Winton Woods Campground Review

This past Friday, we kicked off our fall camping season with a stay at the Winton Woods Campground that is part of the Hamilton County Park system in Cincinnati. It was just about an hour drive for us, and we were immediately impressed with how nice the campground was. The Hamilton County Park system is truly a gem for the Cincinnati resident. They currently sell entrance passes for $10 for one year, with a $5 rebate for available for residents. Otherwise, entrance fees are $3 per vehicle.

We were able to get a campsite rather last minute when a lot of other parks and campgrounds were booked solid. Our campsite (#21) backed right up to the lake, and had a fair amount of level area to pitch a few tents. Sites were generously spaced apart too, so you did not feel like you were on top of one another. In the tent camping area, there were also plenty of tall, mature trees that really added to the camping experience (something many new campgrounds often lack). This campground was quiet, clean and family friendly. There was a playground for the kids and a nice sized bathhouse not too far from most of the sites.

It was a little windy and chilly during our stay (night time temperatures were close to 40 degrees F), but we stayed warm with our wool hiking socks, 20 degree REI down sleeping bags (which were super toasty and comfy), Therm-a-rest sleeping pads and our REI Half Dome tent. We dressed our 15 month old daughter in lots of layers (for sleeping she wore 2 footed sleepers, the outer fleece, with a wool hat and mittens), and she stayed warm as well. We did actually forget our own gloves, but extra hiking socks helped with our cold hands during morning camp chores!

Here are a few things you should know if you plan to camp there:

1. Sites can be reserved online, and there are no minimum night stays. This was important to us since we could only camp one night and it had to be on a Friday night due to Rob's work schedule. During our stay, the rates were $25 a night for the standard electric sites (30 amp), and there are no online reservation fees to mess with either. The nice thing about this campground is that you can view pictures of each and every campsite prior to booking! I LOVE this feature as I am all about getting the perfect campsite. Sites 8, 9, and 10 are very nice and spacious. Sites 22 and 23 are also very nice and preferable if you need multiple flat tent sites.

2. The new RV area is not shaded in the middle section, so be prepared if you get a spot there. Sites 13F through 2F would probably be preferable if you were RVing it, since they back up right into the woods.

3. The campstore sells hot food, including pizza you can order straight to your campsite (I guess this is handy if your campfire goes disastrously wrong, lol). They also have firewood available for sale for $4.99 a bundle. The firewood is not the greatest however, so bring your own (if you live in the area, otherwise don't move firewood!) and plenty of kindling if you can. The campstore is really a very nice building and has all the basics stocked in case you forget something important. The hours were 10am-8pm during our stay, so a late evening arrival still allows you time to get what you need.

4. Reserve online and early. Weekends book up fast, especially during prime camping season such as early and mid-fall. We were lucky to get a site a little over a week in advance, but the next two weeks are already entirely booked through. So book early if you can!

5. They also have deluxe as well as basic camping cabins available for those that prefer that route. I would stay away from the camping cabins 1, 2 and 5 though since they are in a very high traffic area. Although I didn't get to look inside, it appeared that the basic cabins had window AC units in them (check with the campground office though to be sure). This would be a really nice option if camping in the hot summer. The deluxe cabins are open year round, but the basic cabins are not. Price for the basic is $50 a night and the deluxe is $125 a night.

All in all, our stay at the Winton Woods campground was enjoyable and surprisingly quiet despite its proximity to the city. We are looking forward to our next stay, as soon as campsites are available that is! This is definitely a favorite campground we'll be returning to again and again.

Red River Gorge

The Red River Gorge Geological Area is a popular hiking destination just a mere 2 hours drive from Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH. The forest and scenery is beautiful and well worth the short drive whether it be for a day hike or a weekend backpacking/camping trip.

Since there are so many trails of varying degrees of difficulty and length, it's the perfect place for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. We ventered out to RRG this past weekend to do a little hiking for ourselves. Even though we were limited to shorter hikes (I'm 32 weeks pregnant), none of them were dull or boring and each one provided exceptional beauty.

For those looking to explore the RRG area, I recommend purchasing two books: Red River Gorge Trail Guide by Jerrell Goodpaster and Hinterlands, also by the same author. These two books are the most up to-date guidebooks for the region. Since Goodpaster has hiked all the trails in the Gorge multiple times, he knows what he's talking about. Unfortunately, his books can be hard to come by, so you might want to order them directly from his website. We have already begun to wear through both of these books, so they're well worth the money.

I highly recommend Koomer Ridge Campground for those who prefer car camping. The campground is very peaceful (although you can hear a distant hum of traffic from the Parkway), and pretty much all of the sites are spacious and private. There are some who might complain about the fee ($18 a night), but I consider this a small price to pay for such a nice and well maintained campground. Since many trails go around the campground, it makes for a great place to base camp and still explore the Gorge.

While in the RRG, other notable hiking areas to check out are Natural Bridge State Park and Clifty Wilderness Area. Both offer an abundance of terrific hiking alongside RRG. As always, remember to practive Leave No Trace in all of these areas.

It is worth noting there is a history of vandalism and car break-ins around the Red River Gorge area. Use common sense! If you are extremely worried about your car being safe, one option is to park in the Koomer Ridge parking lot right next to the campground (or just stay in the campground) and take off on your hikes from there. Another option would be to park next to the Natural Bridge State Resort Park Lodge and hike from there (but note that backcountry camping is not permitted inside NBSP). These options might add a couple miles to your trip, but it could mean more peace of mind.

Fall Hiking and Backpacking in the Cincinnati Area

Now that fall has arrived, hiking and backpacking are back on the agenda again! With the cool weather and beautiful foliage of the trees, fall is the perfect time to get out into the woods before the cold settles in for good. Thinking about planning a hike or an overnight trip? Here are some great ideas to help get you started.

• Mt. Airy Forest (OH) - This municipal forest, one of the largest in the country, has several trails worth trekking. Perfect for a free afternoon or weekend outing.

• Hueston Woods State Park (OH) - Situated around a reservoir, this park has several trails fitting for fall day hikes. The colors of fall are most attractive next to the scenic lake.

• East Fork State Park (OH) - Only a 30 minute drive from Cincinnati, this park is centered around a reservoir. Although the forest is young, a large network of hiking and backpacking trails exist. If backpacking for one night, there are several camps available with 3-walled shelters.

• Caesar's Creek State Park (OH) - Travel north on I-71 to Caesar's Creek, a state park situated around a reservoir less than an hour's drive away. The park is large and the hiking opportunities are numerous. Backpacking options also exist, but camping is limited. Beautiful scenery and great terrain.

• Twin Valley Metro Park (OH) -Located near Dayton, this metropark recently opened a backpack trail perfect for those last minute getaways.
  

• Shawnee State Forest (OH) - If you want challenge, this is the place to be. Although views and scenic areas are limited, the backpack trail is the best in the state and can be traversed in one large loop or two small loops. Best for multiple night trips. (special notice)

• Knobstone Trail (IN) - This trail is best for overnight backpacking trips, but must be done as either an out and back or with two cars. The knobstone rivals Shawnee's terrain.

• Red River Gorge (KY) - A favorite for Cincinnati hikers and backpackers for years, Red River Gorge, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is the perfect place to catch fall foliage. If you're into rock climbing, this is the spot to experience some of the best in the country. Since RRG can be crowded on the weekends, plan an overnight trip during the week for optimal solitude.

• Cave Run Lake (KY) - Slightly north of RRG, Cave Run Lake offers several hiking trails that can easily be made into overnight treks. Catch the Sheltowee Trace Trail nearby, visit the site of an old fire tower and camp by a lake with open skies.

• Mammoth Cave National Park (KY) - As a three hour drive, it's definitely not a day jaunt but perfect for overnight and multiple day treks. The terrain is varied, but never too strenuous. A variety of trails intertwine allowing you to choose your own route. Some trails are frequented by horses, so watch your step! Camping opprotunies abound, many in very scenic locations. After you've had your share of the forest, explore one of the many underground cave systems the park was made for.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN) - For high wilderness adventure, it doesn't get any better than at GSMNP. As the second closest national park to Cincinnati (a 5 hour drive), it makes the perfect weekend getaway for the hard-care backpacker or hiker. However, remember to bring a bear bag and rope!

*Photos by Rachel Campbell; Left: Hueston Woods State Park/Right: Mammoth Cave National Park

Tuesday's Trail: Shawnee Lookout

Located east of downtown Cincinnati is Shawnee Lookout, which is part of the Hamilton County park program. Two short trails wind through this area that are definitely worth checking out.

The Little Turtle Trail is 2 miles long with an easy grade. The wide path makes it ideal for families, small groups or those who desire a brisk stroll. Halfway around the loop is nice rest stop with a bench overlooking the Miami River. 3 stars.

The Blue Jacket trail begins on the opposite side of the parking lot from Little Turtle. This trail is much flatter and shorter- measuring only 1.3 miles. Be sure to bring your camera, especially if you come in the summer. The trail is quite picturesque and makes for a nice romantic hike through both woods and fields of wildflowers. 3 stars.

Also take note to bring money for a parking pass (if you don't already have one), since all Hamilton County parks require them. As of 2008, the price for a yearly pass was 5$.

For directions and to visit the park's website, click here.

Backpacking: Knobstone Trail, Indiana

The Knobstone Trail in Indiana has long been on my to-hike list. Coming it at over 58 miles, it really is one of a kind in this area. Many people use this trail as training ground for the Appalachian Trail, so its definitely scoring high on ruggedness. Total elevation gain and loss is over 20,000 feet-- not something you see too much of here in the tri-state area (located between Indianapolis and Louisville). I'm thinking that we'll plan on tackling part of this trail (or all) in the upcoming months.

Downsides to this trail include it being a thru hike, so you really need two cars to get from end to end (unless you backtrack, and that's not very fun!). Water is also an issue there, and you'll have to catche it at the roads it intersects. These reasons alone have prevented me from exploring the area, but hopefully I'll try to overcome them!

Stay tuned for more on this great trail and future trip reports!

Welcome!

This blog will follow my hiking pursuits across the tri-state area as I seek to compile information for my book. I plan on using this blog as a sort of digital data book where I can share about hikes in the area and receive feedback from other hikers as well.

Areas I plan on targeting before May 2009 include:

-Indiana area (Brookville Lake/Adena Trace, Knobstone Trail and any others I learn about)

-Cincinnati parks (Mt. Airy Forest will be my main concern- to this date there is not official map of the trails in the forest. I plan on changing that!)

-Tower Park (Ft. Thomas)

I think this is a reasonable list of goals that will keep my plenty busy in the next couple of months. With the warmer weather coming, it shouldn't be too hard to fit in a hike every so often! I plan on giving mileage information, terrain and park notes and pictures of the area/trail.

Follow me to learn more about hiking and backpacking- you just might discover a love for it yourself!