With the warm weather in full force, our anxious legs can’t
wait to hop on a bike and ride off into the sunshine! So what better place to
get those legs pumping than at Findley State Park on Route 58 in Wellington? I
recently took my first ever venture out to Findley, and learned that the
breathtaking 838 acres holds something for everyone.
I have always heard the rumors of the beautiful camping
sites, beach, and stunning views of Findley, but did you know that it is also
home to a renowned mountain bike trail? Off one of the many hiking trails, the
sun pokes through the trees and illuminates a lush green forest with a small
trail, marked by a friendly sign reading “Thorn Mountain Bike Trail”. But don’t
let the tweeting birds and surrounding wildflowers fool you, the Thorn is one
wild ride.
A twisting 9 miles of single loop track through heavy woods,
the Thorn offers terrain that is both challenging and exciting. Climb steep hills, round 180* turns, and face
obstacles like log rides and even teeter-totters! Sounds fun, right? You’ll
also be looping around their lake, and taking in all the beauty that the state
park has to offer.
Feeling like taking a more relaxing route first? Not a
problem. With 7 other bike trails, and amenities like Frisbee golf, canoeing,
and fishing, Findley’s got you covered. You can even pick a day to engage one
of the naturalist programs that they offer, including fishing, crafts and even
archery!
Every day is a great day to visit Findley State Park, but
the one I picked was extra special. The Director of the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources was visiting on the same day, and announced his future
efforts with Findley to work on some of the campsites and amenities there. Get
a whiff of fresh air, and keep an eye out for the improvements at Findley State
Park!
~Madalynne