A Sweet trip in Nature: Sugar Creek Park

Dayton, Ohio has a system of parks called the Five Rivers Metroparks. They have twenty three parks, trails and conservation areas that are used for preserving nature, having activities, and giving people a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the world. I live in the middle of a few of these and recently was able to visit Sugarcreek Park with my friend Liz of Liz Writes Stuff and my dog Mera.

Sugarcreek is 618 acres of amazing and gorgeous nature. There are trails for humans, horses, and, based on the noises we heard, many areas that are chock full of creatures, insects, and more. This is a place I love to bring my dog as the trails are a great place to walk or run. They also have a river and creek beds for Mera to enjoy.

This was my first visit this year and man, did I forget what it was like. Even with a full parking lot, the trails were tranquil, isolated, and almost lonely. We had many moments of just quiet contemplation as we walked through lush forest, blazing hot prairie and balanced on rocks in the river. We walked two of the trails; the green and orange. Green is the largest human trail at 3.1 miles (5K) and Orange is my favorite as it takes you passed the best hidden gems in this place.

We journeyed to the Osage Orange Tunnel on the orange trail first. This is a living tunnel since the Osage Orange Trees are arching branches. They are lined specifically to make a barrier as they were used to make fences in the 1800s. Standing and staring down this straight path makes me lose my breath for a moment, as I suffocate in the thoughts of early settlers and society.

We next went to my favorite of the spaces, the Three Sisters. These Ancient White Oak Trees are over 550 years old and have lasted through so many events. Well, most of them. One sister stands tall and proud while overlooking her fallen sister who was lost from a fire. The lookout point for this begins at a hill. This hill is not tall enough to crest these trees but it overlooks the gully they live in and it is nothing short of a spiritual experience. I feel so overwhelmed looking across at these old trees. The feeling almost always brings me to tears. I showed Liz the way to make the experience more powerful. If you just put your hand on the bark and simply look up. Nothing more is needed. You could lose time in this perspective and the strong aura of the forest enveloping you.

If you visit Dayton, I highly recommend taking a stop here. This park has many wonders and having a place to stretch your legs and fill your lungs with this forest air is a must for all folks looking to get away.