A while ago I had it in mind to get an "Odd Ohio" book and go to the different strange attractions throughout Ohio. Well, recently over the past month I have decided and committed to being more active and more of the outdoorsy guy I was so many years ago. I got myself a great kayak to take out this spring and any time I have the inkling to go out and weather permits. Then, a few days ago I picked up "Canoeing and Kayaking Ohio's Streams". Today, I got "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles" for our area. Kent Bog State Nature Preserve was my first trip.
(click the image to see a high res image explaining the origins of the bog)The preserve is on Meloy Road, just off of State Route 43 in Kent, Ohio. The are is somewhat close to Route
43 in some parts, and for the first fifty yards or so, you can still hear the noise of the traffic passing by. There is plenty of parking space in the park, and also on the outside of the gate. The official open time is thirty minutes before dawn, and closing is thirty minutes prior to dusk. However, you may utilize the extra parking on the outskirts and walk the trail after dark, and it is allowed. Since it is only the second of February, I was somewhat happy to see the boardwalk. I didn't have on boots, and luckily most of the snow was melted on the designated trail. As you can see, the trail starts either going left or right. I chose to follow in the counterclockwise direction.
I could immediately tell that the paths were going to be narrow. Normally I like something that feels more open and gives a sense of adventure. A narrow path like this is really only good for a short sightseeing or exercising walk or jog, and with a total distance of one half mile, this little park is perfect for just that. I can see from icy wet spots on the inside of the path that it will be quite marshy come spring time. I was tempted to try and walk out on the ice, as it can't be too deep, but I think I knew better. Something I found very interesting were the many signs describing the various foliage along the path.
There is a very unique mix of plant life here, but perhaps the most oddly interesting fact about it, is that it contains the largest area of tamarak trees in Ohio, and is the southernmost grouping in the
entire United States. Another interesting fact about the Kent Bog, is that it is one of only three places in Ohio where you can find the "small cranberry".
Something that really stood out to me were the gray ash trees. With all the reds, browns, and the white snow, these trees were a nice highlight throughout the landscape. Lastly, as I ran back into the path to take one picture I forgot to take the first time around, I even spotted a little live green action going on. Next to a large tree, and a fallen and rotten stump that could have been confused for a door to Hobbiton, there was a large bunch of green thorns. I have to say that was possibly my favorite part of the whole walk. A little glimmer of hope and something to keep the spirits up. Not too much longer to spring, and I will certainly be counting down.
Thank you for reading my blog. This is my first post and I intend to update it as often as possible. Aside from simply finding and exploring these trails and streams throughout Ohio, one thing I am most looking forward to is going to a set few locations seasonally and taking pictures to show the transition of the seasons. Stay tuned for my next post which will follow along the trail between Munroe Falls and Kent along the Cuyahoga River. It's an out-and-back type trail, and at a length of eight miles, I'll be walking a total of sixteen miles! I suppose it should make for plenty of photo opportunities ;)
Follow the link to view all pictures from this trip: Click Here
(click the image to see a high res image explaining the origins of the bog)The preserve is on Meloy Road, just off of State Route 43 in Kent, Ohio. The are is somewhat close to Route43 in some parts, and for the first fifty yards or so, you can still hear the noise of the traffic passing by. There is plenty of parking space in the park, and also on the outside of the gate. The official open time is thirty minutes before dawn, and closing is thirty minutes prior to dusk. However, you may utilize the extra parking on the outskirts and walk the trail after dark, and it is allowed. Since it is only the second of February, I was somewhat happy to see the boardwalk. I didn't have on boots, and luckily most of the snow was melted on the designated trail. As you can see, the trail starts either going left or right. I chose to follow in the counterclockwise direction.
I could immediately tell that the paths were going to be narrow. Normally I like something that feels more open and gives a sense of adventure. A narrow path like this is really only good for a short sightseeing or exercising walk or jog, and with a total distance of one half mile, this little park is perfect for just that. I can see from icy wet spots on the inside of the path that it will be quite marshy come spring time. I was tempted to try and walk out on the ice, as it can't be too deep, but I think I knew better. Something I found very interesting were the many signs describing the various foliage along the path.
There is a very unique mix of plant life here, but perhaps the most oddly interesting fact about it, is that it contains the largest area of tamarak trees in Ohio, and is the southernmost grouping in theentire United States. Another interesting fact about the Kent Bog, is that it is one of only three places in Ohio where you can find the "small cranberry".
Something that really stood out to me were the gray ash trees. With all the reds, browns, and the white snow, these trees were a nice highlight throughout the landscape. Lastly, as I ran back into the path to take one picture I forgot to take the first time around, I even spotted a little live green action going on. Next to a large tree, and a fallen and rotten stump that could have been confused for a door to Hobbiton, there was a large bunch of green thorns. I have to say that was possibly my favorite part of the whole walk. A little glimmer of hope and something to keep the spirits up. Not too much longer to spring, and I will certainly be counting down.
Thank you for reading my blog. This is my first post and I intend to update it as often as possible. Aside from simply finding and exploring these trails and streams throughout Ohio, one thing I am most looking forward to is going to a set few locations seasonally and taking pictures to show the transition of the seasons. Stay tuned for my next post which will follow along the trail between Munroe Falls and Kent along the Cuyahoga River. It's an out-and-back type trail, and at a length of eight miles, I'll be walking a total of sixteen miles! I suppose it should make for plenty of photo opportunities ;)
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