Oak Ridge Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

Probably not a trail runner's dream (not long enough).

Oak Ridge Trail is a very well-maintained trail. It is not long, at about three miles if you include the High Meadow Spur Trail as well. The initial part of the trail is actually mowed grass but then you get into the woods proper. The trail ascends to a peak, winding through typical Ohio hardwoods, with several small creek crossings. Bridges are in place for the larger crossings, and those without bridges are basically a step across.

At the peak is, thoughtfully, a bench to rest from the climb or just to sit and enjoy the sounds of the forest. This is also where the High Meadow Spur Trail branches off. I'm sure it was actually a meadow at some point, but now the forest is reclaiming it. The remainder of the trail is downhill back to the parking area.

As the trail bottoms out for the last stretch to the lot, to the right is an unmarked spur trail, which is fairly obvious. This leads a short distance to what is known as the 'beaver pond,' although it is usually just a swampy mess, and I've never seen a beaver there. All in all, the loop features about a 300' change in elevation over two miles. The distance stretches to three miles if you visit the High Meadow that once was.

Typical Ohio hardwoods, a few pine here and there. I never run this without spooking at least a couple of deer.