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Informationen zum Autor Author Robert Loewendick has written Five-Star Trails: Columbus the only way he knows how to do it: as your personal guide. Because exploring the natural world is not a hobby with him, but a lifestyle, his intent with all of his writing is to excite, encourage, and escort every level of hiker on an entertaining adventure. Robert's quest in nature is diverse, whether he is hiking miles of tame trails or wild ones; paddling calm waters or running rapids; fly-fishing a mountain stream or cruising a Great Lake for angling adventures. His dedication to promoting the wonders of the outdoors extends to his wife and two children, who frequently accompany him and enrich his observations and insights. An active member of Outdoor Writers of Ohio and Outdoor Writers Association of America, Robert writes and photographs for myriad nationwide media. His diverse outdoor pursuits and travels continue to provide compelling stories and images that encourage others, of all ages, to "get out there," he says. Born and raised in Ohio, he still calls the Buckeye State his base camp. Klappentext This guide will help you discover the diversity of hiking gems in and around Ohio's capital city. Leseprobe Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Scenery: 4 stars Trail Condition: 5 stars Children: 5 stars Difficulty: 3 stars Solitude: 3 stars GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES: N39° 53.490' W83° 12.787' DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION: 3.9-mile figure eight HIKING TIME: About 3 hours HIGHLIGHTS: Woodlands, American Indian mound, creeks ELEVATION: 855' at trailhead to 928' at highest point ACCESS: April–September: daily, 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; October–March: daily, 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. MAPS: At bulletin boards, tinyurl.com/battelledarby FACILITIES: Restrooms, drinking water, picnic areas, playground, Natural Play Area WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Only on the Darby Creek Greenway Trail COMMENTS: The Natural Play Area allows children to experience hands-on nature activities. Pets and bicycles prohibited on nature trails. CONTACTS: 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH 43119; 614-891-0700; tinyurl.com/battelledarby Overview Battelle Darby Creek is the largest park in the Metro Park system. The Big Darby and Little Darby Creeks, both designated State and National Scenic Rivers, run through its center. The Ancient Trail travels along the Big Darby where American Indians once maintained a village. The Terrace Trail explores a forest standing 100 feet above the fertile creek bottom. The blend of prairies, woodlands, and waterways creates an oasis for wildlife—and wildlife observers. The 7,060-acre park offers lots to see and do, and a hike is a great way to get started. Route Details Adventures abound year-round at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. You’ll find picnic areas for free use, lodge rentals, fishing ponds, creek access, sledding, cross-country skiing, skating, canoeing and kayaking, a Natural Play Area for the kids, a public hunting area, and, of course, hiking. The park’s landscape and waterways are as diverse as the activities they support. The trails detailed here feature two types of environments—creek bottomland and deciduous forest. The Indian Ridge Picnic Area lies in the center of the park, but it may be the park’s least-used picnic area. From the north side, near a restroom, the Terrace Trail starts into the woods. The trail is wide, topped with crushed limestone, and well graded. The winding climb up the hillside is not abrupt, but a gradual incline that still gets the blood flowing. A trailside interpretive sign provides facts about wildlife species that inhabit the area, while a nearby bench offers a good resting spot. As the hill levels out, you’ll cross the park road on which you entered. ...
