Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
Sugar Grove, Ohio
This week, The Moderately Active Ohioan went to Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve. It is a fairly strenuous hike with lush growth and a beautiful natural setting. It is home to the state listed Flame Azalea and the largest population of the Great Rhododendron in the state.
It is located in Sugar Grove, Ohio, 2730 Pump Station Road. It is unmarked, so I will tell you what you need to know to get there. Turn onto Pump Station Road at the transfer station, go over the first little bridge and just on the other side, on the right, is a gravel parking lot. Park in that parking lot and take the path along the fence to the entrance.
Once again, there are no restroom facilities. You have been warned.
My mother went along for the hike. She has had two hip replacements but refuses to be slowed down by them. She is healthy and wants to hike. She did have some mild discomfort on some of the hikes we took last year. This year, she made two adjustments that seem to have made this hike one of the best she has taken. She switched from a cane to hiking poles and she tried out the Five Finger shoes she got for Christmas. She had greatly reduced pain / discomfort and no leg cramping. Doesn't she looks marvelous?
The hike was beautiful and filled with many wonders. This is an all season hike. I could return again and again and see something different each time.
The blackhand sandstone formations are amazing.
The mountain laurel is past peek and will not last much longer.
Mom on the blue trail still looking good. I am jealous.
I will be checking back in the next two to four weeks to see if the great rhododendron have started to bloom. The normal bloom happens late June to early July.
