Deep Lock Quarry Park - Quarry Trail

1.2 miles, level 2

The big draw of this trail is there used to be a stone quarry here, and there are remnants of that all over the place.



It's pretty fun seeing and climbing on these old pieces of a quarry. I've never really seen anything like this before.







There are nice views all over the place



There's an old abandoned lock you can check out.



This trail is set up a little strange. seeing the entire trail means going over the same places a few different times, it makes a few different loops. It's not too difficult, not too easy. Interesting sights. Fun stuff.

Hampton Hills Park - Spring Hollow Trail

Summit County MetroParks - Hampton Hills Park - Spring Hollow Trail

Metroparks gives this one a 3, but I don't think it deserves it. its a 2 at best. easy terrain, wide trails, not too steep. So overall, not nearly as difficult as they say.

However, even if it doesn't give you a great workout, this trail needs to be seen at least once. breath-takingly beautiful. seriously. wow. just huge wide open spaces everywhere. fantastic.

Gorge Park - Glens Trail

Summit County MetroParks - Gorge Park - Glens Trail



Level 2...1.7 miles.

Beautiful! My favorite features of trails tend to be rocks and water, and this trail is nothing but rocks and water. When starting out, you've got lots of big rocks to your left, water on your right....then you turn around and come back the other way....normally, I'm not big on trails that don't loop, but this one has so many great sights you wont see them all just going in one direction. Great little trail. The only complaints I really have are that some portions of the trail are quite narrow, which makes it pretty difficult to pass people going the opposite direction. Beyond that, love it. Highly recommended.

Gorge Trail/Lanterman's Mill

In September I visited Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, OH. I walked the Gorge Trail that runs along either side of the creek and I toured Lanterman's Mill.

Lanterman's Mill is probably one of the first things you'll see when you visit the area. Its over 100 years old, and its quite a site to see. It was used to ground wheat and corn. Touring the Mill costs a measly $1, and it's well worth it. especially for the basement/cave area. Just beautiful.



after the mill, when you start your way down the trail, you cross over a nice little covered bridge.






then you'll walk the trail down one side of the creek. it's fairly challenging, and a little too narrow in parts, but features great views of the water. walking next to running water is always a great experience.







Upon reaching the end of the creek, you cross back over on another interesting bridge, this one an metal suspension bridge.



Upon closer examination, you can find plenty of intriguing creatures, this this intimidating guy.



You then walk back on the opposite side of the creek, which allows you to get a bit closer to the creek in places.



Overall, quite a nice little trip. The hike was enough of a challenge, but not too much. The water and the mill are nice bonuses. Definitely recommended the next time you're in Youngstown.

Hiking In Oregon

Yeah, I know this goes against the whole theme of the blog. Oh well. I vacationed in Portland Oregon in late August, and they have lots of great trails I couldn't resist.

The first one I ran into was the Marquam trail, which is near the Japanese garden and the Rose Garden in Washington Park. It's a bit convoluted, and it's really more of a stroll through the park than a real hiking trail, but it was an enjoyable little stroll. Here are a few pictures from that:










A few days later we traveled back to Washington Park and took on the very challenging, but very rewarding Wildwood Trail, something I'd recommend to anyone visiting Portland.




Wildwood trail is packed with tons of giant sequoias. They're as massive as their name implies, they're beautiful, and they smell great.



Being among these giant trees feels a little magical.



The trail is long, narrow, winding, and steep. It was quite a challenge. But the view was amazing. what a beautiful place.


















At the end of this trail, at the top of this huge hill, you get 2 great rewards:

First, this view, which already makes the hike well worth it:



The other reward at the top of the hill is the Pittock Mansion, a large mansion built in the early 1900s that's been restored to its early glory and now serves as a museum. Hanging out on the grounds is free, touring the mansion I believe costs $7, and it was money well spent. Seeing how the ultra rich lived 100 years ago is very interesting.



I loved this trip and I loved this hike. I think it's fair to say the Wildwood trail is my favorite trail I've ever hiked. If you ever get the chance to visit Portland Oregon, its a must.

Chuckery Trail

Chuckery Trail - Cascade Valley Park - Summit County MetroParks

Hiked this trail back in August, didn't get around to writing this review until October, so my memory may be a bit skewed by now, but this is how I remember it.



2.4 miles and a level 3. This trail is long, but beyond that, I don't really see where the difficulty rating comes from. there is one area where th trail gets pretty steep, but a majority of the trail is very flat.

One of the big attractions of this trail is the Native American "Signal Tree".



Due to the unusual shape of the tree, it was a marker for Native Americans to help them find their way.

The trail starts out pretty flat and boring, but there is some at least nice foliage to look at.




The middle third of the trail starts to get pretty challenging and steep.



Near the highest point of the trail you'll see some interesting brick barrel shaped objects. Coke ovens perhaps?



the last third of the trail is flat, straight, and you have to look at tons of power lines. Not what I want to see when I'm hiking in the woods. Disappointing.






Near the end of the trail you'll pass a small body of water with plenty of space for you to safely walk right up to it. That's always a plus in my book. I love rocks and running water.



While it had a few bright spots, this trail is easily one of my least favorite. A majority of the trail is straight, flat, boring, and it just doesn't feel like you're hiking in the woods. There are many other trails in the area, and I'd recommend visiting those instead.