Tag Archives: hiking

Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner, Ohio

Located in Butler County, Ohio, Hueston Woods was a family favorite for summer vacation camping.  An hour and a half drive from Springfield, we would leave shortly after our father finished his work day with plenty of time to put up our tent and settle in for the evening.

The next day we would wake up early, enjoy a breakfast cooked over an open fire and then hike off our morning meal.  The park offers 12 miles of trails with the longest measuring just over 2 miles.  Our favorite hikes included animal sightings and a creek where we could search for crawdads.  We would also search for firewood and kindling for the evening’s fire.

Although we did not own a boat, we would pack a picnic and make a trip down to the marina.  On sunny days, boaters would drop off their boats, park their trailers and enjoy a day on the lake.  We would also find fishing holes in the nearby coves in hopes of catching our dinner of bluegill and catfish.

On a recent visit to Hueston Woods, I noticed the beautiful covered bridge over Four Mile Creek.  I couldn’t remember the bridge from our days of camping and soon learned that it was completed in 2012 to replace the previous metal bridge.  The covered walkways attached to the bridge allows visitors to pass through safely.

Nearby, Historic Hopewell Church is listed as a stop  on the Underground Railroad trail.  Dating back to 1808, the original log church was replaced by the current brick structure in 1825.  The nearby Hopewell Cemetery is the final resting place for local church attendees who died during the Civil War.  Nearly 1000 locals are buried here.

Overall, my favorite memory of Hueston Woods, was the reception of my aunt and uncle’s wedding.  They had met while attending the University of Miami of Ohio, so this was a perfect place to celebrate. I will never forget that it was the first time, at the age of nine, that I accidentally drank the spiked punch at the reception. I promise, it was only one sip.

Have you visited Hueston Woods near Oxford, Ohio?  What memories do you have of visiting this great Ohio state park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH  45003
Telephone:  513 523 6347

Where to Stay:

Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH  45003
Telephone:  513 523 6347

Where to Eat:

The Bagel Shop and Deli
119 East High Street
Oxford, OH  45056
Telephone:  513 523 2131

  • Hours:  Sunday and Monday from 8AM to 12 AM and Tuesday through Saturday from 8AM to 2:30AM
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The lines can be long when the local bars close, so plan accordingly.

Hiking the Blackhand Gorge Trail

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I absolutely love hiking Ohio and the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Columbus is a perfect way to experience nature throughout the year.

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Located off of I-70, west of Columbus, take I-146 West, driving 17 miles until the exit for County Road 273. There will be a sign for Toboso and Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve.  I entered the town of Toboso which led me directly to the park.

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After parking my car, I headed towards the log cabin which was not far from the trailhead.

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Blackhand Gorge was designated as a State Nature Preserve in 1975 by then Governor, James A Rhodes.

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It is easy to find the trailhead with a marker starting at Mile 0.

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Located off of the main trail, there is a Quarry Rim Trail which provides a view of the quarry which was utilized in the 1800s.

I decided to forgo the Quarry Trail and take it on my way back as this trail is an in and out pathway.

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I enjoyed checking out the rocks up close along the gorge to see the protruding tree roots as well as the algae growing within the ridges.

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The name Blackhand comes from an ancient petroglyph, resembling a black hand that was discovered on the “Council Rock”.

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Unfortunately, it was destroyed when workers set the rock to dynamite to create the Ohio-Erie Canal towpath in 1825.

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One of my favorite views includes the narrow passageway where trains would pass through the gorge.

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It is also exciting to see other nature lovers enjoying the path both by bike or on foot.

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Blackhand Gorge State Nature preserve is also considered an interpretive trail, providing an educational overview of the area and its importance to the Native Americans and explorers that once lived here.

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There is a rail system that runs above the gorge that once provided transportation to settlers and hauled rocks away from the gorge.

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I learned from one of the local walkers that the benches are perfectly positioned at the mile markers and help to monitor the distance traveled.

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The pathway is a quiet escape from the fast-paced everyday life and eventually the summertime leaves will block the scenic view of the Licking River.

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The Licking River came into full view.  I learned that there are several large birds that make this area their home, including the magnificent American Bald Eagle.

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About halfway into the trail, I approached a beautiful field with trees overshadowing the backdrop.

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A sign was posted to warn hikers and bikers of a recent washout.  The unpaved trail is a bit rugged but not a challenge for my walk.

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I finally reached mile marker 4 when it began to rain a little.  I was so close to the end of the trail that I was not giving up.  It will be interesting to see if the weather holds for my return trip.

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As I came to the end of the Blackhand Trail, I realized I had completed 4.26 miles.   I will have walked 8 and a half miles total this morning.

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I was happy to capture this shot of this beautiful waterfall on my way back before heading over the Gorge Trail.

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Starting the quarry trail….

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Another set of stairs that took me along the rim of the quarry.

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A beautiful view awaits at the top of the stairs.

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I have finished the both the Blackhand Trail and the Quarry Rim Trail while successfully managing to stay somewhat dry on my hike back.  I noticed some kayakers enjoying the Licking River to my left.  Once I approached the parking lot, I could see them loading their kayaks.

It was a beautiful day to enjoy Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve and I had barely made it to my car escaping the deluge of rain.  I was rewarded with scenic views of the quarry, sandstone outcroppings and even an eagle sighting.  What an amazing way to spend my morning.

Have you visited Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve?  I would love to hear about your hike, so please leave a message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
2200 Gratiot Road, SE
Newark, OH  43056
Telephone:  1 866 OHIOPARKS

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn  Heath-Newark
1008 Hebron Road
Heath, OH  43056
Telephone:  740 788 8991

Where to Eat:

The Overlook Restaurant at the Virtues Golf Club
One Long Drive
Nashport, OH  43830
Telephone:  740 763 1100

I couldn’t resist ordering the Ginger Lime Grouper served with wild rice and the vegetable of the day (broccoli).  The ginger lime sauce was full of flavor and added to the tenderness of the salmon.

Devil’s Tower and the Legend of the Bear

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My ten-day journey out west was proving to be one of the most fascinating trips I had ever taken.  I had seen the beauty of the Badlands, the patriotic carvings of Mount Rushmore and traveled miles on picturesque, scenic drives.

In the distance, a monolithic rock of colossal proportions arose from sacred ground.  I knew that I would soon be approaching the Devil’s Tower, a hollowed location of the local Indians.  Reaching high towards the heavens, I imagined this would have been an awesome site for early settlers.

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The Lakota Indians and other tribes believe that there is a strong spiritual connection here.  Evidence of this land’s significance to Native American tribes is proven by the prayer ribbons tied on the trees at the base of the Tower.

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Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, the Lakota named this gargantuan “tree stump” Matho Thipila and Ptehe Gi meaning “Bear Lodge and “Brown Buffalo”.   The tribes congregate here for sun ceremonies and rites of passage.

The Kiowa Tribe legend tells of seven small girls who were playing far away from their home when they encountered a bear.  The girls reached a rock standing about three feet high and prayed to the rock to save them.  The rock began pushing itself up from the ground away from the bear.  In an effort to reach the girls, the bear tried to climb up the rock.  Leaving only scratch marks as the rock continued to rise higher and higher into the sky, where the girls now reside in the heavens as the Pleidades constellation.

Devil’s Tower is known as the United State’s first National Monument, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.  It is a popular place for experienced rock climbers who long for the challenge of climbing between the rock’s “scratch marks”.  For those that do not climb, there is the Tower Trail that encircles the base of Devil’s Tower, which takes about one hour to complete.  Just be aware of bears…

If you have visited Devil’s Tower, hiked the trail or climbed this fascinating monument, I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my post about Devil’s Tower!  Wishing wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Devil’s Tower
WY-110
Devil’s Tower, WY  82714
Telephone: 307 467 5283 x635

  • Admission Fee:   Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry.  Private Vehicle: $20; Motorcycle:  $15 and Hiker/Biker: $10  which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc.    An annual Pass for Devil’s Tower National Park is $40 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Devil’s Tower National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase.  Check out their website for more information:  https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
  • Hours:  Open daily, 24 hours;  Refer to the Devil’s Tower website for the operating hours of the Visitor Center.
  • Amenities: Hiking, cross country skiing, climbing, scenic drives wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger-led programs.
  • Scenic View:  Take in the view of this ecological phenomenon from miles away.
  • Length of Visit:  Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  It is recommended that hikers bring 1 liter of water per 2 hours of hiking. Wear proper footwear and in the winter, ice cleats, snowshoes or similar are recommended. The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate.   Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies.  When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park.  For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Do not feed the animals. Be respectful of this site as it is a sacred place for indigenous people. Do not disturb prayer bundles or other cultural artifacts.

Where to Stay:

Devil’s Tower Lodge
#37 West Road, WY-110
Devil’s Tower, WY  82714
Telephone: 307 467 5267

Where to Eat:

Devil’s Tower Gulch Restaurant
601 WY-24 Devil’s Tower
Devil’s Tower, WY  82714
Telephone:  307 467 5800

They had a special for a hot roast beef sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes.  Some down home cooking, which was absolutely amazing.

What to Eat: 

  • Buffalo
  • Chicken Fried Steak 
  • Chuck wagon-style meal cooked over a flame
  • Elk
  • Fry Bread – puffy taco base usually used for taco salads
  • Old Fashioned Soda from Annie’s Soda Saloon and Cafe in Cody
  • Pig Candy – sweet spiced bacon
  • Prime Rib
  • Rocky Mountain Oysters – calf testicles
  • Soda Bread discovered by the American Indians which is a mix of soda and flour
  • Wyomatoes – gourmet tomatoes with a sweet taste
  • Wyoming Whiskey 

What to Read: 

  • Cody (Then and Now), by Lynn Johnson Houze
  • A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean
  • Colter’s Run, by Stephen Gough

Photo Guide for Cody, WY:

  • Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
  • Castle Gardens near Riverton, WY
  • Old Trail Town
  • Yellowstone National Park

Hiking the Sunken Gardens Trail at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania

Visiting my brother and his family over the Labor Day Weekend, my parents rented a camper for the drive to Butler County, northern Pennsylvania.  They parked the RV at a campsite near Moraine State Park for afternoon hikes and fishing.

The Saturday before the holiday, we decided to hike the Sunken Garden Trail at the nearby state park.  The hike is located on the southern side of Lake Arthur, one of the largest man-made lakes in Pennsylvania.   Marked with blue blazes, there are three different trail options ranging between 2 to 3 1/2 miles.

The children were more excited about the hike than the adults, but their energy made it just as fun for us.  Pointing out cattails, tiny orange flower and tall trees, no one was in a hurry to complete the easy nature walk.

After a short distance, we crossed over a small bridge.

We were surrounded by thick trees enjoying the shade.

On a few occasions we would catch a glimpse of the lake.

Colorful flowers bloomed along small sections of sand where the waves from the lake lapped the shoreline.  A man and his two children had brought fishing poles in hopes of catching Walleye, Crappie and Largemouth Bass.

From here we noticed Pleasant Valley Beach on the opposite side of the lake.  A family or two had set up blankets and lounge chairs as a couple of children were wading in the shallow end.

We approached the marshy area and heard a couple of frogs croaking under the vegetation.  Just across the marsh, we could see the boat dock and parking areas so we knew it wouldn’t be long until we had finished the hike.

Overall, we had a wonderful hike at the Sunken Garden Trail with the children and had worked up an appetite, so it was time to return to the campground to make some lunch.

Have you visited Moraine State Park and hiked the trails?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about our family day at the park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Road
Portersville, PA  16051
Telephone:  724 368 8811

Where to Stay

Smith Grove Camp Grounds
1085 Herman Road
Butler, PA  16002
Telephone:  724 285 3600

Where to Eat:

Reclamation Brewing Company
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA  16001
Telephone:  724 790 4370

Loved their pizza and beer mac-n-cheese!

What to Eat: 

  • Pierogie Pizza

 

What’s Happening in 2018? My Travel and Blog Schedule for Next Year

I am so excited for the many opportunities I have for travel this year!   Here is an overview of my travel schedule for 2018 and what you can expect to read on The Suite Life of Travel!

Travel Schedule, 2018:

Will start out celebrating the New Year with a week in San Francisco and a long weekend in Las Vegas!

My best friend will be marrying late winter/early spring, so a few days in Miami and a few more in Tampa to check out possible real estate!  Super excited!!

Work will take me to Montreal and Quebec City, where I will extend my stay in Canada with a vacation along the east coast.

Photo Credit:  Best of Italy Photos

I will wrap up my spring travel plans with a Mediterranean cruise….ALL EXPENSE PAID!!  This is  my first writing assignment as the ship I will be sailing has an all new itinerary!

Summer plans include exploring more of my home state of Ohio!

Photo Credit:  AFS

Late summer, I will spend ten days on African Safari and visiting friends in South Africa, many thanks to some friends that live there!  I will make the drive up to Victoria Falls, check out a rescue where I will volunteer to assist and interact with animals that require medical care before heading back to the States….a possible side trip to include Madagascar??!!

Photo Credit:  VRBO

My last overseas (tentative) trip, will be spending a couple  of weeks on the island of Sicily taking cooking classes and exploring the island by rail.  Any suggestions or recommendations for places to stay are appreciated!

I will be speaking at two conferences this fall….one in San Francisco and Seattle, so a couple of added days to my itinerary will fit in just perfect.

Wow!  So much to anticipate and so many more plans to make.  I have quite a few writing projects in the works and look forward to seeing where this year leads!

Blog Schedule, 2018!

Continued coverage of my Ohio outings (lots of posts about Cincinnati this year) as well as Wine Wednesdays will continue!

Winter posts will include my December west coast trip to San Francisco and Las Vegas as well as last year’s last minute trip to London, Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge!

Check out my National Parks in the West/Midwest series coming in May and July.

Paris takes center stage in August with a side trip to Versailles.

September makes a detour back to the US with a weekend in Yosemite.

I can’t wait to share my insights on New Orleans, which is full of restaurant recommendations and amazing things to do in the “Big Easy”!

And the rest of the year will cover my recent trip to Jordan and Israel which will carry on into 2019!

Hang out with me to explore some amazing locations across the world and to hear about my exciting adventures!  Thanks for reading my updated posts to “The Suite Life of Travel”  and wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Suite Life of Travel has a Facebook Page and you can follow my photos on Instagram!

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Chestnut Ridge and the Albino Squirrel

It was a mild March day in southeast Ohio as I was halfway through my drive to Athens.  I wanted to stretch out my legs and took a short detour off of US33 to hike the homestead trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park.

In the early 1900s, this Appalachian mountain ridgeline was once home to the American Chestnut tree.  Over the years, this species has nearly disappeared due to an Asian fungus that took out nearly three billion trees.

Shortly into my hike, I approached remnants of the former settlement that was built here around 1936.

The park is abundant with Blackhand sandstone and was hewn to help create the nearby canals in the early 1800s.  This land is said to have been second homes from nearby residents of Columbus, one of which was Dr. Edward E. Campbell.  Named Far View Farm, not much remains of the house except for its foundation.

In addition to spectacular views of the valleys, the area was a perfect location for planting fruit and nut bearing trees, gardens and vines.  Ohio’s state native fruit, the PawPaw can also be found here.

I continued along the trail which began to grow thick with oak, hickory and ash trees providing the perfect home for wildlife.  

Walking along the boardwalk, I happened to notice a white furry animal scurry along a group of fallen down trees.  I followed it for about five minutes when it reappeared standing still in its tracks.  I was so excited to realize that it was an albino squirrel.  I was even more excited when I realized I was close enough to photograph him.

In addition to the walkway, there are a couple of viewing platforms – one for taking in the Columbus skyline.

Before the trail reached the parking lot, I once again noticed another albino squirrel.  Again, taken by surprise, I had to photograph him.   Could this possibly be the same squirrel?

I had shortly reached the parking lot and the park ranger just happened to have been parked there as well.  To answer my question, I approached him to ask about the albino squirrel.  I was surprised when he confirmed that there were a total of three albino squirrels at Chestnut Ridge.

So while I was not able to find an American Chestnut tree, there was no shortage of albino squirrels.

What to See and What to Do:

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park
8845 Winchester Road, NW
Carroll, OH  43112
Telephone: +614 208 4298

  • Admission Fee:  There is no admission fee.
  • Hours:  The park is open each day from 6:30AM to 9PM (April 1 – September 30) and from 6:30AM to dark  (October 1 – March 31)
  • Scenic View:  The valleys and hills of the Appalachians, bird watching and scenic view of the Columbus skyline.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  Look for albino squirrels at this park.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Canal Winchester
700 W Waterloo Street
Canal Winchester, OH  43110
Telephone: +614 953 2204

Where to Eat:

Canal Wigwam
4 South High Street
Canal Winchester, OH  43110
Telephone:  +614  837 0202

This eatery has been serving homestyle food since 1899.  Check out their daily specials.  My favorite was the Chicken Noodles over mashed potatoes.

What to Read: 

  • Chestnut Ridge website
  • Chestnut Ridge Trail Map
  • Chestnut Ridge MetroPark Events Calendar
  • TrekOhio:  An Overview of Hiking Trails in Fairfield County
  • TrekOhio:  Fairfield County Parks and Nature Preserves
  • American Chestnut, by Wikipedia
  • ABC News: Reviving the Chestnut Tree
  • American Chestnut Restoration Project, by US Forest Service
  • American Chestnut Seedling,  by the US Army Environmental Command

Ocracoke Village and Harbor, North Carolina

The 45-minute ferry ride from Hatteras is half the fun of visiting Ocracoke Island.  Our family’s annual summer vacations included a day trip to the island for fresh seafood and a visit to see the Ocracoke ponies.  Located on the southernmost edge of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke has consistently been voted one of the Best Beaches in the country.

Ocracoke Village is a hub of action with its charming boutiques and waterfront restaurants.  Measuring 9.5 square miles, it is the perfect getaway from the mainland to enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere and island attitude.

One of my favorite activities on Ocracoke Island is to visit the  Blackbeard Museum at Teach’s Hole.  The kids loved reading about the island’s pirate history and learned more about the life of  Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard.  They were fascinated by the larger-than-life-sized Blackbeard wearing his pirate’s regalia and the replica of his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge.

Blackbeard was known for terrorizing the Atlantic seas and the mention of his name would terrorize even the burliest of seamen.  Standing nearly seven feet tall, his bushy beard was the deep dark color of night and it was said that he looked like the devil himself.  Sinking and capturing ships along the coast, he made Ocracoke Island his home base, building a two-story house known as “Blackbeard’s Castle.” Present day maps still identify Teach’s Hole, which is where Blackbeard met his demise on November 22, 1718. Stabbed twenty-two times and shot five, Lt. Maynard ordered his decapitation and his body tied to Maynard’s ship, ending the Golden Age of Piracy.

Several 18th century residences along the village date back to the time of Blackbeard.  The British Cemetery  was established when British ships were sunk by German submarines along the shores of the island during World War II.

In 1998, Fort Ocracoke was discovered about two miles from Ocracoke Village.  Previously constructed  as a Confederate fortification for the War of 1812, the octagon-shaped structure was built on Beacon Island in Ocracoke Inlet. Destroyed by the hurricanes of 1933, the fort has submerged into the Ocracoke inlet, although a memorial marks it location.

Quite a few outdoor activities include kiteboarding at Kite Point Beach, fishing at the various inlets and hiking the nature trail at Springer’s Point, a favorite hideout for Blackbeard.   We enjoyed finishing our active day at Ocracoke Harbor to gaze out on the fishing boats, sail boats and ferry transports running back and forth to the mainland.  Before sunset, we found a seat at a local restaurant to watch the sun disappear into the horizon before taking the ferry back to the mainland.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Ocracoke Island?  What was your favorite activity?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my day visit to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blackbeard’s Exhibit at Teach’s Hole
935 Irvin Garrish Highway
PO Box 1718
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 1718

  • Admission Fee:  Adults: $4 and Children, ages 7 to 12: $3   Children under seven are free with an adult and senior rates, 64 and over, are $3.
  • Hours:  Open Wednesday through Saturday 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
  • Amenities:   Gift shop and exhibits
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The museum is only open in the afternoon.  Small children may be fearful of the Blackbeard figure.

Where to Stay:

The Castle B&B
155 Silver Lake Drive
Ocracoke, NC  27960
Telephone:  252 928 3505

Where to Eat:

SmacNally’s Bar & Grill
180 Irvin Garrish Hwy
Ocracoke, NC 27960
Telephone:  252 928 9999

One of my favorite pastimes in the Outer Banks is to order peel ‘n eat shrimp.  I ordered a half a pound and some fried okra.  I was in southern cuisine heaven.

What to Eat: 

  • Seafood along Irvin Garrish Highway for large shrimp in July when they are in season.  You can purchase them either plain or seasoned. Check out Ocracoke Seafood Company at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway.

What to Read: 

  • Blackbeard the Pirate:  A Reappraisal of His Life and Times, by Robert Earl Lee

Photo Guide for Ocracoke Island

  • The Outer Banks Scenic Highway that runs along the island for photos of the wild mustangs
  • Ocracoke Harbor
  • Ocracoke Island Lighthouse

Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, Ohio

DSC_0786A couple of months ago, I decided to take afternoon walks after my busy days at work.   A great way to wind down, I started searching local parks close by to get a little fresh air and some exercise.  I happened to find Glacier Ridge Metro Park one afternoon after hiking through Battelle Darby Creek and decided to check it out.  Located in rural Plain City, Ohio outside of Columbus, I found the Honda Wetland Education Area and shared the walking path with a young man and his German Shepherd.

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Returning from the hike, I noticed the park’s office was closed, but it was swarming with a flock of swallows circling overhead.  A nearby nest was on the rooftop where a mother bird guarded her nest.

Glacier Ridge is one of the newer parks in the Columbus Metro Parks center, opening with 1,000 acres in 2002.   The park system took an interest in restoring Glacier Ridge to its natural habitat after it had been agricultural land for years.

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Wildflowers flourish along the nearby stretch of land as fragile blooms push forward through the wild, grassy underbrush.  As a result of the park’s conservation efforts, there are now several species of plants and animals, with a large population of birds.

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The clouds started breaking up, so it was the perfect time to climb the observation tower.  I reached the top for a beautiful view of the wetlands and surrounding area.  From here I could see herons and geese and sound of bullfrogs in the distance.  I waited long enough to enjoy the quiet sunset in hopes of seeing more wildlife.

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I decided to return to Glacier Ridge during the winter, excited of what I may find in the snow.  I once again strolled the Wetland Education Area and hiked the Ironweed Trail to explore the north end of the park.

Leaving the wetlands, I passed over a creek where the trail opened up into a large field.  There was a clear view with little obstruction from trees and the water seemed to continue to ice over as the temperature continued to drop.  Dedicated runners and hikers walking their dogs slipped past me while I took photos.  Footprints quickly disappeared with the new fallen snow and the silence continued until another visitor appeared on the trail.

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Crossing the bridge, I noticed a weathered barn that reminded me of a scene in an Amish painting.  Glacier Ridge seems so different in the winter months, so naked and exposed compared to the spring when life begins to flourish with bugs, birds and wild beasts.   The crunch of snow under my feet and the swishing of my ski pants are the only sounds I heard as I continued deeper into the park.

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There were no signs of life, only snow covered shells of plants that once thrived in the spring and summer months.   The thistles grew fat as the snow broadened their core, creating little snow monsters protecting the prairie.  I enjoyed the feeling of the sting of cold on my face and the light touch of snow as it fell from the sky.

The hike would total 5.6 miles round trip, but it was worth the experience to see in the winter.  Besides feeling a sense of accomplishment for completing the Ironwood Trail, I was also reminded that parks are not only for the summer, but can be a great way to exercise all year around.

Have you hiked Glacier Ridge Metro Park?  When is your favorite time to visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my blog post about Glacier Ridge Metro Park!  Happy Trails!

Make sure you visit Glacier Ridge during their interpretive programs, which cater to all families and individuals of all ages. There are four trails that range from .8 to five miles, cross-country skiing trails and trails for horseback riding.  In addition to picnic areas, there is also a wind and solar learning center and disc golf course.

What to See and What to Do:

Glacier Ridge MetroPark
9801 Hyland Croy Avenue
Plain City, OH 43064
Telephone:  614 891 0700

  • Hours:  The park is open daily from 6:30AM until dark
  • Length of Visit:  1 to 2 hours, or additional time depending on the activity
  • Scenic View:  There is an observation tower for beautiful views of the surrounding area
  • Amenities:  Trails,  cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf course, wind and solar learning center, dog park, Honda wetland education area, observation tower, picnic shelter, restrooms, playground and
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm the latest information about the park.   Pick up the Metro Parks magazine, ParkScope, which is published on a quarterly basis.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Dublin
500 Metro Place North
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 766 9900

Where to Eat:

Matt the Miller’s Tavern
6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive
Dublin, OH  43016
Telephone:   614 799 9100

I started out with the Bavarian Bites, warm and soft pretzels served with roasted garlic sauce (my favorite) and sweet & tangy mustard sauce.  For my main course, I chose the Miller Salad with the addition of sesame crusted Ahi Tuna.  The restaurant has an extensive drink menu to include several types of bourbon.

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Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

One of my favorite childhood memories of visiting Hocking Hills State Park was hiking to Cedar Falls.   Starting our adventure at the trailhead of Ash Cave, we would pack a picnic lunch setting out towards Old Man’s Cave as our final destination.  Today, I was hiking with my friend Sarah and it brought back such great childhood memories.

It was easy to follow the trail as the pathway was marked by blue blazes, a section of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail. At the start of our trek, we hiked inside of the gorge and later reached the rim for some spectacular views.

There was a small chill in the air as we were surrounded by the local Black Hand Sandstone and bare hemlock trees.  The water had frozen over and waterfalls seemed suspended in ice.

We finally reached the fifty foot drop of Cedar Falls in the valley of Queer Creek.   While not the tallest or most breathtaking, these falls are the largest in volume than other falls throughout the park.  This was the reward for hiking Cedar Falls, so we took in the view and decided it was time for lunch before continuing the second half of our hike.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Cedar Falls?  What other aspects of your hike did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below.  Many thanks for reading my short post about Cedar Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills
21724 Ohio State Route 374
Logan, OH  43188

  • Admission Fee:  There is no fee for hiking the trail.
  • Hours:  Open daily
  • Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.  The rim trail can be very dangerous, so check out the trail before bringing children with you.  Stay on the trail.  Visit the nature preserve’s website for a map.

Where to Stay:

Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium
13984 OH-664 Scenic
Logan, OH  43138
Telephone:   740 270 2697

Where to Eat:

Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ
12790 Grey Street
Logan, OH  43138
Telephone:  740 385 5341

What to Read: 

  • Hocking Hills, by Doreen McMillian
  • Hocking Hills Day Hikes, by Mary Reed

Hiking Olentangy Trail North in Columbus

This spring I started hiking the parks near my home in Dublin, Ohio.  Beginning with a few short hikes lasting a couple of hours, I was ready to embark on a longer, more challenging hike and decided on an urban hike near downtown, crossing through several neighborhoods.

My cousin had suggested I try the Olentangy Trail which passes close to his Clintonville home.  I learned the paved pathway follows along the Olentangy River for nearly 22.5 miles.  It was a beautiful Saturday and I decided to tackle the north trail starting at Northmoor Park (near the corner of Olentangy Boulevard and Northmoor Place), make a stop at the Whetstone Park of Roses and end at Worthington Park for a trip of nearly 10 miles.  I would complete the remaining miles of the trail on another date.

From Northmoor Park, I was 1.75 miles from Henderson Road and 3.75 miles from Antrim Park.

Columbus Recreation and Parks celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2010.  With nearly 400 parks throughout Franklin County, there is a never ending opportunity to hike and connect with nature.  The organization is committed to improving the physical and mental health of its residents in addition to making a positive impact on our community.

Shortly into the hike, I noticed so many locals enjoying the trail from bicycles, bikes with child seats, tricycles and bicycles built for two.  The pathways were full of cyclists, joggers, marathon trainers and leisurely strollers.

The trail markers helped track how close I was to the end of my trail.  They were a welcome sight and a reminder that I was closer to completing my goal.

Throughout my hike, I photographed plants, trees, flowers and bees.  The highlight of my day was photographing the 12,000 plus beautiful roses and flowers at Whetstone Park and enjoying the picnic lunch I had been carrying in my backpack.

In addition to the paved trails and walkways at Whetstone Park (also referred to as the Columbus Park of Roses) there are restroom facilities and a drinking fountain to replenish your water bottles.

Just after reaching Henderson Road, I crossed the bridge that would lead to the river’s west bank.

Posted trail signs confirmed that I was approaching Antrim Lake Park and I decided to take a loop around it.  I could see the freeway and hear the cars passing by when I finally noticed the interstate sign for OH 315.  The trail also crosses under this busy stretch of highway which leads to Antrim Park for restrooms, benches, picnic tables and parking.  Arriving at the end of my hike for the day, I was happy that I had challenged myself on a longer hike enjoying the sunshine and smelling the roses.

What to See and What to Do: 

Hike the Olentangy Trail (North) 

To reach the northern trailhead in Worthington Hills Park, take I-270 to Exit 22, and head north on OH 315. In 0.5 mile, find the Olentangy Valley Center on your right. The trailhead and parking are located in the southeast corner of the shopping center.

Though no designated trail parking lots are on the south end of the trail, its northern half has numerous parking spots in the parks that line the route. Visit the trail’s websites for details.

Where to Stay:

Moxy Columbus Short North
808 N. High Street
Columbus, OH  43215
Telephone:  614 412 7664

Where to Eat:

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
569 North High Street
Columbus, OH  43215
Telephone:  614 224 2204

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

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