2008 CEA-R HIKES

MAY – JUNE - JULY

 General Information: Hikes are held on the second Thursday of each month and are about 2 hours long, followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant. Water, sturdy shoes, insect repellent and/or sunscreen, a hat, and a hiking stick may be helpful. We meet at the hike site, but carpooling is suggested. For out-of-town hikes carpoolers should donate $4 or more. For more information contact: Janie Reeves (436-7811).

 JOHN BRYAN STATE PARK/CLIFTON GORGE NATURE PRESERVE – MAY 8 – 10 AM

Directions: Take I-70 west toward Springfield to exit 52A toward Xenia. Turn left (south) onto SR 68; go about 7 miles. Turn left onto SR 343 (or see note below for a restroom detour**).  Drive for about 1mile on SR 343, and turn right onto SR 370 (see sign) that enters the park. In the park bear left going past the Park Office, continuing straight and downhill to lower picnic area. Park cars close to the pit toilets. Hike: The trail is moderately difficult with somewhat hilly and uneven terrain as we follow the Little Miami River through the wooded ravines and gorge. Please bring a hiking stick if you have one because of the rocks and roots on the trail. If it has rained, there may be a few places that are muddy or have running water we'll need to step over.  Bug spray will probably be needed by hike day.  Lunch will be at The Winds in Yellow Springs. Exiting the park, turn right on SR 370. Go to SR 343 and turn left. Go to SR 68 and turn left. The Winds is on SR 68 across from the Subway shop. Park on the street or in the parking lot by the bike station. Hike planners: Mary Ogi and Mary Ann Duffy.

 **Restroom detour for CLEAN FLUSH TOILETS: Instead of turning left on SR 343, continue on SR 68 into Yellow Springs. Turn right on Dayton and the Yellow Springs bike station with toilets is on the left by the bike path.  Afterwards, backtrack to SR 343.

MALABAR FARM STATE PARK – JUNE 12 – 10 AM

Directions: I-71 N to SR 13 N (Exit 169). Follow Malabar signs: Take SR 13 under I-71 to Hanley Rd.(turn right); go about 2 miles to Washington Rd.(church on corner) and turn right;  shortly after bear left onto Pleasant Valley Rd. and continue a few miles to the park entrance at 4050 Bromfield Rd. on the right. Immediately after entering the park turn right onto the driveway for the Visitor’s Education Center and Gift Shop. Park and use the restrooms here. Alternate Directions: I-71 N to SR 95 (Exit 151). Go northeast toward Butler. In Butler jog and continue on SR 95 a few miles to SR 603. Turn left on SR 603 and shortly after turn left again onto Pleasant Valley Rd. Signs will direct the way to the park entrance on the left. Hike: The hike is moderately difficult with some hills, a cave, and uneven terrain. Sturdy shoes and a hiking stick are recommended because of rocks, roots, and sticks on some of the trails. Following the hike we will drive to the top of Mt. Jeez for a scenic view before heading to nearby Malabar Farm Restaurant on Pleasant Valley Rd. for lunch (419-938-5205). Hike planners: Linda Coe and Janie Reeves

CONKLE’S HOLLOW NATURE PRESERVE – JULY 10 – 10 AM

Directions:  From 270 go southeast on Rt. 33, by-passing Lancaster, and continue to the Rt.180 exit (West Laurelville). Just before the exit is a rest area with restrooms. Turn right onto Rt. 180 and continue. After a sharp curve bear left onto Rt. 678 South. Stay on 678 through Gibsonville to Rt. 374 South.  Turn left toward Old Man’s Cave. Watch for Big Pine Rd. at the bottom of a long winding hill. Turn left on Big Pine Rd. and drive ¼ mile to the signed entrance and Conkle’s Hollow parking lot on the left. Restrooms: there are pit toilets at the park. Hike: The trail is moderately difficult with long sets of steps at the beginning and end of the 2-mile rim trail that circles the gorge atop 200 feet high cliffs. The rim trail is very shady, fairly flat in grade at the top, and offers spectacular scenery of the cliffs and wooded gorge below, but requires cautious walking with sturdy shoes over uneven terrain with rocks and roots.  Lastly we’ll do the easy 1-mile gorge trail below that is mostly paved and has some waterfalls. Lunch location  to be determined. Hike Planner: Janie Reeves. Another volunteer is needed.