Local hiking trails that are perfect for fall
- Elizabeth Hille
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
With the beautiful fall colors emerging, students may be on the lookout for nearby hiking destinations. Fortunately, Ohio Wesleyan is near Alum Creek State Park and Delaware State Park, as well as a variety of Metroparks and Preservation Parks of Delaware County. This article will provide you with a variety of trail options for your next fall hiking adventure!
Rock and Roots is a beautiful trail option at Alum Creek State Park, which offers breathtaking lakefront views along the way. This trail is considered moderate and is 4.1 miles, but is broken up into a north loop and a south loop if you’re looking for a shorter route. Both of these trails wind along the outskirts of Alum Creek Lake, offering a stunning canopy of trees overhead and native foliage guiding the path. Rocks and Roots is approximately eighteen minutes from campus and is located at 3615 South Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio.
Photos from Shale Hollow Park on Facebook and https://ohio.org/things-to-do/destinations/shale-hollow-park
Shale Hollow Park is part of the Preservation Parks of Delaware County and is known for its unique geological features. This park has 2.1 miles of walking trails, most of which are near a creek that eventually connects to the Olentangy River. Alongside this creek are shale cliffs that are up to forty feet tall and remarkable spherical rock formations called "concretions." For any bird lovers, Shale Hollow Park is known for its wild turkeys, horned owls, and red-bellied woodpeckers. Regardless of your interests, Shale Hollow Park has something to offer. This picturesque park is about thirteen minutes from campus and is located at 6320 Artesian Run, Lewis Center, Ohio.
Lakeview Trail is located in Delaware State Park and provides a gorgeous view of Delaware Lake along the way, hence its name. This trail is 1.6 miles long and is considered easy due to the flat terrain and well-maintained paths. Lakeview Trail can connect to Briar Patch to make a loop that is 2.9 miles. Regardless of what path you take, this area is sure to provide you with beautiful fall colors and peaceful lake views. Lakeview Trail is thirteen minutes away, and the address for this destination is located off 5202 US Highway 23, Delaware, Ohio.
Just like Shale Hollow Park, Hogback Ridge Park is part of the Preservation Parks of Delaware County. This park includes a one-mile trail that connects directly to Alum Creek State Park in case visitors feel inclined to hike further. The most prominent part of Hogback Ridge Park is its ravine, which was carved out by a glacier during the last ice age. This park is scattered with tall oak trees, which will soon become an exquisite red or yellow color as we get closer to the peak of fall foliage. Hogback Ridge Park is eighteen minutes away and is located at 2656 Hogback Road, Sunbury, Ohio.
No matter where you choose to hike around the Delaware area, it is sure to be pretty around this time of year. For more hiking destinations and information, you can visit the Alum Creek State Park website, the Delaware State Park website, or simply look up other trails in the area. Happy hiking, Bishops!