Featured Photo: Seasonal Mix (Alum Creek State Park; Lewis Center, Ohio)
Winter can be a rough ride for an outdoor lover who goes numb in freezing temperatures! Whispers of warmer seasons past and yet-to-be can help less enthusiastic winter dwellers weather the temporary chill and appreciate the architecture of a bared woods. This photo, taken last winter on a seasonally-vacated mountain bike trail, is an encouragement to bundle up and search out the beauty in a frozen afternoon.
I did my first snowy trail run at yesterday and have officially plunged into yet another Ohio winter.Sensation has returned to my toes; acclimation is complete.
…because Adventure begins in the heart and Travel starts at the end of your own driveway.
In another month, I would be risking serious injury and the rightful wrath of serious cyclists. But with only the beginnings of a winter thaw underway, there was little danger of running into two wheels on the Alum Creek mountain bike trails this past weekend. So we hiked the intermediate trail bike-less and enjoyed a uniquely lovely bit of central Ohio woodland that would be rather difficult to photograph when used as intended.
I’ve mountain biked once -in Mammoth Lakes, California. Loved it. Felt lucky to be alive -and felt fully alive, when my feet finally touched ground at trail’s end. Flying through stunning flashes of tall pines and vivid blue sky -it had felt a little like my first time driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Knowing there was a gorgeous view to my right or left but acutely aware of the danger of lengthy admiration and left to to gather it all in with but a hasty glance here and there.
Trekking up and down hills and along the ridges of the bike trail in Alum Creek State Park, I could sense the adrenaline released into those woods and felt a twinge of lingering challenge. I also felt just a little lucky that this time my glances could grow into gazes and that I could focus not only my own eyes, but my camera lens as well.
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.
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
