Autumn Walk

Beginning of Ghost Hedge Nature Trail.

This past Sunday was a beautiful Autumn day and the perfect day to explore Sycamore State Park in Trotwood, Ohio. The Fall colors were glowing and the weather couldn't have been more perfect for a walk in the woods. Sycamore Park has over 2,384 acres located in the Wolfe Creek Valley. The trail follows along Wolfe Creek which widens and narrows as you go. Some kind of shaky, railing less bridges here and there.

 

 

 

 

Beautiful old oak trees, maple, ash, Sycamore and many more varieties line the path. The woods were full of birds and busy squirrels. The trails are well marked for hikers, horseback riding and even cross country skiing in the winter. Benches are placed here and there along the trail too. Some on hillsides that probably at one time were overlooks but are overgrown now.

 

 

 

A rock walk across Wolfe Creek.

 

Osage Orange Tree fruit were all over the forest floor. Once in a while you can hear them hit the ground or water and they make quite a thump. Heads up! They would probably knock you out if you got hit in the head with one. Quite heavy and about the size of a softball, 6" diameter fruits. The trees were planted as windbreaks in Prairie states. The trees have thorns and were used as cattle deterring hedges. The tree is also known as hedge apple. Pioneers also used them as insect repellent. They have a citrus-like smell. The fruit have edible seeds that squirrels and deer love. Native Americans used the wood for war clubs and making bows, it is strong and flexible.

 

 

 

Another View of Wolfe Creek.

 

All in all a great park and a great afternoon. This park will be one we return to over and over again.