Tag Archives: Hiking

Lake Katherine State Nature Preserve

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The land was once mined for coal and for a while was the site of a summer camp for boys called Camp Arrowhead. Today, it’s the Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve.

I had hiked there a few times over the years but always hiked the same trail. This time I chose a different trail that took me past the lake and a waterfall. There was a stand of pines, large boulders and all manner of wildflowers and fungi to enjoy. The birds were boisterous the day I visited and there were a ton of squirrels.

This fifty acre lake is surrounded by sandstone cliffs and open for recreational fishing.

The beautiful thing about nature preserves here in Ohio is that the trails are typically in great condition and they usually don’t draw big crowds. Also, pets are not allowed which is a big plus for those of us who are intimidated by dogs.

If you’re in southern Ohio and looking for a peaceful place to hike, fish or reflect, Lake Katherine is lovely. It’s almost idyllic.

Want the specifics? Find trail descriptions, rules and more here.

Homestead At Buzzard’s Roost

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The last time I hiked at Buzzard’s Roost, I noticed a small short path to a primitive home.

There’s a small house, an outhouse and several farm implements outside. Here are a few iPhone snaps that I converted to black and white. I like the effect.

Here’s the outhouse and a great fence.

The iconic moon on the outhouse door.

The home is one room.

I especially like this nice counter with a pump and storage shelves.

And, of course, a horseshoe. Hanging a horseshoe facing up is supposed to bring good luck to a home and to keep out evil.

Thinking about visiting Buzzard’s Roost? You should! I rank it among my top three places to hike in southern Ohio. Read more about it here.

Fresh Eyes At Cedar Falls

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Last night, I revisited a trail I’ve hiked countless times. While it’s a heavily populated tourist area here in the Hocking Hills, most of the visitors were gone by the time I arrived after work. It was blissfully quiet.

I did encounter a woman who stopped for a moment to gush about the magnificence of the area. She had studied at nearby Ohio University but hadn’t been back since graduation fifteen years ago. I envied her fresh perspective and told her so. Everything was new and beautiful for her while it’s just another walk in the woods for me some days.

This particular trail is one of my favorites because there are areas where the dirt path turns to boulders that you must scurry over or through.

This trail parallels a beautiful stream.

A chipmunk stopped to say hi. This photo is not sharp but it was the best I could do with my unreliable phone.

This is a favorite spot on the trail. It’s a little steep for a short chick but I make do.

The views really are magnificent.

There’s a waterfall too.

I’m grateful to have these park trails so close to home and should probably try harder to appreciate them. But isn’t that human nature? We often don’t appreciate what we have and too often take for granted the things we value most.

I’ll try to do better.

The Longest Day

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It’s a pity that the longest day of the year is also usually one of the hottest. I spent my work day worshiping the central air but ultimately decided to brave the elements and enjoy an early evening hike.

John Muir said “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”

It was that kind of day.

I donned my best sun hat and headed to my closest trail for a four mile trek along a mostly shaded path. I walked alone but was never lonely as I was in the company of dragonflies, squirrels and birds.

It was somewhere along this trail that I managed to shut off the work day and allow my mind to wander to my surroundings. Sometimes I wonder if I didn’t miss my calling. I once had a chance to be a park ranger but passed on the opportunity in favor of clinging to the known and comfortable.

Maybe that was a mistake. Then again, maybe not. That’s one of those questions that cannot be answered but I trust that things have worked out for the best.

Here’s another question that cannot be answered. Do we think fairies live in this tree? I’m leaning toward yes!

Whether or not I chose the right career path is irrelevant. The good news is I can still enjoy an evening on a different kind of path and marvel in the freedom of feet on the trail and head in the clouds.

Isn’t that one of the things that make life great?

Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve

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Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve did not disappoint. I have been meaning to go there for a long time and finally made it out yesterday morning.

They have about five miles of trails through 1,200 mostly wooded acres. I chose the South Point Lookout Trail which is a two mile loop from the parking lot. But when I finished, I turned around and walked it in reverse.

It was beautiful both ways.

This is a Ross County Parks District property. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Chillicothe’s Western Avenue, it’s an oasis close to the city.

This trail is wide in most places and it’s one of the best maintained trails I’ve been on in southern Ohio. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at trail conditions after the stormy weather we’ve had lately.

I found many new favorite trees including this one.

And this one.

Trees reflected in water are one of life’s gifts.

This trail meanders through woods, past cliffs, and along rocks over streams. The soundtrack of the forest features dripping water, tree frogs and an orchestra of birds.

As I stood with my face turned toward the sun, I closed my eyes and felt the breeze ruffle my hair. I breathed deeply the aroma of pine needles while listening to songbirds all around. It was the ultimate surround sound.

Everything about this place is perfection.

If you go, be prepared for an extremely sharp turn onto the narrow road called Red Bird Lane. Isn’t that a charming name for a road to the forest? Maybe I’ll try another trail next time.

Want to know more? Click here to visit the Ross County Park District’s website. Here you’ll find events, trail maps and directions.

A Spring Day

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Yesterday was a perfect spring day here in southern Ohio. It started out gloomy but quickly cleared up to be about 73 degrees and breezy. The azure sky was punctuated with enormous, fluffy clouds that seemed so close you could reach out and grab them if you tried.

The lilacs are in bloom. This one came from a bush at my parents’ house. This bush came from a start of a big lilac my grandma had in her front yard for many years. I look for lilacs everywhere I go but swear that none are as fragrant as those handed down from my grandma.

There were lots of people out fishing including this father and son.

The trees seemed taller than normal yesterday.

A skink was even out enjoying a sunny patch on my back porch.

The dogwood is pretty this time of year too.

From the tallest trees to the smallest creatures of the forest floor, there is much to see that is beautiful this time of year. I am grateful for days like yesterday and the opportunity to be outside enjoying it all.