It’s the first walk/hike of 2014 and the official welcome to spring which has, at long last, finally arrived in Ohio. Let’s get together for a causal walk and some good food and drink and think about the hikes and events we’d like to get in this year.

The Hike:

We’ll start out on the Talus Trail, loop around the Inman Trail onto the Stepping Stones trial, and wrap up with the Upper and Lower Birch Creek Trails. Points of interest along the way:

• The Yellow Spring
• Hopewell Indian Mound
• Helen’s Stone
• Cascades on Birch Creek
• And walk atop the cliff line overlooking the Yellow Springs Creek.

Our total trek should be approximately 5 miles. After our walk we’ll all make our way to one of the local eateries for some food and drink (my vote is for Ye Olde Trail Tavern – built in 1847, Ohio’s second oldest restaurant – (937) 767-7448, 228 Xenia Ave, http://thetrailtavern.com/ , or another place that sounds good http://www.yellowspringsohio.org/food ).

About Glen Helen:

Glen Helen was donated in 1929 by Antioch College alumnus Hugh Taylor Birch in memory of his daughter, Helen. Antioch College accepted the donation and agreed to preserve the land in perpetuity. Over the years additional donations brought the preserve to over 1000 acres and a hiking trail network of over 25 miles. “The Glen” boasts 400 year old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs, and the famous Yellow Spring (thus the town’s name). The Shawnee people believed the spring had healing powers and it’s very likely that the Shawnee leader, Tecumseh, would have visited the spring. http://glen.antiochcollege.org/glen_helen/

Itinerary:

10:30 AM – Meet at the Trailside Museum (405 Corry Street, parking is $2.00)

10:45 AM – Start out on the Talus Trail

1:30 PM (approximately) – Wrap up and go get a drink (and some food).

Inclement Weather:

If inclement weather impacts our walk I’ll leave a comment in the event calendar by 8:30AM the day of the event, letting you know the event is cancelled. Be sure to check the GO site the day of the event.

What to Bring:

• Dress for an Ohio spring and perhaps a change of socks and shoes (just in case the path is muddy).
• Bottled water and whatever snacks you may need on the trail.
• Hiking boots or good sturdy walking shoes.
• Trekking poles.

Let's meet at the Trailside Museum (405 Corry Street). Parking is $2.00 (but plan for a bit more just in case my information is outdated).

Cincinnati, Dayton, and Points Southwest:

• Take I-75 North from Cincinnati toward Dayton
• Take I-675 North to Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd. (Exit #20).
• Turn RIGHT on Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd.  Continue for roughly 7 miles into the town of Yellow Springs.
• Pass through the stoplight at Walnut St.
• At the 3-way stop sign turn right onto Corry Street.
• Cross stoplight at Xenia Ave (SR 68).
• The entrance to the parking lot – 405/505 Corry Street, – is marked on the LEFT near the far side of the driveway by a low wooden sign with a tulip tree logo.
• Trailside Science Museum can be found near the front end of the parking lot.  The Glen Helen Building, with the gift shop, auditorium, and administrative offices is at the far end of the lot.

Columbus and Points East:

• Take I-70 West towards Dayton/Springfield
• Take SR 68 South (exit #52A) for 7 miles.
• Cross SR 343, the first stoplight in Yellow Springs.
• Turn LEFT at the second stoplight onto Corry Street, shortly after the 343 intersection.
• The entrance to the parking lot – 405/505 Corry Street, – is marked on the LEFT near the far side of the driveway by a low wooden sign with a tulip tree logo.
• Trailside Science Museum can be found near the front end of the parking lot.  The Glen Helen Building, with the gift shop, auditorium, and administrative offices is at the far end of the lot.