TRAIL TIP
A.W. MARION STATE PARK
When you carry less, you hike more. That’s one reason to skip fancy outdoor gear and pack the essentials. On hikes shorter than five miles, those hitting the trail with kids should bring a map, a watch, plenty of water, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and highenergy snacks. Skip the trail mix for fruit strips, Clif Bars and PB&J sandwiches. Ditch pop for sports drinks like Powerade.
7317 Warner Huffer Rd., Circleville 740-869-3124 ohiodnr.com Length: Five miles Highlight: Quiet lake lined with trees Start at: West parking lot
ROCKBRIDGE STATE NATURE PRESERVE
CLIFTON GORGE STATE NATURE PRESERVE
11475 Dalton Rd., Rockbridge DIFFICULTY: 614-265-6453 ohiodnr.com/dnap Length: About three miles Highlight: Ohio’s largest natural bridge Start at: Dalton Road parking lot
2331 State Rte. 343, Yellow Springs 614-265-6453 ohiodnr.com/dnap Length: Two miles Highlight: Whitewater and wildflowers Start at: Bear’s Den parking lot
The foot trail leading from the parking lot into the Hocking Hills forest isn’t that interesting. Be patient. About a mile in, you’ll run into a rock arch that measures 100 feet long and parallels a gorgeous waterfall. You can walk across and beneath the arch — just be cautious if it’s wet. Return the way you came.
Western Ohio’s best nature preserve is gorgeous in more ways than one, boasting rock formations carved over millennia by the Little Miami River. From Bear’s Den, take the stairs down to the Gorge Trail. Walk west, stop at four observation points and find the Rim Trail, which will take you back atop a ridge. Terrain can be steep, and it’s often slippery and rocky. You’ll also need to watch little ones near the edges.
DIFFICULTY:
Rimming the small, quaint resort lake is the Hargus Lake Trail, a five-mile loop that traverses a good cross-section of Central Ohio terrain. You’ll see dense woodlands, open meadows and secret backwoods lagoons. Boats use only electric motors, so you don’t need to worry about being disturbed in summer.
DIFFICULTY:
SHARON WOODS METRO PARK 6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville 614-891-0700 metroparks.net Length: 2.4 miles Highlight: Lush, flower-packed prairie Start at: Apple Ridge Picnic Area
DIFFICULTY:
From the parking lot, follow the Spring Creek Trail counter-clockwise. After walking through woods and over lovely bridges, you’ll emerge into a truly marvelous meadow. Before completing your loop, explore the short connector that meanders through. Seeing this landscape awash with wildflowers, insects and lush summer greenery, you’ll want to rename the park Sharon Prairies.
SLATE RUN METRO PARK 1375 State Rte. 674 N., Canal Winchester 614-891-0700 metroparks.net Length: About five miles Highlight: Expansive prairies and wetlands Start at: Buzzard’s Roost Picnic Area
DIFFICULTY:
Take the western edge of the wooded Sugar Maple Trail to the Bobolink Grassland Trail, which meanders through wide, lovely fields. The northern spur eventually leads to the Kokomo Wetland Trail and a series of lakes and marshes beloved by local birds. Explore here for a bit, then return the way you came.
TRAIL TIP The outdoor world can be the most exciting classroom, and hands-on learning will make younger hikers more comfortable and confident in natural settings. Grab a field guide on birds, wildflowers or trees from your local library and try to identify a few things along the way.
columbusparent.com | May 2011 |
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