In-Town Tourist: Alum Creek State Park (Multi-Purpose Trail) [ 1:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
In-Town Tourist: Alum Creek State Park (Multi-Purpose Trail) [ 1:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadWhen 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.
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
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That looks so green and lush. I especially like the atmosphere of the photo with the trees almost meeting overhead.
Suzanne: It can be quite lush. With all the brush, we have to check for ticks however! I wish I had time to photograph the park bench -it’s such a serene spot at the edge of the water… but it’s far enough in that I only get there when I’m running!
This trail has become my running route of choice in almost every kind of weather. Be warned that in fall and spring, both the north and south loops can become muddy quagmires — hence the running of the “Muddy Feet” race each year. The fact that you can’t go all out means you’ll have time to see deer, wild turkeys, even an occasional fox or pheasant. The trail can also be entered from Plumb Road, which gives you access to the north loop if you don’t want to run all the way in from the boat launch.
This landscape reminds European nature very much