Site icon Hiking with Doc

20200419 – Hockhocking Adena Bikeway – Bluebell Preserve

docscape

Date: 04/19/2020 – Distance: 7.0 mi – Elapsed Time: 3 hr – Ascent: 361 ft – Descent: 351 ft – Difficulty: Easy

This place was recommended by a fellow hiker and his wife who I met while at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve. It’s known for it’s spring wildflower display. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a much larger “park” which extends 21 miles from Nelsonville to Athens and beyond along the Hocking River. The group which manages it is constantly trying to extend it. Bluebell Preserve is a 230 acre reserve which shares a border with the bikeway along it’s north side. Unfortunately this park doesn’t have any “official” trails, but the incredible wildflower display was in full effect along the bike trail.

Small parking area on Glen Ebon Road. I’m standing where the trail crosses. There’s a bridge over the Hocking River behind me.
Here’s the bridge looking the other direction.
The Athens Conservancy is the organization who manages these parks.
Blue Eyed Mary
Large Flowered Trillium, Ohio’s State Flower.
The Poston Nature Preserve also borders this trail before you get to Bluebell Preserve.
Wild Geranium
Crinkleroot
Blue Phlox and Star Chickweed
Mile marker 13
Picture doesn’t do justice to the Blue Eyed Mary covering the hillside.
Mass of Virginia Bluebells.
Virginia Bluebell
Bluebell Preserve
Service Road
Not sure which Speedwell this is.
The Blue Eyed Mary was really impressive.
Another Bluebell Preserve marker.
Large Flower Bellwort
I’ve heard that the Large Flower Trillium will turn pink as the flower ages.
Wild Turnip aka Field Mustard
Copperhead Info on the kiosk at Hamley Run Road parking area.
More Blue Eyed Mary.
I just couldn’t get enough of Blue Eyed Mary.

Waypoints:

Links:

Exit mobile version