W4HWE5UZUc3v7knFLUb2xt_oDnlNFqfD33gvL_TNCMWDwNW8E6G-GqaFpk4SM7rjTIVcDt9JvqHhWJ0I_Qn8gYyeoIVJIz8mpOpzzZChB8UERYtrKb3wXp_4NL3lCUCEjdFXc2dE/s4624/20231018_120315.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldUY2JIxtLIPJDUCUROoNJ_94M-vHiLSvQ3OKlKRO4fq4rDVsw_0W4HWE5UZUc3v7knFLUb2xt_oDnlNFqfD33gvL_TNCMWDwNW8E6G-GqaFpk4SM7rjTIVcDt9JvqHhWJ0I_Qn8gYyeoIVJIz8mpOpzzZChB8UERYtrKb3wXp_4NL3lCUCEjdFXc2dE/s320/20231018_120315.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson Hole Lake</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 2.8 miles, you reach an open grassy area with spectacular views across Jackson Hole Lake. I saw some Canada geese and other birds here, and benches encourage you to sit, rest, and do some bird watching. When you reach post B9, turn left to head for a small parking area, which is an alternate starting point for this hike. </span></span></span>The short-cut trail you passed earlier comes into this parking area from the left, so you want to angle right at post B10 to begin the final segment of this hike. A little more hiking along the lake returns you to the main parking area to complete the hike.</div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com08J6Q+F7 Greater Galesburg, MI, USA42.3112332 -85.36183899999998942.308059612415235 -85.366130534423817 42.314406787584758 -85.357547465576161tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-87715283350391936842023-12-03T22:54:00.001-05:002023-12-03T22:58:20.962-05:00Warren Dunes State Park: Dunes/Beach Loop (Blog Hike #971)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: (unnamed)<br />Hike Location: Warren Dunes State Park<br />Geographic Location: south of Bridgman, MI (41.90786, -86.60391)<br />Length: 4.3 miles<br />Difficulty: 8/10 (Moderate/Difficult)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A loop hike over sand dunes and along a Lake Michigan beach.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=504" target="_blank">https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=504</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949172" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949172</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJH7uENe2Bg71R3phTfoyEaTnQxNKPaUO2hHkH275Hr5TYVvwS-PXZIlnMuj9wYw_Zci0mewtJjaVagb7PEFNpyUB1uOuBRyMbxY1vKX2uGEYQ_yUasGHrqVWtv2LaIY8Y_1Pfs1wBZHkN1pF_AY7apSUZC2eKgJ8PYMshXxXaCeQ3KjCVDA7rzszh-8/s4624/20231016_143027.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJH7uENe2Bg71R3phTfoyEaTnQxNKPaUO2hHkH275Hr5TYVvwS-PXZIlnMuj9wYw_Zci0mewtJjaVagb7PEFNpyUB1uOuBRyMbxY1vKX2uGEYQ_yUasGHrqVWtv2LaIY8Y_1Pfs1wBZHkN1pF_AY7apSUZC2eKgJ8PYMshXxXaCeQ3KjCVDA7rzszh-8/s320/20231016_143027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming August 16)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: In southwest Michigan, take I-94 to Red Arrow Highway (exit 16). Exit and go south on Red Arrow Highway. Drive Red Arrow Highway south 2.3 miles to the state park entrance on the right. Turn right to enter the park, pay the entrance fee, and drive the main park road to the large beach parking lots at its end. The hike starts at the far right (inland) side of the last (northern-most) beach parking lot.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Established as a state park in 1930, fantastic Warren Dunes State Park protects 1952 acres of sand dunes and adjacent land along Lake Michigan. The park is named for local businessman Edward K. Warren, who purchased the land in 1879. Warren later established his namesake foundation that developed and managed the dunes before they were a state park.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Today </span>Warren Dunes anchors the southwest corner of Michigan's vast state park system, and it is actually closer to Chicago than Detroit or Lansing. The park is one of Michigan's most popular state parks with over 1 million visitors each year. Many of those visitors come here in the summer to access the park's Lake Michigan beach, so try to plan a spring or fall weekday visit to avoid the crowds but still get decent weather for hiking. I found the park nearly deserted when I came here on a chilly and breezy Monday in mid-October.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> In terms of amenities, </span>the park has a huge 222-site developed campground, a large swimming beach on Lake Michigan, several picnic areas, and 6 miles of hiking trails. The route described here forms a loop through the main dune area. Note that the difficulty of this hike is much higher than you would expect for a hike of this length and 200 feet of elevation gain: the soft sand that forms most of this hike's treadway makes for tricky footing and slow going.</div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRf8QdgaXeh5gxsn3IWo6EcnXGCnm-fnIuY4t0leiUQEzd-EHl0gjMUGhLwvZfSWqmBlzUh-mP0zilznYzcu6wSC_-dxf_kLHfoZ3oZqSo4ct84opv5kmuH8l8KcgB2EjGCalFmXceWMxZH6OE3J23Ia3y8bN8j0kKvx4J4l4LAnbgL8GuU2SldYJI1RA/s4624/20231016_130233.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRf8QdgaXeh5gxsn3IWo6EcnXGCnm-fnIuY4t0leiUQEzd-EHl0gjMUGhLwvZfSWqmBlzUh-mP0zilznYzcu6wSC_-dxf_kLHfoZ3oZqSo4ct84opv5kmuH8l8KcgB2EjGCalFmXceWMxZH6OE3J23Ia3y8bN8j0kKvx4J4l4LAnbgL8GuU2SldYJI1RA/s320/20231016_130233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading east from the beach parking area</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 3 trails start from the northern-most beach parking lot. One trail heads down to the beach; it will be our return route. Another trail starts north into the woods before angling right to climb Mount Randall; that trail is not used on this hike. You want to start on the trail that heads due east, climbing through soft sand with Lake Michigan at your back. Trails at this park are unmarked, but major intersections are identified by numbered posts. Starting this direction provides the most direct route to post #2, and it gets the hardest climb of the hike over with first.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIJO5Y9zvMmu-0n6WVfpFs2CD6O-L5we0Y00rslgcZ0rMVuOaYhWa0ziOZZ7VxZFUyNXcrtsDKyEyU99Jh_t10WSEvT3Vk2-HeYN4Cjf90xSMff8Bbi0jY7u9mBcQjQ7vmO_2J9S0BEp7O9jMdZUYJiiAt0iSnggQoc1MnYi4i1AijwsiLSOCYY0z34I/s4624/20231016_131431.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIJO5Y9zvMmu-0n6WVfpFs2CD6O-L5we0Y00rslgcZ0rMVuOaYhWa0ziOZZ7VxZFUyNXcrtsDKyEyU99Jh_t10WSEvT3Vk2-HeYN4Cjf90xSMff8Bbi0jY7u9mBcQjQ7vmO_2J9S0BEp7O9jMdZUYJiiAt0iSnggQoc1MnYi4i1AijwsiLSOCYY0z34I/s320/20231016_131431.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing through soft sand</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail climbs steeply through bare soft sand. The wall of sand in front of you might occupy most of your attention (and your breath), but be sure to take an occasional peek over your shoulder: the views across Lake Michigan behind you get better as you climb. At 0.6 miles, you reach a saddle between Mount Randall on your left and Tower Hill on your right. Continue straight to descend even more steeply than you climbed.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatB_fmWDczLU74XKZv1cpTYhqNTfWRjIuy4N-IJsOe49wO5dylHsCr5SmFMfvf3zIJ93WkIdXi9IP3yFPwjdQOYgsdFeMXIJGPn9wUNscjneJDp1tBLbeCTAJSp9UtS9ireCBGaJBbGJFP_JTCYORu0XOxdWdooSDABJCj3Tvu9mjWIqglqLVbyOw0Fk/s4624/20231016_131844.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatB_fmWDczLU74XKZv1cpTYhqNTfWRjIuy4N-IJsOe49wO5dylHsCr5SmFMfvf3zIJ93WkIdXi9IP3yFPwjdQOYgsdFeMXIJGPn9wUNscjneJDp1tBLbeCTAJSp9UtS9ireCBGaJBbGJFP_JTCYORu0XOxdWdooSDABJCj3Tvu9mjWIqglqLVbyOw0Fk/s320/20231016_131844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at Lake Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> 0.9 miles into the hike, you reach post #2, which marks a trail intersection near a picnic shelter and a parking lot. A Michigan historical marker to Edward K. Warren, this park's namesake, also stands here. To continue this hike, turn left to begin heading north on the interior side of the dunes.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2csBI-CON1EibngVtwg0nvcJtA53YRGNun4X0olqezZQVPGwC50JmXpfAyouSvoqNKY3cdr1lKQP8d6iuppnfvYdH5WqmWv9_sSRXDGCDzFZyGoh9CMCnePKienfBy1wCrZdqagF-VT2h-_tENjt-pFo2mDkvKhu0_qL3TV_UT5ceN3lHn3eSRa6VV9I/s4624/20231016_133641.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2csBI-CON1EibngVtwg0nvcJtA53YRGNun4X0olqezZQVPGwC50JmXpfAyouSvoqNKY3cdr1lKQP8d6iuppnfvYdH5WqmWv9_sSRXDGCDzFZyGoh9CMCnePKienfBy1wCrZdqagF-VT2h-_tENjt-pFo2mDkvKhu0_qL3TV_UT5ceN3lHn3eSRa6VV9I/s320/20231016_133641.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post #2</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At post #3, angle right where the trail that climbs Mount Randall goes left. For the next mile the wide dirt trail heads north through a flat wetland area with the sand dunes through the trees on your left and Painterville Creek on your right. Dense lowland forest grows here, and some wet areas will need to be negotiated if it has rained recently. </span></span></span></span></span>I saw 3 deer while hiking this section of trail, and what this part of the hike lacks in scenery it more than makes up for in ease.</div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLZzD577BR4-8AB3qoH17OnUgdDGAG-2P256HU8yYGH-yz8YiZJkq5zjAWuk8EJ5msgwVaud9FT3jI6sZsyOL1I0jEPoKela-Kc7mG_4Ui8grsgNhJ_OHqJ7ZRehEkddU_mX720n7s5ePOsCuLWU6EEXi3tOvTN21i4qAGxeZw2e92zjuFH81ohAkV34/s4624/20231016_135345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLZzD577BR4-8AB3qoH17OnUgdDGAG-2P256HU8yYGH-yz8YiZJkq5zjAWuk8EJ5msgwVaud9FT3jI6sZsyOL1I0jEPoKela-Kc7mG_4Ui8grsgNhJ_OHqJ7ZRehEkddU_mX720n7s5ePOsCuLWU6EEXi3tOvTN21i4qAGxeZw2e92zjuFH81ohAkV34/s320/20231016_135345.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking along the wetland</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Just shy of 2 miles, you reach post #4 and another trail intersection. Turn left to begin climbing on a moderate grade. Although this area is in the sand dunes, the sand is stable enough to support a dense forest, and the footing is better than the soft sand you climbed up before. Pass posts #5 and #7 in quick fashion, continuing straight both times.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLJKudhGHbNdq8YrRure9BWfabQTrQc5npfNAYA6yVZD6Cec7oA5ibL5Nq7lUxp41c_tvlolT2WdxNTPafWBrwgOhBw-rCf329EELjCftUXIE1snW8-nh_EYo-zLEa3u_PVhwPQ4fVZJf5EzgF3ZUIsiSuaXOEMvaDasacXV-uvTMx09IOfe7V3lY-D8/s4624/20231016_135447.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLJKudhGHbNdq8YrRure9BWfabQTrQc5npfNAYA6yVZD6Cec7oA5ibL5Nq7lUxp41c_tvlolT2WdxNTPafWBrwgOhBw-rCf329EELjCftUXIE1snW8-nh_EYo-zLEa3u_PVhwPQ4fVZJf5EzgF3ZUIsiSuaXOEMvaDasacXV-uvTMx09IOfe7V3lY-D8/s320/20231016_135447.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior side of dunes</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail gets narrower as you climb through the heavily forested dunes, but avoid steep side trails that exit right or left. At 2.4 miles, you exit the forest as you reach the top of the dunes. This point gives a fantastic view down to Lake Michigan, and it provides that one-shining-moment feel that you typically only get when entering the beach area of an oceanside hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJH7uENe2Bg71R3phTfoyEaTnQxNKPaUO2hHkH275Hr5TYVvwS-PXZIlnMuj9wYw_Zci0mewtJjaVagb7PEFNpyUB1uOuBRyMbxY1vKX2uGEYQ_yUasGHrqVWtv2LaIY8Y_1Pfs1wBZHkN1pF_AY7apSUZC2eKgJ8PYMshXxXaCeQ3KjCVDA7rzszh-8/s4624/20231016_143027.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJH7uENe2Bg71R3phTfoyEaTnQxNKPaUO2hHkH275Hr5TYVvwS-PXZIlnMuj9wYw_Zci0mewtJjaVagb7PEFNpyUB1uOuBRyMbxY1vKX2uGEYQ_yUasGHrqVWtv2LaIY8Y_1Pfs1wBZHkN1pF_AY7apSUZC2eKgJ8PYMshXxXaCeQ3KjCVDA7rzszh-8/s320/20231016_143027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down to Lake Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Now back on soft sand, the trail descends steeply and curves right to reach a trail intersection at post #14. Turn left to continue heading for Lake Michigan. Topping one final dune deposits you on Lake Michigan's beach. Turn left to begin hiking south along the beach with Lake Michigan on your right.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ-98878j4HgAXW3xSwkejzuy1Gu8RBhDZc202b4TpAPbCu2LrLVJ91nULQ2YQdK0s6IbVZ_FhdFprH9d7usTB2uF6JwDrboArXVmP23Bl5zL0BKOZ8vrtLKaTHSWv7VZbY7E4mBUL4ZSZ-bPOcLSCTiXmIWOBEww91HvKPCsf7Ik4t4TwVDGctrgL_8/s4624/20231016_144642.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ-98878j4HgAXW3xSwkejzuy1Gu8RBhDZc202b4TpAPbCu2LrLVJ91nULQ2YQdK0s6IbVZ_FhdFprH9d7usTB2uF6JwDrboArXVmP23Bl5zL0BKOZ8vrtLKaTHSWv7VZbY7E4mBUL4ZSZ-bPOcLSCTiXmIWOBEww91HvKPCsf7Ik4t4TwVDGctrgL_8/s320/20231016_144642.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking along Lake Michigan</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The final segment of this hike is a beach walk that will take you back to the beach parking area. Strong winds buffeted me on my visit even as several sea gulls seemed to enjoy them. The lake-level beach is completely flat, but soft sand again makes for slow going and tricky footing. At 3.9 miles, when the parking lots and beach structures come into view, angle left to climb slightly away from the beach, return to the parking lot, and complete the hike</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0W95W+4C Lake Charter Township, MI, USA41.9078649 -86.603915341.901477037079644 -86.612498368847653 41.914252762920356 -86.595332231152341tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-49733698901419378782023-11-29T23:42:00.004-05:002023-11-29T23:47:38.319-05:00Yankee Springs Recreation Area: Hall Lake Trail and Devil's Soup Bowl (Blog Hike #970)Trails: Hall Lake Trail and spur trails<br />Hike Location: Yankee Springs Recreation Area<br />Geographic Location: west of Hastings, MI (42.61306, -85.49046)<br />Length: 2.5 miles<br />Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A semiloop featuring Hall Lake and 2 overgrown overlooks.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=511&type=SPRK" target="_blank">https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=511&type=SPRK</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949092" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=949092</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WLB2_cqHJzHfIFLhh2iBtNAzuH4HkWwAnhbCFfx92NZtY-l63B_o049Yr2Rv8SeDOIJ61Gob05j2gX_01cXSF2JsEw80O-9S60n7oFPhUX2Wlh5Vp43bSg-qz-ogbizNNHXBpNEE1o6_3AhRcXcrm1Nit3Hoh0Pp0jxXdqBK_Y7fS5iCXm2t7fKONSM/s4624/20231015_145401.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WLB2_cqHJzHfIFLhh2iBtNAzuH4HkWwAnhbCFfx92NZtY-l63B_o049Yr2Rv8SeDOIJ61Gob05j2gX_01cXSF2JsEw80O-9S60n7oFPhUX2Wlh5Vp43bSg-qz-ogbizNNHXBpNEE1o6_3AhRcXcrm1Nit3Hoh0Pp0jxXdqBK_Y7fS5iCXm2t7fKONSM/s320/20231015_145401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming June 7)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: Between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, take US 131 to SR 179 (exit 61). Exit and go east on SR 179. Drive SR 179 east 7.6 miles to Briggs Road and turn right on Briggs Rd. Briggs Rd. becomes Gun Lake Road in 1 mile. Drive a total of 2.2 miles from SR 179 to the entrance for the Long Lake Outdoor Center on your left. Turn left, then immediately park in the dirt parking lot for the Hall Lake Trailhead on either side of the road.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Located between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids in southwest Michigan, Yankee Springs Recreation Area consists of 5200 acres of reverting farmland. Most of this land was opened up to homesteading in the 1830's, and 100 years of farming depleted the soil and left much erosion. In the 1930's, the federal government bought the land, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked here to reforest the worn out farm fields and build park infrastructure such as roads and trails. The land was turned over to the State of Michigan in 1943 and added to its state park system.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The area today features many amenities including a 200-site developed campground, 120 primitive campsites, fishing, boating, and swimming on 2680-acre Gun Lake, bridle trails, mountain bike trails, and 30 miles of trails open to hiking. The route described here takes you to Hall Lake, one of the park's many scenic lakes, and tours some of the park's most famous geological sites, thus allowing you to sample the best scenery this park has to offer.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8cm0E42hnL25gDusX5aD8BAWyVDDJfsMuxuoEF3l7FfdAFb7JTmaHwx-tL55uE1B9ntyczBCmeYGxTgqLVFy2MHcGK2mg6kYb8qSlSZ1GJYpTfpD83ys_JtvgA8366ap8CacaWgKPLoH8Rej3gaCowmH1kd4Z_EQoFuCFV5KhNoNHu7RLh4OpTaI-s0/s4624/20231015_144046.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8cm0E42hnL25gDusX5aD8BAWyVDDJfsMuxuoEF3l7FfdAFb7JTmaHwx-tL55uE1B9ntyczBCmeYGxTgqLVFy2MHcGK2mg6kYb8qSlSZ1GJYpTfpD83ys_JtvgA8366ap8CacaWgKPLoH8Rej3gaCowmH1kd4Z_EQoFuCFV5KhNoNHu7RLh4OpTaI-s0/s320/20231015_144046.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Hall Lake Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> From the trailhead parking area, start on the trail that goes east directly away from the park entrance road. A sign states "Hall Lake Foot Trail, Foot Traffic Only." Marked with red blazes, the Hall Lake Trail is a</span></span> wide single-track sandy dirt trail; it forms a loop that you are hiking counterclockwise when going this direction. This part of the forest is dominated by young maple trees, and this part of the hike was very pleasant when I came here on a damp and chilly Sunday afternoon in mid-October.</div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84T7kq7zesM7X_-KUQvHp3ViGqzS0mlUavo7-dRUjEH8v2FPnNKqmuBWve7hGgbnwoT5dlkv5OUkzejH0jshUrOxbaFS29vtzUn9y2nxq21J3Zmzu4iTQONianiaayn_fVYcTS65_6KAwXiGadc4OzgU2iG_5OGrcmonsxkmy0pFzsv42h9itkYRNhX8/s4624/20231015_145141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84T7kq7zesM7X_-KUQvHp3ViGqzS0mlUavo7-dRUjEH8v2FPnNKqmuBWve7hGgbnwoT5dlkv5OUkzejH0jshUrOxbaFS29vtzUn9y2nxq21J3Zmzu4iTQONianiaayn_fVYcTS65_6KAwXiGadc4OzgU2iG_5OGrcmonsxkmy0pFzsv42h9itkYRNhX8/s320/20231015_145141.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail intersection near Hall Lake</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After descending imperceptibly for 0.4 miles, you reach the shore of Hall Lake and a trail intersection. The North Country Trail, a 4800 mile backpacking trail that stretches from Vermont to North Dakota, enters from the right here. To continue the Hall Lake Trail, turn left to start hiking north with Hall Lake on your right. Whereas maple trees dominated the higher forest, pine trees dominate the area near the lake. Some nice views of the lake emerge. The red blazes of the Hall Lake Trail and the powder blue blazes of the North Country Trail run conjointly here.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WLB2_cqHJzHfIFLhh2iBtNAzuH4HkWwAnhbCFfx92NZtY-l63B_o049Yr2Rv8SeDOIJ61Gob05j2gX_01cXSF2JsEw80O-9S60n7oFPhUX2Wlh5Vp43bSg-qz-ogbizNNHXBpNEE1o6_3AhRcXcrm1Nit3Hoh0Pp0jxXdqBK_Y7fS5iCXm2t7fKONSM/s4624/20231015_145401.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WLB2_cqHJzHfIFLhh2iBtNAzuH4HkWwAnhbCFfx92NZtY-l63B_o049Yr2Rv8SeDOIJ61Gob05j2gX_01cXSF2JsEw80O-9S60n7oFPhUX2Wlh5Vp43bSg-qz-ogbizNNHXBpNEE1o6_3AhRcXcrm1Nit3Hoh0Pp0jxXdqBK_Y7fS5iCXm2t7fKONSM/s320/20231015_145401.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hall Lake</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Where the North Country Trail exits left, angle right to stay on the Hall Lake Trail. At 0.6 miles, the trail curves north to exit the lake area and begin the hardest climb of this hike. The elevation gain on this hike is only about 200 feet, so the moderate climb is over rather quickly. Just shy of 1 mile, you reach another trail intersection. The Hall Lake Trail turns left here, and we will go that way eventually. To also see some of this park's geological points of interest, continue straight to begin hiking an unblazed connector trail.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYc62J7xkV1ScYqEjNM6iKH81E_L7FqIwsR-RMC6euOMZhxOQWr7a5-DfJsqTiVNyBcXXZdd0iZKk26zvZxGKUulja_ndLJt5fybyMPT404FEFUubqf2Y5UlO869ydThLV4xdwIA3Dm6gFVLKCxxrE0C6V87UTbKaWjF8VnXqkvfEo7MhuIxvsz4Dw1M/s4624/20231015_151352.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYc62J7xkV1ScYqEjNM6iKH81E_L7FqIwsR-RMC6euOMZhxOQWr7a5-DfJsqTiVNyBcXXZdd0iZKk26zvZxGKUulja_ndLJt5fybyMPT404FEFUubqf2Y5UlO869ydThLV4xdwIA3Dm6gFVLKCxxrE0C6V87UTbKaWjF8VnXqkvfEo7MhuIxvsz4Dw1M/s320/20231015_151352.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graves Hill "overlook"</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Only a few feet later, angle left to hike the short spur trail to the Graves Hill Overlook. While there is a hill and an unusual-shaped rock up here, this "overlook" is completely overgrown and offers absolutely no view. Back on the connector trail, continue north, following signs for Devil's Soup Bowl. The connector trail descends slightly, passes a jeep trail parking lot, and climbs slightly through steeper terrain than you have encountered thus far.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHPl_4Re13CO3w2a_jCg2A3xtDUcqksbqrOjs3CBuVPinN4K8jQGG6qkmzfjyjNhDggbd9LD-HAuT4Y6PmzSPthaSU2JdalBGfM1C2SrDiVRu3-02Sim-rfSp13W-TyKsrULBe-IHGceLKrNoXcKAgN3zlKAYXm38Gu1cpvcpdVjib8iDzJqtkHWMKfE/s4624/20231015_153349.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHPl_4Re13CO3w2a_jCg2A3xtDUcqksbqrOjs3CBuVPinN4K8jQGG6qkmzfjyjNhDggbd9LD-HAuT4Y6PmzSPthaSU2JdalBGfM1C2SrDiVRu3-02Sim-rfSp13W-TyKsrULBe-IHGceLKrNoXcKAgN3zlKAYXm38Gu1cpvcpdVjib8iDzJqtkHWMKfE/s320/20231015_153349.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Soup Bowl Overlook</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 1.25 miles, you reach the Devil's Soup Bowl overlook. Like the previous overlook, there is not much of an "overlook" here, but you are standing on the rim of Devil's Soup Bowl. Devil's Soup Bowl is a steep-sided depression that is almost 100 feet deep; no creeks flow into or out of the depression. A wild trail going left leads steeply to the bottom of the depression, and the Deep Lake Trail heads right to its namesake lake.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn-ux_ZKJgp896OSVlH0ppet3TXjgKOwy0QoKWKAKcafgpK5M3IyK6Ei_QVjIBRYtp_69BEJ0Q10DpYz9njuMjKfC89mahlSQog2Y2m7IEI1J29prgyuQoKNcCP6ASkfcDvpLJVrSE4rJb6gDNTibMnYpy3nS5HFSrKdahaphmqGpavuN7SSFiZomTDw/s4624/20231015_153145.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn-ux_ZKJgp896OSVlH0ppet3TXjgKOwy0QoKWKAKcafgpK5M3IyK6Ei_QVjIBRYtp_69BEJ0Q10DpYz9njuMjKfC89mahlSQog2Y2m7IEI1J29prgyuQoKNcCP6ASkfcDvpLJVrSE4rJb6gDNTibMnYpy3nS5HFSrKdahaphmqGpavuN7SSFiZomTDw/s320/20231015_153145.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peering into Devil's Soup Bowl</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After viewing Devil's Soup Bowl, retrace your steps back to the Hall Lake Trail and turn right to begin the final segment of this hike. The trail descends moderately as dirt Graves Hill Road comes in view on the right. Ignore trails that exit first left and then right, and stay on the red-blazed Hall Lake Trail. After passing a wetland area, you cross one final low ridge before closing the loop. A right turn quickly returns you to the parking area to complete the hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com010370 Gun Lake Rd, Middleville, MI 49333, USA42.613069400000008 -85.4904634999999942.60043622875699 -85.5076296376953 42.625702571243025 -85.473297362304677tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-27945852527917015822023-11-26T22:27:00.001-05:002023-11-26T22:32:32.104-05:00Big Bone Lick State Historic Site: Cedar Run/Big Bone Creek Double Loop (Blog Hike #969)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Gobbler's Trace, Cedar Run, Bison Trace, and Big Bone Creek Trails<br />Hike Location: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site<br />Geographic Location: southwest of Union, KY (38.88424, -84.75212)<br />Length: 2.7 miles<br />Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)<br />Date Hiked: October 2023<br />Overview: A double loop passing the park's bison pen and fossilized bone dig site.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://parks.ky.gov/union/parks/historic/big-bone-lick-state-historic-site" target="_blank">https://parks.ky.gov/union/parks/historic/big-bone-lick-state-historic-site</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=948925" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=948925</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwkijOaA6EwHC2hY17_no3lfFDZS73aMnNTBQXu2I8WC5NY3NYs0_OOH9e4Rg69nQbf6sF6qpnoX3ODmEgfnchxE5fzNRNZ6VmY0iKuqQKCsiqNk7GFrjtSSp-CgYhAPP7tSlFwwGTc-FBfaMTkn8AsVbI-0_V2XxbOYL26YqyYxF7Q7oR9nrxyfDYag/s4624/20231013_130631.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwkijOaA6EwHC2hY17_no3lfFDZS73aMnNTBQXu2I8WC5NY3NYs0_OOH9e4Rg69nQbf6sF6qpnoX3ODmEgfnchxE5fzNRNZ6VmY0iKuqQKCsiqNk7GFrjtSSp-CgYhAPP7tSlFwwGTc-FBfaMTkn8AsVbI-0_V2XxbOYL26YqyYxF7Q7oR9nrxyfDYag/s320/20231013_130631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming April 26)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: In northern Kentucky, t<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">ake I-75</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> to SR 338 (exit 175). Exit and go west on SR 338. Drive SR 338 west 7 miles to the park entrance on the left. Turn left to enter the park, then turn right at the first intersection. Park in the blacktop lot in front of the park's Museum/Visitor Center.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: I first drove into Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in August 2000 when I worked in Fort Mitchell, KY a few miles to the north. I came here after work one humid summer evening, and I only hiked the Coralberry Trail around this park's lake, never bothering to visit this park's famous mammoth and mastodon fossil dig site. Likewise when I returned here to take some photos on a 100+ degree day in 2012, I confined myself to the trail I had hiked several years earlier. Finally, as the first stop on my October 2023 hiking trip to Michigan and Ohio, I did a hike through the main part of the park on my third visit to Big Bone Lick.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> The fossil dig site that eluded my presence for so long has been an important site for centuries. Before European settlers arrived, the Shawnee lived here, and Mary Draper Ingles was held hostage here before <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2020/06/glen-lyn-town-park-blog-hike-797.html" target="_blank">her daring escape back to Virginia</a>. Daniel Boone came here in 1770, and future President William Henry Harrison came here to collect fossils in 1795. Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame dug for fossils here in 1803, and the park today is a stop on the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail.</span><br /></div><div><span> Despite the site's impressive history, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site dates only to 1960. The park offers a fantastic Visitor Center, which features fossil and art exhibits, a 62-site developed campground, and several hiking trails. My earlier hike on the park's Coralberry Trail is <a href="https://parkingfulltimehiking.blogspot.com/2013/06/big-bone-lick-state-park-blog-hike-71.html" target="_blank">described elsewhere in this Trail Journal</a>, and this hike focuses on the trails that start at the Visitor Center, including the trails through the famous dig site and around the almost as famous bison pen.</span></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ajw_T9lgI2g63kGZoh9ucILT2WHtD7xtdPz1xPyuTzXwaoCdte-JYgzmT0rYkFawngLliikeyKyLxD3Ac8d6UqG-jjGNByZvnrfZZnFd5yQK3WMp4fqEVPVMfNKVNIio5v5oySzotscwYWh0cb9xN1TuAQvLQMbKuE76iLIO7qVj97QWpqOm31UGXUg/s4624/20231013_114402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ajw_T9lgI2g63kGZoh9ucILT2WHtD7xtdPz1xPyuTzXwaoCdte-JYgzmT0rYkFawngLliikeyKyLxD3Ac8d6UqG-jjGNByZvnrfZZnFd5yQK3WMp4fqEVPVMfNKVNIio5v5oySzotscwYWh0cb9xN1TuAQvLQMbKuE76iLIO7qVj97QWpqOm31UGXUg/s320/20231013_114402.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead across from Visitor Center</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> To take the long route to the bison pen and save the dig site for last, start across the parking lot from the Visitor Center and pick up the Gobbler's Trace as it heads southeast, going steeply uphill. The Gobbler's Trace is the main trail connecting the park's Visitor Center and campground; it is well-trodden and marked with blue rectangular paint blazes. Some wooden steps make the climb easier, but this is a steep ridge. Oak and black walnut trees dominate the forest on the lower parts of the ridge.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGcgfe1wh2IYx4ypeD4jJ48jSxc2lDsNAzklE76TZBbIzzOlHuVfJejhjNQCp8NP8gaSQBoPkhZYQYeW29V4OJRHhgeo7zwGA0Z7E7jVXfbSixm_9fHyezHtd9aPU44K4I9WsXyGs_reHjgQEoipP0WJ4JcvG_Z5d7NjnUJLpmReMQYPQc6g26A8fZrk/s4624/20231013_114625.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGcgfe1wh2IYx4ypeD4jJ48jSxc2lDsNAzklE76TZBbIzzOlHuVfJejhjNQCp8NP8gaSQBoPkhZYQYeW29V4OJRHhgeo7zwGA0Z7E7jVXfbSixm_9fHyezHtd9aPU44K4I9WsXyGs_reHjgQEoipP0WJ4JcvG_Z5d7NjnUJLpmReMQYPQc6g26A8fZrk/s320/20231013_114625.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the ridge</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After gaining almost 150 feet of elevation, you reach the ridgetop, and the trail flattens out. Ignore (for now) the red-blazed Cedar Run Trail, which descends to the right, and stay on the blue-blazed Gobbler's Trace as it stays near the top of the narrow finger ridge. Large numbers of red cedar trees and honeysuckle bushes grow up here, and the young forest allows a lot of light to reach the forest floor.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJPpB5_0jEEt0OFxCI9mcb0aJ2-JaG_FLYlN4UCJN8htsb6bNGyRX3SNK9Y8ZIpbW-rmNBmOm1VBrGkg5GzEJUEJQYmimvLphIX7evwnG71MzQTYpTPz8yZEn6aJyRDVqnUSJpGQNVXWt4X0wjgG7WDs6hrhaof2bRn2xPO_AtKO8_MH6GnX9v18Iw90/s4624/20231013_120016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJPpB5_0jEEt0OFxCI9mcb0aJ2-JaG_FLYlN4UCJN8htsb6bNGyRX3SNK9Y8ZIpbW-rmNBmOm1VBrGkg5GzEJUEJQYmimvLphIX7evwnG71MzQTYpTPz8yZEn6aJyRDVqnUSJpGQNVXWt4X0wjgG7WDs6hrhaof2bRn2xPO_AtKO8_MH6GnX9v18Iw90/s320/20231013_120016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail intersection near park boundary</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.55 miles, you reach a trail intersection with the park's east boundary straight ahead. The Gobbler's Trace turns left here to continue its journey toward the campground, but you want to turn right to continue our first loop on the red-blazed Cedar Run Trail. The Cedar Run Trail heads south with the park boundary on your left. Some sections of this trail have been rerouted due to erosion problems, but the reroutes are well-signed and well-blazed.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKnjD0ndNyE62qx-q3-D-IUfOFUY36W_YoQ9vUQsv36gUC7csfHBlaBPl9rDQ-_gjNDTokaaAj9ISddLUWZEatEVd1EKLBWLAkJ38OilCXZFd_T32ydj4y7wQt09A5gSUvwdzR7S_ETBWPiXM1RihGkJ1zkOifgjLHDvCav8GcCgjnbucmAiha1YVi_8/s4624/20231013_120240.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKnjD0ndNyE62qx-q3-D-IUfOFUY36W_YoQ9vUQsv36gUC7csfHBlaBPl9rDQ-_gjNDTokaaAj9ISddLUWZEatEVd1EKLBWLAkJ38OilCXZFd_T32ydj4y7wQt09A5gSUvwdzR7S_ETBWPiXM1RihGkJ1zkOifgjLHDvCav8GcCgjnbucmAiha1YVi_8/s320/20231013_120240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Cedar Run Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The Cedar Run Trail uses a winding course that goes more downhill than uphill. You may wonder whether this trail is taking you any direction in particular, but have some faith and keep following the red blazes. At 1.4 miles, you reach another trail intersection. The Cedar Run Trail continues straight to close its loop with the Gobbler's Trace, but you want to turn left on an unblazed spur trail marked "bison."</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7gVL7YvzWbTMRTRQE-CivTPmB_B7o55tjRxFWbuc0PYFBsYTvTCNIk1n-pa67KUTfdeDZGINdHE9XybYhKGsw9JtetUQTuL6tL9kwygbCDZVLIEPwHaJdrd6Bo9JS1tGp774SXRUc71kgvBS-qjeBtQVOwfji-hbEzzauWbYDXBNXG8ias-zSPosck0/s4624/20231013_123649.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7gVL7YvzWbTMRTRQE-CivTPmB_B7o55tjRxFWbuc0PYFBsYTvTCNIk1n-pa67KUTfdeDZGINdHE9XybYhKGsw9JtetUQTuL6tL9kwygbCDZVLIEPwHaJdrd6Bo9JS1tGp774SXRUc71kgvBS-qjeBtQVOwfji-hbEzzauWbYDXBNXG8ias-zSPosck0/s320/20231013_123649.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spur trail to bison pen</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> As the sign foretold, a moderate descent brings you to the bison pen at 1.5 miles. Turn right to walk with the wire-fence pen to your left, and keep an eye out for the park's bison herd. When I came here on a seasonally warm day in mid-October, most of the herd was laying in the shade, but I did see several bison here. Take some time to admire these large scruffy animals.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NG_PUCWcgqGcRs9ajwgkzKLo8cMA-C2A-1Hax8XghBdA8RQE9qNzGyQauoiy3CUDZAF9r368chfWWcHKWF0Bt15yUlZW_FA7pqXhCNzjgouRL1YeUgTgAqbJo8z49btlZuSbzFmm1gyeLRPATn2-jP6AcBLfjWAY6hCmp1z4cL2A47novB0DBRNjLlk/s4624/20231013_124837.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NG_PUCWcgqGcRs9ajwgkzKLo8cMA-C2A-1Hax8XghBdA8RQE9qNzGyQauoiy3CUDZAF9r368chfWWcHKWF0Bt15yUlZW_FA7pqXhCNzjgouRL1YeUgTgAqbJo8z49btlZuSbzFmm1gyeLRPATn2-jP6AcBLfjWAY6hCmp1z4cL2A47novB0DBRNjLlk/s320/20231013_124837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison in bison pen</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3as8PA2BfdEUMdhh5ruqDItr71LQxIcd1CK9nOEI_k2BKmLenYzDD4dbjZwH40RZBdhIsP5uVjXi8YkDgOKi_Wm-k922jDI6C-gLsEdRm-C9248X6kXUMFhJ1X4hRKkg5YhW4LOwHuA30YnxUaTCAa6r3tqHGw8tBQccDR0oQyu7jFZlacf4nchREEvg/s4624/20231013_125002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3as8PA2BfdEUMdhh5ruqDItr71LQxIcd1CK9nOEI_k2BKmLenYzDD4dbjZwH40RZBdhIsP5uVjXi8YkDgOKi_Wm-k922jDI6C-gLsEdRm-C9248X6kXUMFhJ1X4hRKkg5YhW4LOwHuA30YnxUaTCAa6r3tqHGw8tBQccDR0oQyu7jFZlacf4nchREEvg/s320/20231013_125002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison pen</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> After viewing the bison, walk the asphalt trail back to the parking lot to complete the first loop. Next walk behind the Visitor Center to reach the viewing platform for the fossil dig site. Statues of mammoths, mastodons, and bones have been constructed to mark the area, and many interpretive signs describe the animals, fossils, and people who dug here. Take some time to read the signs to appreciate the history of this site.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwkijOaA6EwHC2hY17_no3lfFDZS73aMnNTBQXu2I8WC5NY3NYs0_OOH9e4Rg69nQbf6sF6qpnoX3ODmEgfnchxE5fzNRNZ6VmY0iKuqQKCsiqNk7GFrjtSSp-CgYhAPP7tSlFwwGTc-FBfaMTkn8AsVbI-0_V2XxbOYL26YqyYxF7Q7oR9nrxyfDYag/s4624/20231013_130631.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwkijOaA6EwHC2hY17_no3lfFDZS73aMnNTBQXu2I8WC5NY3NYs0_OOH9e4Rg69nQbf6sF6qpnoX3ODmEgfnchxE5fzNRNZ6VmY0iKuqQKCsiqNk7GFrjtSSp-CgYhAPP7tSlFwwGTc-FBfaMTkn8AsVbI-0_V2XxbOYL26YqyYxF7Q7oR9nrxyfDYag/s320/20231013_130631.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fossil dig site</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Past the dig site, continue downhill and angle right to begin heading counterclockwise around the Big Bone Creek Trail's loop. Soon you pass a couple of salt springs. These springs are one reason so many large fossils were found in this area, and they still draw wildlife looking to replenish their body's salt today. More interpretive signs describe the animals that frequent these springs.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLCu53MLZXWsc1Y1b3NkR-rdPfCO2IKjq5YL5wTiOD-NZoaTy1Vh463OeybW34FpKsghEkTnokGZRjARBmZzA-EDIDb3cEaAihWwklXxdWhu76bb44e4T1xSQ7hS83CI_KJ2_ZJw5EQyTShx0PU7nzW1JMMqIdL0mxGQonOfiU8zd5iWoRfqoe6y4Krk/s4624/20231013_131341.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLCu53MLZXWsc1Y1b3NkR-rdPfCO2IKjq5YL5wTiOD-NZoaTy1Vh463OeybW34FpKsghEkTnokGZRjARBmZzA-EDIDb3cEaAihWwklXxdWhu76bb44e4T1xSQ7hS83CI_KJ2_ZJw5EQyTShx0PU7nzW1JMMqIdL0mxGQonOfiU8zd5iWoRfqoe6y4Krk/s320/20231013_131341.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt spring</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The rest of the Big Bone Creek Trail follows a nearly flat loop on mostly asphalt trail. At 2.6 miles, you close the loop. Turn right to walk back uphill past the Visitor Center to the parking lot to complete the hike.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com04100 Mastodon Trl, Union, KY 41091, USA38.8842469 -84.752126638.877566064142584 -84.760709668847653 38.890927735857417 -84.743543531152341tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322292768685193916.post-71890885738426646182023-11-21T23:24:00.001-05:002023-11-21T23:28:40.387-05:00Seven Bends State Park: Eagles Edge/Gokotta Loop (Blog Hike #968)<div style="text-align: left;">Trails: Eagles Edge and Gokotta Trails<br />Hike Location: Seven Bends State Park<br />Geographic Location: east of Woodstock, VA (38.87118, -78.49341)<br />Length: 2 miles<br />Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)<br />Date Hiked: September 2023<br />Overview: A loop hike featuring the Shenandoah River and old Camp Lupton.<br />Park Information: <a href="https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends" target="_blank">https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" target="_blank"><br /></a>Hike Route Map: <a href="https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=947386" target="_blank">https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=947386</a><br />Photo Highlight:<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwc6tRR0tLhmQ3kCyVYHIyZiXrMr8PW2dJGnS4o3XU8iDMsili3jC76CsoH9XKiZCXLSDUB17nKLM9Qnhfml4PBswYpw5iktmbQgQNLOha8Eeuxs4Oh_GR5iSvw8dEtYx9IyIMq8OeJyTZmrc_j-esf9sR_DWV8PEnjPHQSccAr_R4wci6ElG_JBVmx0/s4624/20230921_102414.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwc6tRR0tLhmQ3kCyVYHIyZiXrMr8PW2dJGnS4o3XU8iDMsili3jC76CsoH9XKiZCXLSDUB17nKLM9Qnhfml4PBswYpw5iktmbQgQNLOha8Eeuxs4Oh_GR5iSvw8dEtYx9IyIMq8OeJyTZmrc_j-esf9sR_DWV8PEnjPHQSccAr_R4wci6ElG_JBVmx0/s320/20230921_102414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Hike Video: (coming November 8)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Directions to the trailhead</i>: In northern Virginia, take I-81 to SR 42 (exit 283). Exit and go east on SR 42. Where SR 42 ends at US 11, continue east 2 more blocks to Water Street and turn left on Water St. Drive Water St. north 6 blocks to Hollingsworth Road and turn right on Hollingsworth Rd. Drive Hollingsworth Rd. east 0.5 miles to Lupton Road and turn right on Lupton Rd. Drive narrow and winding Lupton Rd. downhill and across a low water bridge over the Shenandoah River to the large gravel parking lot on the right. Park here. If water covers the bridge, do not attempt to access this trailhead; save this hike for another day.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The hike</i>: Opening only in 2019, Seven Bends State Park is one of the newest state parks in Virginia. The park gets its name from the Seven Bends region of the North Fork Shenandoah River, which winds its way in serpentine fashion through northern Virginia and into the Potomac River. The river forms the park's west boundary, and Powell Mountain in George Washington National Forest borders the park to the east. Thus, this park has a secluded feel even though it sits just outside of Woodstock, a small city.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> Seven Bends State Park offers no lodging, and fishing and paddling are the most popular day-use activities here. For hikers, the park offers 8 miles of trails that explore the park's riverside and blufftop areas. I came here on a morning when I had a long drive that afternoon, so I needed to keep my hike short and easy. The route described here fits that bill, but it does so by exploring the park's riverside areas, blufftop areas, and possibly this park's most interesting historical area.</span><br /></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSRUa2dde8zBdc_E52QfdGz9hwmDvdOf9iBf0orl4heNbAj9_7sJa8PCcJwK7yhAmukfNUcR0K4pLlEBqOVY9lv-lHinWVtl5qKZdDaeChIU8jq695mJZPqWhMc3AobwBTwe62rGwBlSOZcycpRjiS966mdY79Jkwn_tzPfZ_AuCy4UQhbJkfc9bOHAU/s4624/20230921_093702.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSRUa2dde8zBdc_E52QfdGz9hwmDvdOf9iBf0orl4heNbAj9_7sJa8PCcJwK7yhAmukfNUcR0K4pLlEBqOVY9lv-lHinWVtl5qKZdDaeChIU8jq695mJZPqWhMc3AobwBTwe62rGwBlSOZcycpRjiS966mdY79Jkwn_tzPfZ_AuCy4UQhbJkfc9bOHAU/s320/20230921_093702.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Eagles Edge Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> From the parking lot, head west on a two-track gravel road with the park's picnic area on the right and an active soybean field on the left. The Eagles Edge Trail is marked with blue signs bearing the trail's name and a blue square. An interpretive sign near the trailhead tells about the history of this land during colonial times, which includes such famous figures as King Charles II of England and Lord Fairfax.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eyQmLtQzTpucYSHzHjF2pA3FRuolByLy4YTdgGfoJKYLVE0y-2D-9XagXI2g6sChqiJRR0jYKxCTBC6ciqgkzpfWhKUOatEBrSIOXhA4rQXvJJUTrSFEXMIpVbZqWBvGJHTIMUGsg42QymKobGgXbdB3zOobsWetXkQNKCYY-pK5P51nlcD9QJkHjzg/s4624/20230921_094213.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eyQmLtQzTpucYSHzHjF2pA3FRuolByLy4YTdgGfoJKYLVE0y-2D-9XagXI2g6sChqiJRR0jYKxCTBC6ciqgkzpfWhKUOatEBrSIOXhA4rQXvJJUTrSFEXMIpVbZqWBvGJHTIMUGsg42QymKobGgXbdB3zOobsWetXkQNKCYY-pK5P51nlcD9QJkHjzg/s320/20230921_094213.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking beside the soybean field</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At the west end of the soybean field, you reach the bank of the North Fork Shenandoah River for the first time. A swinging bridge crosses the river and leads to private property, so you want to turn left to stay on the Eagles Edge Trail. Now with a dirt treadway, the wide trail traces the west side of the soybean field. The river is only a few feet to the right, but dense brush precludes any river views.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6GrJPhHYdZcWG-jgksum144oLxsOXChnXBUwPkMJSr6_sqGN4AIju0sGPmifEQRNwFMYTclyXiqM3Nts4P9r4t7ieonAWvlOaKJ0hhCfx7dZoE8RUXX4rXmk67DF5v8lzNhHpHduJwbMkDtJvA_ie3dGj59IQuhkZtk-cHWo2LLAU2vkPzF2a6WHwEI/s4624/20230921_095006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6GrJPhHYdZcWG-jgksum144oLxsOXChnXBUwPkMJSr6_sqGN4AIju0sGPmifEQRNwFMYTclyXiqM3Nts4P9r4t7ieonAWvlOaKJ0hhCfx7dZoE8RUXX4rXmk67DF5v8lzNhHpHduJwbMkDtJvA_ie3dGj59IQuhkZtk-cHWo2LLAU2vkPzF2a6WHwEI/s320/20230921_095006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asphalt slab from old Camp Lupton</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> At 0.4 miles, you reach the southeast corner of the soybean field and an odd asphalt slab. An interpretive sign tells you this slab is a remnant of the former Camp Lupton, a summer camp for boys that operated here in the late 1930's. To see more of the former camp, keep following the Eagles Edge Trail as it climbs moderately to reach a collection of old chimneys and foundations from former camp buildings. A pioneer cemetery also sits atop this bluff; it predates the camp and has headstones dating to the early 1800's. Take a few minutes up here to read the numerous interpretive signs and appreciate the history of this land.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPB70IYznw5MVXJ58TanRACF6_1CRZAiGf71ppR8hOIw_3S8Zw6J5imuqu_UHWms0OBQ04Wwq4XV2LggENY5EasmaXE5_TIStgVOazJZp0TgMYJBcvKGZWiFFLxrQJE0PlTBNcRIkiaFXMFs0qo0skGlPLy_OF9KPP2bnYCwTq6kkUebBGEjIux7uV_iY/s4624/20230921_095549.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPB70IYznw5MVXJ58TanRACF6_1CRZAiGf71ppR8hOIw_3S8Zw6J5imuqu_UHWms0OBQ04Wwq4XV2LggENY5EasmaXE5_TIStgVOazJZp0TgMYJBcvKGZWiFFLxrQJE0PlTBNcRIkiaFXMFs0qo0skGlPLy_OF9KPP2bnYCwTq6kkUebBGEjIux7uV_iY/s320/20230921_095549.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former Camp Lupton</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5te7bhUp7z7w6lPDIdNSrZTw4eeYw_OepGL5u_Jkr2YZl8hQfXQm_BCv46HGFx4Spoiymp4YxFTDvOWv_p9UxDmOwiMPQRCmhCczhJPjyL2xhqEnwqHkgEfuUo_muf6TC9yyToc-6jj7GQo5Elclk-ZNr6ZrJVswPJb8eCUyJT2cQw-3ihrfEtb-a4eE/s4624/20230921_095739.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5te7bhUp7z7w6lPDIdNSrZTw4eeYw_OepGL5u_Jkr2YZl8hQfXQm_BCv46HGFx4Spoiymp4YxFTDvOWv_p9UxDmOwiMPQRCmhCczhJPjyL2xhqEnwqHkgEfuUo_muf6TC9yyToc-6jj7GQo5Elclk-ZNr6ZrJVswPJb8eCUyJT2cQw-3ihrfEtb-a4eE/s320/20230921_095739.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer cemetery</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The trail exits the historic area by heading downhill to the northeast. At 0.6 miles, you reach the end of the Eagles Edge Trail where it intersects gated gravel Lupton Road. You could turn left here to hike a loop that is less than 1 mile in length, but this hike turns right to start following the gravel road and head deeper into the park.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The road heads east through the center of a peninsula between Shenandoah River bends. A </span></span></span></span></span>sunny grassy field lines the road, and fantastic views of Powell Mountain to the east can be had while walking the gravel road. Also, some birdhouses built near the road enhance the bird watching, and I saw some woodpeckers, finches, and Canada geese while I hiked this trail.</div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0P4qTECoCFXyJ4D5YSmqCRPOPqGCRVvoVp1qvHuDSdbf-VejCmhNi4tbOOTDr3DR0WADLLVzrKWgcfCAvZu5H7hUAnAIyC9hb8bED7-RFttkIR44zJscvscb9Sk8qHk2MwMbC_1RZOQ03jDiYzu1p22Iti241sE8R3OZWhgivToVoLhbfPwQ9tPFEoc/s4624/20230921_101402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0P4qTECoCFXyJ4D5YSmqCRPOPqGCRVvoVp1qvHuDSdbf-VejCmhNi4tbOOTDr3DR0WADLLVzrKWgcfCAvZu5H7hUAnAIyC9hb8bED7-RFttkIR44zJscvscb9Sk8qHk2MwMbC_1RZOQ03jDiYzu1p22Iti241sE8R3OZWhgivToVoLhbfPwQ9tPFEoc/s320/20230921_101402.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking on Lupton Road</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Ignore the River Bend Rise Trail that exits right; it heads </span></span></span></span></span></span>over a steep arm of Powell Mountain to reach this park's other developed area. At 1.2 miles, you reach the start of the Gokotta Trail, which goes left. Turn left to begin the Gokotta Trail and begin your journey back to the trailhead.</div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zUpnQ2Mu2OJGLzZ-sR9u3rx9VBMYSX54LbsDSbCA32eRwuXe4Vz4eCsaovwQe5jE-RUoyXe1Cd4URaglpIqFbzktKMFr9MF25EZt8lh4l3ksZovG0rJXT-Zv7cl-0tdf3ONwmTAolxvSmyX27ziwsVIW_VN9UDGgBVJhT9s8MOjcC9FKCt9gt6mc3T4/s4624/20230921_104201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zUpnQ2Mu2OJGLzZ-sR9u3rx9VBMYSX54LbsDSbCA32eRwuXe4Vz4eCsaovwQe5jE-RUoyXe1Cd4URaglpIqFbzktKMFr9MF25EZt8lh4l3ksZovG0rJXT-Zv7cl-0tdf3ONwmTAolxvSmyX27ziwsVIW_VN9UDGgBVJhT9s8MOjcC9FKCt9gt6mc3T4/s320/20230921_104201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Gokotta Trail</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> The Gokotta Trail stays near the </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>North Fork Shenandoah River for most of its distance, and soon you reach the best view of the river. If the water is clear enough, you can see folds in the bedrock at the river's bottom, evidence of the tectonic action that formed Powell Mountain to the east. A bench encourages you to sit, rest, and enjoy the scenery.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwc6tRR0tLhmQ3kCyVYHIyZiXrMr8PW2dJGnS4o3XU8iDMsili3jC76CsoH9XKiZCXLSDUB17nKLM9Qnhfml4PBswYpw5iktmbQgQNLOha8Eeuxs4Oh_GR5iSvw8dEtYx9IyIMq8OeJyTZmrc_j-esf9sR_DWV8PEnjPHQSccAr_R4wci6ElG_JBVmx0/s4624/20230921_102414.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwc6tRR0tLhmQ3kCyVYHIyZiXrMr8PW2dJGnS4o3XU8iDMsili3jC76CsoH9XKiZCXLSDUB17nKLM9Qnhfml4PBswYpw5iktmbQgQNLOha8Eeuxs4Oh_GR5iSvw8dEtYx9IyIMq8OeJyTZmrc_j-esf9sR_DWV8PEnjPHQSccAr_R4wci6ElG_JBVmx0/s320/20230921_102414.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Fork Shenandoah River</td></tr></tbody></table> </span><span> </span><span> Continuing northwest, the trail stays near the boundary between grassy field on the left and riverside woodlands on the right. </span>Black walnut and sycamore trees are the most numerous trees in this riparian forest. After passing the park headquarters, you come out at the park entrance road across from the main parking lot, thus closing the loop. Cross the road to return to your car and complete the hike.</div><div><br /></div></div>Big Dave, the Parks Professorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05762570178342405424noreply@blogger.com0997 Lupton Rd, Woodstock, VA 22664, USA38.872328 -78.491915138.870657393984089 -78.494060867211914 38.873998606015917 -78.489769332788086