I decided to hike in the Shawnee State Forest in Ohio. I
planned out a 17-mile loop out of two different loops. I used parts of the east
and west day hike loops and part of the North loop of the backpacker’s trail.
Some of the characteristics of forest I did not expect. the
section of forest I hiked through was young. I mean less than 40 years overall
if I had to guess.
One of the many reasons I bring this up is because of the
canopy coverage of the trees. Unlike many older forests they have much denser
canopy where the sun can't penetrate down to the trail.
While hiking now I carry 5 litres of water. For me this is
good for 90-degree weather and 20 miles. With the lack of water resources on
the ridges, it could be extremely dangerous for others who are not prepared.
Along with the minimal water available one needs to be concerned about other heat-related injuries. I'm not attempting to be Debbie downer but being real and preparing for anyone who hikes down there or who is thinking about it.
The backpacking trail has undergone major renovations. Some
storms have rained down havoc on the trail.
I guess by the tracked vehicle marks they have had at least
one Bobcat type of vehicle in there to clear the obstructions.
They have a lot of them gone in the North section I hiked. They back dragged the entire trail that I saw. They added water bars and made other terrain changes.
I departed from Turkey Creek Lake, and I was on my way. The
sun was trying to peak over the hills.
The first ascent was 379 feet in 0.86 miles, and you could
tell in the winter this would be a great view. It’s obstructed by trees, but it
would still be nice.
The back-to-back ascents here in the first 2.25 miles are
nearly the same.
Approximately at mile 5 I would begin my road work. Maggie
joined me until she found someone else “story of my life”. Lol
This road grade would be over 2.60 miles and ascend 520
feet.
It was a nice work out and then the Shawnee roller coaster
would begin.
After getting off the road I would be greeted by an ascent
of 308 feet over 0.55 miles.
Again, here you could tell a piece of equipment that had
been used to back drag the trail.
I was really hoping that all the trails would be single
track, but one never really knows what they are going to find until they get
there.
Sometimes a much-needed breeze would hit me to cool down
even more.
Water Spigot @ N38° 46.246' W83° 09.703'
For this loop I think the best view in the winter of late
spring would be here N38° 45.508' W83° 11.241'.
The exposed bed rock and finger you are standing on makes it
extremely scenic. I also think you could hike out to the end of the finger, and
the view would be even better.
The growth of the young forest would make the views so
impressive with no leaves on the trees IMHO.
In closing this winding and hilly trail is not designed for
a new hiker. The hydration requirements for this hike are very demanding. This trail being a ridge runner for the most
of it the ephemeral streams this time of year are dead low.
If you go, plan ahead and do not take any chances.
