Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

Needing some fresh air, sunlight, and exercise during this time of stay-at-home and social distancing, on April 3rd Joan and I drove down to the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. This park wedged between Route 33 and the Hocking River is usually less crowded than the larger attractions deeper in the Hocking Hills area. A trail map is here.

The path started along the boundary between a farm field and wooded areas. This tree on the farm property caught my eye.

After rising a while the trail then descended, and soon the rock bridge came into view. There are a couple of other hikers crossing it in this photo, but we had the trail to ourselves much of the time. Click on the image to enlarge.

The path continued downhill and we lingered to admire the bridge from below. Our wet springtime in Ohio had created small waterfalls and drips, which usually disappear in summer.

The trail continued a short distance to the west bank of the Hocking River, and Joan spotted a soft-shelled turtle on the far bank.

There was also an interesting patch of scouring rush that seemed constrained to never hop over the bridge's outflow creek.

On our way back we took the Rock Shelter spur trail,

and trod the loop that departs from and returns to the Rock Shelter (see the map).

Along our hike Joan and I often stopped for birds and early blooming flowers.

Blood Root.

Hepatica.

Hepatica zoom-in.

White Trout Lily.

Unphotographed were spring beauties, emerging iris foliage, and more. However, on the last boardwalk, close to the parking area, I was able to record a six-spotted tiger beetle.

The trail wasn't that long, but in our meandering and inspecting Joan and I consumed three delightful hours visiting the natural world.