So, I checked out Towner's Woods last week, but I am just now getting to post about it. It is another park right down the road from me, and it offers a number of interesting sights. Holly, a friend of mine and one of my roommates joined me this time. We also took her dog, Luke. The way it is set up, is there is a main bike\ski trail around the borders of the woods, and multiple hike trails throughout the interior. All trails are in the woods though, so you will not hear any traffic, or see anything of the outside world. A separate two mile trail follows along side the railroad tracks. Towner's Woods itself is compromised of four miles of trails, for a total of six.
The path into the woods was nice and wide, offering plenty of room. I imagine there are a number of people here at any given time during warmer weather, but we were alone in the park on this day. I was definitely grateful though, as the paths had been trampled and patted down already, telling me it is still popular in winter. I could tell it would be a ton of fun to explore off the trail, but there was too much snow for that.
The first thing that really stuck out was the giant lake right in the middle of the park. It's a shame you are not allowed to swim or fish there. Apparently it is the main source of water for the city of Akron. However, there is a section of fence missing, and as you can see, we re able to get to the lakeside right near the island. The lake ice looked solid enough and we saw fresh tracks to and from the shore. It was also only about thirty-five to forty yards away, so we decided to try and cross. I could see some places where the ice had split the week before and re-froze, but it was more than solid enough for us to walk across. The only thing I got nervous about was when the dog kept running passed me. I figured it was just another fifty pounds everytime he came close to me on the ice, lol.
The island was a lot of fun to explore and photograph. It was surprising how little snow was on it. It kept running through my mind that this island is only walked on during the winter, and therefor virtually untouched. There was naturally rotting wood, brush, and trees obviously cut down and half eaten by beavers. We did however find a small stone fire ring at the opposite end.
Directly across from the opposite end of the island is the Indian Mound. Between 300 BC and 600 AD, Ohio was home to the Hopewell Indians. In 1932 eleven bodies were unearthed, along with many artifacts. I stared out across the lake for a few minutes contemplating whether or not I should try to walk across there, but I figured the other way was shorter, and I already knew it was safe. So, we turned around and went back to the trail.
Overall it was a great time and quite relaxing. Once all this snow lets up I plan to return and check out some more of the many trails at Towner's Woods. To see the rest of the pictures from this trip: Click Here.
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