Footsteps

 

 In-Town Tourist: The "Other" Hoover Dam (Westerville, Ohio) [1:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Hoover Dam that brackets the Arizona/Nevada border may sell more postcards, but Ohio’s Hoover Dam is close enough to be a regular visit for us.  Matt and I rode bikes across the imposing cement structure just last week, and on Friday we took Lily to swim at a secluded beach along its shore.

Like Alum Creek Dam to our north, Hoover brims with outdoor options for the active.  Rollerbladers, cyclists and runners weave between those strolling or walking dogs along the paved pathway atop the dam. Sports fields, picnic and play spaces and a frisbee golf course are among the well-used amenities at the recreation area.

Less utilized is the canoe launch area below the dam and a delightful nature trail that leads to Lily’s swimming spot.  The nature trail entrance is located to the northeast of the walkway at the edge of a parking lot turn-around.  Blackberries abound in late summer (as does poison ivy, so pluck with care!) in a sunny stretch of brush near the trail head.  After a short stroll west through woods, the path swings north again.  We rarely continue the trail from here, however, opting instead to slip through one of the side paths that lead to the water.

A flat shoreline and an abundance of big sticks make this a great swimming spot for dogs.  Most often we have the beach to ourselves but occasionally, to Lily’s delight, she finds a playmate such as Otis (pictured with Lily).  There are always a few logs to climb over (or fall over if you’re me and having a less than graceful day), plenty of flat skip-worthy stones and some lovely views.

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More “In-Town Tourist”:  Hoover Reservoir (scroll down for earlier posts)

More “In-Town Tourist”

Tags: Central Ohio, Big Walnut Creek, Midwest, Alum Creek State Park, Hoover Reservoir, Westerville, Snorkeling/Swimming, Outdoor Adventures, "In-Town Tourist", USA, Ohio, Hiking, 1 Adult/3 Children by Heather
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 In-Town Tourist: Alum Creek State Park (Multi-Purpose Trail) [1:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

When we recently found our customary metro park trail to be overflowing with weekend visitors, we took an alternate route on Alum Creek’s multi-purpose trail. The trail head and finish are tucked at the edge of a wooded clearing near the New Galena Boat Launch along Africa Road.  The launch area is a lively hub of lake activity, but as we crossed the grassy field, the clatter of maneuvering boat trailers quickly faded.  Once on the trail, it took but a few more paces to slip entirely away.

Alum Creek State Park Map and Visitor Information

The path initiates in a shaded woods but wends its way through all manners of natural beauty.   It’s unimproved state requires attention to every foot placement.  This is not a “run for time” trail, but negotiating the hazards of long grass, mud, tree roots, fallen trees and occasional water crossings keeps a runner strictly in the moment of her next step and present breath.

The trail swings lakeside a couple of times, affording glimpses of water through the dense brush and trees. Mostly though, it is a narrow swath that winds through dense fields and woods in the manner of a maze.

We ran the four mile loop this time, lingering for a moment at the patch of shoreline that marked our furthest point north.  There is an additional access to Africa Road at this point -a straight path between the road and a single bench situated to face the lake.  From this access, one has the option of continuing north on another loop of three or four miles or returning more directly to the boat launch area.  I looked up to see a bald eagle soaring north…

…tempting us to follow.  A quick glance at the time, however, replanted us into the tangible responsibilities of the afternoon.  We settled on “next time” and re-entered the maze, intent on the ice cold water bottles in my truck, our prize of choice at trail’s end.

More on Alum Creek State Park

More “In-Town Tourist: Central Ohio”

Alum Creek State Park Map and Visitor Information

Alum Creek State Park
Something “outdoors” for everyone!
3387 acre reservoir surrounded by wooded park land.
Mountain bike, bridle and multi-purpose trails, marina with boat rentals, dog park (with swim area), camping, fishing, hunting, swimming…
“Yes” for pets

Park Phone: 740-548-4631

Address: 3615 S. Old State Rd
Delaware Ohio 43015

Directions: See Park website or individual map links for detailed directions

Park Website

View Larger Map

Tags: Central Ohio, Midwest, Alum Creek State Park, Running/Fitness, Ohio, "In-Town Tourist", Outdoor Adventures, USA, 1 Adult/3 Children by Heather
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