Boch Hollow, North Trailhead

Our next two local hikes, welcome chances for fresh air, exercise, and being surrounded by nature, took place at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve.

The first outing was on May 13th. We intended to park at the West trailhead, but it had been obliterated by road construction: retaining walls, bulldozers, rollers. Joan drove back and over to the North trailhead, where we were the second car to arrive. The path south was an old road, from the time before the property was donated to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The first leg of our visit was now towards the West trailhead as far as possible. Almost immediately we were treated to a scarlet tanager, a gloriously colored species we never see at home, and which usually favors being higher in the canopy.

The trail to the west left the roadway and began a gentle climb.

Along the way to the top of the next ridge, and then down the far side, we stopped constantly for flowers. Starting with bluets,

greek valerian/jacob's ladder,

wild blue phlox,

fire pink, whose deeply saturated red blew out the camera,

the orchid "showy orchis," buds not yet opened,

and wood sorrel.

Descending towards the West trailhead, we passed one of the several ponds in the preserve, another remnant of when the land was private property.

Joan and I reached the small creek beyond which the parking area abutting Route 664 was the site of heavy construction. The West trailhead is over there somewhere.

We turned around and began the climb out. Traveling a route in the opposite direction always results in new sights, such as this squaw root, a parasitic plant that feeds on the roots of oak and beech trees.

Our steps were retraced and we continued east, by passing picnickers in the grass, and took the path by the largest pond.

The birds we saw were not as easily photographed as the flowers, especially the warblers and gnat-catchers. The early scarlet tanager was an exception. Here's a photo, in the shade, of a Swainson's Thrush.

They were only migrating through, and therefore did not sing for us, unlike the melodious wood thrushes.

The trails are well maintained.

In the central part of the preserve there were deep ravines and sandstone rock formations, some an overhang,

and some impressive looming faces on the trail.

Joan and I returned to the North trailhead and our car after a bit more than four hours. We spent too much time looking to set a blistering pace, but enjoyed every minute. Visiting the eastern portion of the preserve, starting at the East trailhead, would wait for another day.