The leaves have all fallen,
the sun sets early now,
winter will soon be upon us. 

As the sky sheds it's first flakes of snow, your first instinct may be to lock yourself inside with a warm cup of tea and put away your hiking boots until spring. Do not do this! (except maybe the tea, yum!)
Hiking in the winter can be just as enjoyable as any other time as long as you are properly dressed and prepared for any and all the elements. 

Honestly, until the past few years I dreaded winter, I hated not being outside, I felt my body deteriorating due to lack of physical activity (sure I could go to the gym but ugh), the lack of natural light would stoke the flames of winter depression, but most of all I could not stand being cold.
All of these problems I was able to fix in one easy step.... dressing properly for the outdoors!
Once I made this one little change, winter was no longer a daunting task; being outside, getting my muscles moving, enjoying the sharp winter sun, all helped alleviate the seasonal depression. Before I knew it I was enjoying winter hiking just as much as summer. Winter posed a challenge to me, all the trails I could fly through in the warm months were once again challenging, I had to push myself physically and mentally through drifts of snow, up icy hills, down steep slopes.

In May of 2014 a spring storm swept through the area flooding roads, and parks, these two parks (Hampton & O'Neil) were among the few most devastated by the storms. Hampton's Spring Hollow trail would close from May 13, 2014 through June 13th, while O'Neil Woods (Deer Run) would be closed until July 23rd, and Adam Run until May 12th 2015 (one year later). The storm brought 3 inches of rain in just two hours, washing out trails, roads, and river beds, creating landslides and felling trees left and right. In these parks, almost two years later, the evidence is still there - piles of trees, exposed cliffs, etc., but nature is doing its part, a layer of moss adorns the felled trees, chipmunks scamper in and out making the trees their home; from whence they came, so shall they return. 
​
​The cool crisp fall afternoon was perfect for a stroll through the woods, a leaf adorned trail twists and turns around trees, past riverbeds filled with trees from the storm, and up the boardwalk/stairs to the top of the hill where a pine grove planted years ago by the girl scouts fills the air with piney goodness. The trail leads back down the hill, leaves crunching underfoot. Near the end of the trail we came across a red tail hawk in its winter colors feasting on what I'm guessing to be was a chipmunk, as we approached it became startled and took off into the trees, blending in so well we lost sight of it sitting on a branch. Finishing the trail we decided to head over to O'Neil Woods before sundown to get another good hike in...

Wildlife we saw:
Red tailed hawk (winter colors)
chipmunks & squirrels

By the time we made it across the valley to O'Neil woods, we knew we'd have just enough time to complete this trail before nightfall. We gathered up our gear and flashlight (just in case) and headed into the woods at a brisk pace. The lovely oak trees' blanket of leaves provided the soundtrack for our trek down the trail; the path was worn just enough for daylight visibility but I feared night may prove it more difficult, so we continued on at our brisk pace, as long as we made it across Bath Rd both times (the trail crosses the road twice) we'll be (less likely) to be lost in the woods. 
The sunset from on top of the hill was just gorgeous, the clouds were little tufts in the sky, giving texture to the bold pinks and yellow of the atmosphere. Looking in the direction opposite the sunset we could see the tower in Cuyahoga Falls illuminated by the fleeting rays of light. 
From this point we make our first descent down the extensive array of stairs. Down and down and down we go. Till, at last, we reach the bottom. We cross the road where the trail meets up with the river, and walk side by side for a bit. Turning the corner there's the newly re-painted O'Neil barn, relics from farm life still remain - old spring, stairs leading to nowhere. 
​Crossing the road again we begin our ascension. After the storm came through May of 2014, they changed this trail a bit, the part I most remember was this climb formerly went straight up, just up and up and up and up, it was re-routed with a chain of switchbacks slowly leading you up the hill. At the top you can still catch a hint of the old trail off to the side.
We made it to the end just as the twilight turned into night.

​I highly recommend not racing the sun on this or most of the trails (except the meadows, that one is lovely during sunset). Take the time to soak in all the charm and the atmosphere of each place. 

Deep lock quarry, now this is a unique hike if for no other reason (although there are many other reasons) than the sheer history of the area. With every step you find remnants of the Quarry, the stones, the carvings, every piece carved to be a precise tool is now crumbling among the leaves on the forrest floor. 
The Berea Sandstone was cut to build the canal locks along the Erie Canal way as well as other local structures. The sandstone was perfect for millstones which were used to remove the outer hulls of oats processed at Akron's American Cereal Works (later Quaker Oats).
​Upon arriving at the quarry, one particular stone stands out, a vertical chunk of the sandstone with the mason's mark prominently displayed. You can find various markings on other stones along the Erie Canal way. 
This park is also home to the largest number of Ohio buckeye trees in the Summit County Metro Park System.
​

Wildlife we saw:
chipmunks & squirrels 

​Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers.
List and more information can be found here.
For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. 

This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post!

The newest of the Metro Parks! Welcome Wood Hollow!
Thanks to an anonymous donation of 150 acres, this park, which had never imagined to be, has become a reality! The anonymous donor who enjoys the parks and the Fall Hiking Spree was inspired to donate the land, and we thank them!
If you haven't ventured out to explore this park yet, I highly encourage you to! It's an easy trail (1,c - basic, easy rating) but there's so much to be seen. 
A winding trail takes you along boardwalks and freshly fallen leaves, through wetlands, forests, and ending in the meadow. 
The day we went was perfect, the air was crisp but the sun was warm, the leaves had reached their peak colors and the sun was determined to highlight each and every one of them.
​Go out and welcome this new trail to the Metro Park family! 

Wildlife we saw:
Chipmunks - so many chipmunks! 

The Liberty Park Ledges is one of those parks that opens the door to a magical realm, caves, lichen, mosses, all amplify the sculptural properties of the sandstone cliffs, rocks, and ledges. 
On our hike, we decided to travel backwards, starting with the boardwalk and open wetlands then trailing up to the ledges. The boardwalk is nice, the birds are abundant, and the view is nice, but the real 'meat' of the trail is the ledges. 
Here the moss glows a brilliant green as it clings to the rocks and trees along the path, entering the cave takes you to another place in time where you can't help but be in awe of the beauty and peace which surrounds you. Pause a moment to think about the trees flourishing on the edge of the ledges, their root systems cast over the edge trailing down. 
It is a magical world out there, if you just take a moment to see it. 

From the Summit Metro Park's Page...
"Long before Liberty Park was formed, humans in prehistory camped here, drank the clean, cold springs and hunted game. Upon European settlement, trees were cleared for farming, but maples were spared for their sweet sap.Today, the 3,000-acre Liberty Park harbors countless rare and endangered species, including Indiana bats, marsh wrens, ospreys and bald eagles. Other creatures seen here include beavers, long-tailed weasels, red-backed salamanders, wood frogs, painted turtles and numerous dragonflies and butterflies. Large trees exist on rock ledges and in wetlands within the conservation area, where fens and bogs are "protected" by poison sumac and swamp rose. In 2006, Liberty Park was designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society."

Wildlife we saw:
Squirrels & chipmunks
Hawk (redtail) 
Chickadees and other common small birds.

There were reports saying the chance was great to see the aurora borealis, now I've only had the great privilege to see the lights once in my life and let me tell you, it's a magical experience everyone should see at least once, so I pulled up a map of light pollution (yep it's mapped out) and hunted for the nearest place with the least amount so we could have a chance to see the lights, this led us to West Branch State Park. We were ready, we had flashlights, tripods, cameras, and coats (it was quite brisk on such a clear night). As this was our first time to this park (at least since being small children) we weren't sure where to go, so we went down to the boat dock which gave us a great view of the north sky doubled with the reflection in the calm lake which lay before us. While we waited we practiced photographing the stars, there was a lovely peninsula to the right of the dock which lent itself to interesting composition. Along with the aurora, we were in the midst of a meteor shower, this was a treat! While standing in the dark and the cold we got to watch the stars shoot past us (and of corse make wishes on each of them). The constellations were clear, in the distance we could hear coyotes, from time to time a mountain biker would ride past (how one can bike at night without sever injury is a mystery to me!). 
A few hours passed and no northern lights so we packed up and moved on. Even though we didn't get to see the lights, it was still a beautiful evening and I can't wait to go back and explore the park in the daylight! 
Here is one of the images captured on this adventure.

On our way to see a play at Ashland University (which was fantastic and directed by my very talented friend - buy tickets here!) we noticed a sign along the road pointing out an Audubon Wetlands Preserve. We made note to explore this further after the play. 
We weren't sure what to expect so we put on our hiking boots, and headed down the trail. 
Being so late in the season and such a chilly day, there wasn't much wildlife activity. I can imagine in the summer how full the reeds must be with birds and dragonflies, the swamp floor hopping with frogs, sunbathing turtles, fish splashing. There are various deer trails leading here and there along the path. 
It's a lovely hike with our without the sounds of the wildlife. The path wanders along the Mohican River for a bit then leads you to the marsh. 

​How to tell the difference between a swamp and a marsh?
Simplified, swamps are the ones with dead tree skeletons and other woody growth where as marshes have a more grassy dominated environment with more reeds and grasses. 
To compare all the types of wetlands....
"The world’s wetlands are ecosystems in themselves, and are defined by the flora and fauna they support. Marshes are nutrient-rich wetlands that support a variety of reeds and grasses, while swamps are defined by their ability to support woody plants and trees. Bogs are characterized by their poor soil and high peat content, while fens have less peat and more plant life than a bog."

As the seasons change we will be exploring this area again, stay tuned! 

I am very happy to announce that the Brecksville Bald Eagles have returned to their nest! 

From a report by the National Park Service... "Beginning In 2006, bald eagles built a nest in the Pinery Narrows area in Brecksville, the first recorded in Cuyahoga County in more than 70 years. That nest was unsuccessful, but the breeding eagles returned and nested the following years with these results:

• 2007 - one eaglet successfully hatched and fledged
• 2008 - one eaglet successfully hatched and fledged
• 2009 - a late winter storm in February 2009 caused the nest to fail
• 2010 - two eaglets successfully hatched and fledged
• 2011 - a storm in early March blew down the entire nest tree; another nest was start but no eggs hatched
• 2012 - one eaglet successfully hatched and fledged
• 2013 - two eaglets successfully hatched and fledged
• 2014 - two eaglets successfully hatched and fledged"

Once these birds begin nesting, the CVSR will close the tracks to allow the Eagles the peace they need to make more eaglets and continue returning year after year. But fear not! you can still catch a glimpse of these awesome birds from across the river. Just park at the Brecksville "Station Road Bridge Trailhead", walk down the trail heading north, beyond all the trail kiosks where you'll come to a bridal trail, turn left down the bridal trail (always yield to horses and riders!) follow the trail down near the river, look up and across the tracks, you won't miss the nest! 

Fun Facts!

• Bald Eagles are believed to mate for life.
• Their average life span is 28 years.
• Average wingspan ranges from 6-8ft yet the birds only weigh on average 7-14lbs! 
• The largest Bald Eagle nest was 9.5ft wide 20ft tall and weighed over two TONS! 
• It takes young eagles around 5 years to turn their distinctive colors, until then they are a dark brown all over. 
• The call which we relate to the eagle (as heard on tv, movies, etc) is actually that of a red tailed hawk dubbed over. Eagle calls sound more like tennis shoes on a squeaky basketball court (look it up, it's great!)
  
• During the eagles courting/mating dance, the eagles will fly high up in the sky, charge towards each other, link talons, and fall cartwheel free-fall from the sky waiting until they're seconds from the ground to release.

​Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers.
List and more information can be found here.
For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. 

This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post!

Every year hikers can pick their own trail to explore and gain credit for the hiking spree, our choice: Redwing Trail at Firestone Metropark. 
Now sure, we tend to go for the more challenging trails, nothing like the sense of accomplishment you get after hiking up the big hill on the Chuckery Trail, but sometimes, taking a slow walk down a quiet easy trail is just as fulfilling. 
​

This trail leads you along a beautifully wooded path, opening upon two ponds (Turtle pond in the summer does not disappoint, we've seen upwards of 20 turtles at a time there!). Beyond the ponds the trail walks you alongside the river, oftentimes mallards wait for you at each turn. Wintertime at this park brings a wide variety of birds along the river, one winter at the bridge along the river there were so many chickadees looking for food they landed on us when we held our hands out! It's at this point where the trails split apart, one way takes you along the willow trail, the other, the redwing. Here you'll come upon a boardwalk weaving you through the cattails and the reeds, all along the hike we could hear little sparrows hopping and fluttering about. At the end of the boardwalk you'll overlook the open grassy area, usually finding people playing frisbee or throwing balls for their pups, following the tree-line you'll enter another wooded area, twisting, turning, and climbing the view is beautiful. The path brings you down the hill and through a wildflower area (see past post about the yellow flowers, that was here!) then back to the beginning. 

Nothing too strenuous but just right for a peaceful walk in the woods.

Wildlife we saw:
squirrels and chipmunks
​

The Meadow is one of our top parks to go to, in the spring and summer it's home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies, flowers, dragonflies, and beetles not to mention the sunsets from there are stunning! 

The evening we went was a crisp October evening right before sunset. (I added a few photos from other times on the trail for more diversity). The light was glowing warm though the breeze reminded you of summer's end. We start down the trail, overlooking the whole meadow, looking very closely, we spot the family of deer in the center, too far to take a photo but those moving brown dots in the distance are unmistakeable with their white tails. Walking past the meadow heading into the woods the smell of fall leaves overtakes us, a sense of comfort falls over the trail as even the jumpy chipmunks can't startle us. Through the clearing before the bridge we listen, the sumac is in bloom, a favorite of cedar waxwings, no sign, we move on. Over the bridge, my favorite view is of the stones, dancing down the channel, too smooth to be a rock, too large to be a pebble, but the blankets of moss don't mind. Beyond the bridge is a long stretch of new growth trees standing across the trail from the old growth forrest (image3), working together to form a canopy over the trail. Turning from the canopy leads to the wetland, still full of sounds even on this cool evening. The sunset, the fog, the smells, the year's end bounty falling all around us, being a fantastically insignificant piece in this beautiful cycle, this is why I nature.
​We leave the wetland and enter the meadow, a long wide open stretch circling where we had first seen the deer. In the summer this space is filled to the brim with wildflowers, grasses, and more birds and butterflies than I've ever seen (remember this post about the hummingbird moth? Yep, that was from here), tonight a calm overtakes the scene, the summer's work has been done, and now we rest. On top of the hill we gaze over the meadow, the woods, and beyond; in the distance we can see the bucks sparring, (the rut is here so watch for deer!) the light grows dimmer so we continue on. The twilight fills the air as we finish up the last stretch of the trail, a beautiful disorienting scene as the eyes don't know what to do with the lessening light. We come to the end, another wonderful hike at the Meadow.

Wildlife we saw:
chipmunks
3 or 4 deer
​

Every year between September 1st and November 30th the Summit County Metroparks host their annual Fall Hiking Spree. Hikers must complete 8 of the 15 trails listed in order to receive a metal badge that adorns the hiking stick you will receive upon completion of your first hiking spree. Spree is free to all Summit Co. residents, non-residents may participate but to receive hiking rewards it is $10 first year then $5 for veteran hikers.
List and more information can be found here.
For us, the hiking spree really motivated us to get out and explore more of the area's metroparks, sure we had a handful of favorites already, but years ago when we were new to the area it pushed us to explore more of the parks that we wouldn't have explored otherwise and we ended up finding a few new favorites. 

This year to inspire all of you to get out and explore I'll be posting about each of the trails and hikes we complete. I'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences on each of the trails we post!

The Chippewa trail at Silver Creek MetroPark is one of those trails that has a little of everything, you begin your hike in a meadow, then enter the forrest, where you dance back and forth between meadow, forrest, and wetland for a while, eventually coming upon an old barn, old orchard, and a pine grove (my personal favorite), before heading back through meadow, forest, marshland!
This unique park has not only hiking trails, but a large lake for swimmers, fishers, and boaters in the summer, the also offer a wide selection of bridal trails for our equestrian friends.
Along this trail there's a few smaller ponds where in the past we've seen muskrat and herons milling about.
Just beyond the lake, you'll come across one of the largest red oak trees in Summit County measuring 20ft in circumference! Nature and time have split it through the center and here you can see where people have taken photos of each other standing in the center of this majestic tree!
There is certainly something about this park, every time you go, you see/feel/experience something different. 

A bit of history on the park area:
The barn at the top of the hill dates back to the time of the Civil War. It was also home to Harter Dairy Farm.
Under the park there is a maze of tunnels and shafts - left over from a 19th century mining operation. When walking below the lake you may come across a small stream, bright orange in color, this is from one of the mine shafts. Fortunately enough, you'll find fish and reptiles have no problem with this area, we generally find 2 or 3 frogs hanging out in the stream. 

The werewolf/dogmen of Silver Creek:
Yes this area has had reports of wherewolf/dogmen sightings, wolf like creatures 6ft tall walking on two legs haunt the early morning hours.
I'm just going to leave this link here and let you come to your own conclusions... http://weekinweird.com/2014/12/08/exclusive-ohio-silver-creek-werewolf-investigation/


All in all a nice walk through the meadow-wood-marsh. 

Wildlife we saw:
Numerous Canada Geese
1 Woolybear Caterpilliar
Squirrels & Chipmunks
1 Frog 
​0 Dogmen

A park I've always know was there, but never ventured to explore. At the end of a dirt road beyond the skate park, beyond various industries, sits Grosjean Park. 
No maps, no information, just a blank kiosk with a sign letting you know you've arrived. 
When we went it was fantastically overgrown, so we picked a direction and started walking. Soon we came upon a beaten path leading us past various posts with numbers (possibly remnants from years past as campsite markers? In doing research I couldn't find any evidence of public camping in the park. If you have any info on this please share!) following the path lead us down to the creek, Apple Creek to be precise. The wide but shallow creek stumbling over stones as it travels round twists and turns ultimately ends up joining Killbuck Creek by Blachleyville Rd. We then left the creek and headed back up the trail, I kept noticing a plant which seemed to blanket the banks, the bushes, really anywhere there was ample light, it wasn't virginia creeper nor was it kudzu, after looking into it it's in fact Japanese Hops, a noxious weed meaning it is not only invasive but it is detrimental to the natural balance of an area. We continued on through the woods, along the creek, over logs, until we came upon a group of houses and turned back. The trail along the other way (walking towards the skatepark) is more well manicured, opening from the trees to a beach like area. Sand and stones frame the creek around sharp turns. It is a very beautiful area.

Why is the park so overgrown?
     It's not necessarily a park for hiking, the main focus of this green area is as a trout release area for the organization Trout Unlimited (more on the Clear Fork River TU Chapter here) . This is a hotspot for fly fishermen (catch & release) and is a pretty well known area in those groups. Therefore there's very little need for trail maintenance as most use the water to travel in their waders. 

How did the park come to be?
     In August 2001, Alice (Grosjean) donated 86 acres of land to the City of Wooster to be used as a park and nature trail. She wanted it to be named "Grosjean Park" in honor of her husband (George).

Fun fact 
     Driving down rt 30 towards Wooster before you get to the Madison Ave exit, look to your right, all those trees, that creek, the meadow are all part of Grosjean Park. 

​Item of notoriety - 
In researching this topic I came across a fascinating document "Wooster Envisioned - Comprehensive Plan 2014" this document is of extreme importance as it lays out the plan to improve Wooster as a city and how it is to move forward.
I bring it up as one of the key areas it focuses on is the Little Apple Creek - Grosjean Park area. 
"Parks & recreational services are often regarded as unimportant in city budgets because their cost exceeds their direct revenue. The benefits of parks and recreation services are instead measured by the social and economic impacts on the surrounding area and the community as a whole." - This is why it is so very important to get involved, volunteer whenever you can!

-Action PR.2.4
Work with local groups such as the OARDC or Trout Unlimited to make improvements to Grosjean Park that will enhance access and serve as a destination for environmental education and/or outdoor recreation.
The proximity of Grosjean Park to the Little Apple Creek and Downtown make it a very valuable space for enhancements. By partnering with local groups, the City can use this space to educate while enhancing the function of the park itself. The advancement of the park will establish it as a destination and resource. 

-Action PR.3.1
Ensure new development near Little Apple Creek maintains naturalized, publicly accessible, passive park space.
Little Apple Creek is one of Wooster's best natural assets and should be preserved at all costs. The area should be used as an asset to the whole community by making sure it is accessible to the public and undeveloped. Creating a bike path along the Creek will make it more attractive to residents while ensuring the area does not get developed. 

-Objective PR.5 - Protect and enhance the Little Apple Creek greenway.
Action PR.5.1 - Protect the riparian areas along the Creek.
Action PR.5.2 - Create new recreational and educational amenities and activities along the Creek.
Action PR.5.3 - Support the creation of a "Friends of the Little Apple Creek" group for fundraising and volunteer labor, promotion, and security.
Action PR.5.4 - Work with Trout Unlimited to create or attract an angling or conservation event. 

These are just overviews of the document, more information can be found at the links below.

The entire comprehensive plan can be found here (copy and paste full website into browser window)- 
http://www.woosteroh.com/sites/default/files/Wooster%20Comprehensive%20Plan.pdf

The chapter on Parks & Recreation can be found here (copy and paste full website into browser window)-
 http://www.woosteroh.com/sites/default/files/Chapter%205%20-%20Parks%20%26%20Recreation.pdf

There's a lot of potential for this great natural resource, keep an eye on it for great things to come!