Info:

  • One of the better-known state parks
  • Has many trails such as the Fire Tower trail and Gorge overlook
  • Known for the covered bridge

Where is this located? Ashland county near Loudonville

Intro

Best to go in the fall, this vast 1,110 acre park has stunning views. Because I was crunched for time, I decided to do the Gorge Overlook Trail but there are numerous other trails such as the 7 mile Fire Tower Loop and 7.5 mile Hemlock Gorge to Covered Bridge Trail which I’ve heard nothing but great things about.

A year ago, my mom and I were debating on going tubing down the river but it got too cold (we hope to do it next year). Knowing that there is an option to tube down the scenic river, I highly recommend it for anyone looking for something to do here.

There is also a large campground and lodge to stay at because (as we all know) you can’t experience all the beauty here in one day.

The Trail

I got out of my car and looked around me. Fall overload! The weather: a chef’s kiss of chilly fall weather with the warmth of the sun. I absolutely loved it!! Before I headed on the trail there was the overlook. I walked out onto the stone ledge and in front me in its full glory were colorful trees for miles and below was the gorge. A stunning view!

Not even 5 minutes in the trail loop I heard voices that ended up belonging to two volunteers of the park. They were holding beer cans (and upset about it…rightfully so). They stopped to talk to me and we ended up having a 10 minute conversation about the park. The 2 men told me about all the different types of trees. I now know that white pines come in bundles of 5: W-H-I-T-E. We then talked about Malabar Farm (where I would be heading next) and Lake Hope; moreover, the 2 sycamores there and a barely known trail. Super nice guys, additionally, I’d like to say that I enjoy not knowing who I will meet along my journeys.

The Gorge Trail started going down into the deep part. It was not too steep down and had some wooden steps. I absolutely loved the environment and having the occasional falling of a leaf in front of me. It was quiet with sounds of squirrels and birds here and there. Soon, sound of a river flowing filled the air. I reached the path that went along the river and it was flowing in the direction I was walking! As I was walking I could see the top of the overlook…it was a little ways up lol.

I saw what was a bridge in front of me. It was a swaying bridge! I had some fun on that bridge trying to make it sway a lot.

After that, I reached the steps on the way up. Let me tell you, if you are fit, you’ll have no problem up this steep climb, if you are not, I would recommend going backwards from the direction I came from. I climbed up wooden steps, dirt steps in which I had to somewhat hold on to the branches, climb up a ladder (which was fun), across a wooden boardwalk, and then climb up a hill. By the time I got back to my car I was completely out of breath!! Superb walk, though, truly amazing scenery. Now…on my way to Malabar Farm…or so I thought.

The Fire Tower

On the way to Malabar Farm, I passed the Fire Tower. EEEERRRRRR went my breaks as I said ‘F it, I’m climbing it.’ As I got closer I realized it was super high and if you fell over the railing, the nearest thing to break your fall was the ground. I also hate heights. I took a deep breath and climbed the seven stories up to the top.

Looking down was not an option as I started sweating despite the cold. Looking up was not an option as I tend to lean and lose my balance if I do. So I ventured on just looking straight. It was extremely windy and had to hold on tight to my phone as I was afraid it’d blow out of my hands. After a couple videos and photos, I headed down the steps, feeling relieved I made it (I’m being overdramatic), and ventured on to Malabar.