Guernsey State Park - Davis Bay Trail

Along the Davis Bay to Brimmer Point Trail.

A few days ago we hiked the east Davis Bay Trail to the Bridge on Brimmer Point Trail. The two Davis Bay Trails start up the hill south of the Parking/camping road loop in Davis Bay.

Davis Bay

 This is a nice, well-marked, hike of only about a mile and a half. It is a one-way trail, (my term for a trail we walk, turn around, and walk back).

This trail can be looped at a little more than double the distance by walking the Brimmer road, where we turned around, up the mountain road west, and then following the west Davis Bay Trail back to the parking area. If anyone wants to try this loop, I would suggest that both the Davis Bay trails be one-wayed first as the west trail is not marked where it crosses the road. Don’t worry, it is picturesque and fun to hike both ways. 

The west trail is longer and a bit more strenuous than the east, but a terrific example of how the Civilian Conservation Corps laid out and built trails.

Not sure where Jan and I will hike this week, we are debating doing a trail or one of the old CCC roads.

This is one of the best times of the year to get out and enjoy the park.

Hiking – Suitable for all who are interested in feeling better physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Also likely better than Aspirin or Tylenol for what ails you.

The CCC loved building trails with terrific views.

For those who have asked, Thanks! Here is the link to my book about Guernsey State Park. It can also be purchased locally at Register Cliff Pharmacy, the Park Museum, and in other places around the area. 

Enjoy the rest of the week! 

A Hike in Guernsey State Park

Today's photos are from Brimmer Point trail, which starts just west of the parking lot on the point, winds around and down to the CCC walk bridge below Powell Mountain, and then returns to the top.

View from Brimmer Point

 Wonderfully laid out Civilian Conservation Corps built trail with some great views. This year's wet spring left the trail a bit overgrown in spots, but it is hikeable (not sure that is a real word, but I am on a roll and too lazy to look it up), for this pair of septuagenarians. The trail measures about a mile and a half and took us a bit over an hour with multiple stops for rest, photos, a quick drink (water) or to simply scan the surroundings and watch nature in action.

Sage Wren along the way

        After some health setbacks and quite a bit of procrastination, we are back hiking in the park. I must admit my wife has been better about getting in her steps than I have. After more than a year of doing not much writing, not much hiking, and not taking many photos I'm giving it another try. I will post as we explore the park.

Walking through the iconic Pass-Through Rock on the trail

        Want to find out more about Guernsey State Park? Here is the link to my book on Amazon, available as an eBook or in softcover. I am partial to the softcover as it cannot move photos around like the eBook.  The book is also available, signed, from many local, and around the state, booksellers.

View along the way

Guernsey State Park - A Hike Along Old Quarry Road

Tomorrow is the first day of fall, once a day of celebration for the bounty of summer gardens and fields. Now it is more of a, “When is the first day of fall anyway?” Let me be the first to wish all of you a happy fall, or should I say, let me be the only one to wish you a happy fall.

As the days cool we are spending more and more time in the park, several good hikes this week. If any of you have never tried a fall walk outside of the city limits, with leaves starting to turn and the smell of Autumn in the air, I highly recommend it.

Two days ago we took an enjoyable hike from Upper Spotted Tail to where it joins Old Quarry Road. We followed this old path back to the old onyx mine.

3122 Co Road Rock along the trail

Always a great walk and, just guessing here, only about a mile and a half, maybe two.  All of today's photos are from that hike.

Get out and enjoy fall, it's not all just about Halloween.

With cold weather approaching it’s time to get exercise and for the days you will stay inside –take a look at my books here – including the one on the building of GuernseyState Park.

Splitting Limestone about 80 Years ago

A Talk & Walk In The Park

A Walk in the Park

Saturday morning at 9 AM, I will be talking and hiking with a group in the park. The event was arraigned by Gale Heimbuck at Guernsey Adult Ed, and there is still time to sign up, just call Gale at the school.

We will start at the parks incredible CCC Museum, it opens officially on May 1, so I guess we will be kicking off the year a day early. I will give a presentation on my book, The CivilianConservation Corps and the Building of Guernsey State Park – With Folktales andStories of the Park, and entertain questions about the park.

Sit and Relax - Enjoy Nature near the Museum

After the forty minutes, to an hour, in the Museum we will be going on a short hike. The hike will catch the Red Cliff Loop Trail at the Museum, wander over to the old CCC golf course road, walk the Museum road to the Evergreen Glade Trail and follow it back to the Museum. If there is interest, we will also have a shorter trail for those who want less than the 35-40 minute planned hike.

Tried It Out Today

Never needing much of an excuse, actually none at all, we walked the trail today.

Take time as you hike, and discover a long ago CCC Treasure but,
Remember to leave all artifacts lie.
They are an important part of park history and protected by law.

It started out a gorgeous day with temperatures in the mid-60s and only the slightest of breezes. Halfway through the cloud cover showed up, and the breeze picked up, still a pleasant day to walk in the park.

Like all Trails in the Park - Great Views Abound

Time to Spend Time in the Park

The lake is full, overfull a little, wildflowers are coming, and everything is greening up. This is always my favorite time of year. Guernsey State Park is a beautiful place to walk or hike. If you have not used the extensive hiking trail system in this park, give it a try. What a spectacular way to lose the troubles of the world for a few minutes or a few hours.

Wildflower Season is off to a Great Start

Davis Bay Switchback Trail

Pretty as a picture waking trail

Great hike, in the park, this week.

Steps down  what appears to be a large rock shelf with the trail built through it

 The Davis Bay Switchback Trail. The trail we followed starts at Davis Bay and winds south to the Brimmer Point Road. We went backwards and started on the Brimmer Point Road, followed the trail north to Davis Bay then took the east trail back to the road across from the CCC bridge.

Fun to walk winding trail

After reaching this point, we hiked the half mile, on the road, back to our vehicle.

Always wildlife to watch - Looks like here she is watching us

The trail is nearly impossible to find from Brimmer Point Road until you have hiked it the other way (from Davis Bay) so I would recommend parking at Davis Bay and hiking the trail both ways, east and west before taking the loop starting on the road.

This switchback trail is truly remarkable, great views, some Civilian Conservation Corps steps and a terrific layout for hiking. 

A bit of snow didn;t slow us

Not sure how much longer this good weather will last but we are enjoying our time in the park.

Like most park trails - terrific views

It has always surprised me that the CCC built so many one way trails, I like this one because it can be looped much like the Red Cliff Trail on the east side. 

CCC Steps

Click here to see my book on the CCC and the building of Guernsey State ParkGreat Christmas gift for everyone who loves this specisl parkIt also makes a terrific coffee table or office waiting room book