“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open”. Jawaharlal Nehru

This was an appropriate quote that was on a birthday card that I received last week. That same day we had partaken in this somewhat mundane “hike” on one of the most southern parts of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. But the term “mundane” is relative, because even those outings can offer the beauty, charm, and adventure mentioned in the quote. You just need to have your eyes and mind open to it.

It had been two weeks of non-inviting weather – rain and chilly temps. The landscape was full of standing water, making hiking on a earthen trail unpleasant, dangerous, and damaging. Anticipating a break in the precipitation, we opted to find a paved trail.

The rain was ending after lunch so we planned a mid-afternoon walk. The skies were still overcast but the temp had climbed to the low 40s – not inviting, but doable. I was looking for an alternative workout to the stale air of the local gym or the stationary bike upstairs.

The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a 78 mile multi-use trail that goes by a variety of names including the Loveland Bike Trail and Little Miami State Park. It runs from the eastern reaches of Cincinnati to Springfield in Clark County. The majority of the trail runs atop an abandoned railroad right of way, offering mild grades, good footing, and a wide path.

We had opted to hike the Bass Island section of the trail. We had driven by it on previous outings but had never really studied it. We were surprised when we found the Bass Island Trailhead parking area totally blocked for a major renovation to the facility, and chose to head down to Avoca Park, the next trailhead parking area, and walk back to Bass Island.

To be honest this was a bit of an suburban outing. As we were heading west, to our right, on the other side of a thicket, we had the relatively busy Wooster Pike with its associated traffic noise. To our left we had a mature wood on the flood plain of the Little Miami River, which we could see through the trees. The wood consisted of large Sycamores, Oaks, and Cottonwoods. One of our first items of interest was this large Sycamore that grew at an approximate 60 degree angle. Based on the shape of its crown, with its smaller branches reaching vertically for the sunlight, it had grown this way and had not just fallen over. Most likely, in its youth it had competition from a larger tree causing it to reach this direction.

Then we noted this interesting coloration pattern on its bark – vertical dark green lines. I suspect they are stains from water that runs down from above, carrying green pigments from fungi or mosses, that discolor the white bark. The vertical nature of these lines tells us that this tree has been at this angle for a long time.

As I vocalized to the photographer, the large deciduous trees gave me hope that perhaps this would be the day that we would see the elusive Red-headed Woodpecker, which are becoming increasingly rare. Unfortunately that did not happen, though we did see several Red-bellied Woodpeckers on this very overcast day. Yes, the Red-bellied woodpecker has a crown of red on its head. The Red-headed Woodpecker’s head is entirely red, as if he was wearing a red ski mask.

As we approached Bass Island the trail went through an underpass beneath Newtown Road.

We were excited to see some artwork integrated into the trail system. Featured were the endangered Indiana Bats that are native to the region.

At this point the trail heads left to cross the Little Miami River. The path to the right ends in about 300 yards, at the 50 West Craft Brewery – life’s dilemmas.

The trail bridge crossing the river runs abreast of Newtown Road.

The National Wild and Scenic Little Miami River was not too bucolic on this date – muddy, out of its banks, and teaming with organic debris – oh, and yes, one freezer.

At this point we were truly in the Bass Island segment. Along the path we found a cluster of trees that were dressed in an assortment of lichens. Lichens are one of those life forms that have been minimally studied and not readily identified. Their assortment of shapes is fascinating and somehow best appreciated in the winter when there is less competition for our attention.

The mulch beneath these same trees displayed a collection of tiny cup fungi – the largest of these cups was the size of a pencil eraser.

Odds and Ends:

Several of our recent articles have featured the Sumac family. On this hike we saw another member – Staghorn Sumac. If you look closely at the photo below you will note that the bark of the branch is covered by tiny hairs, like the felt on the developing antlers of a male deer – hence its name – Staghorn Sumac. All sumac berries are a good source of Vitamin C for wildlife. Native Americans and early settlers would soak them in water to make a lemonade like beverage that supplied them with Vitamin C. The berries taste citrusy on the tongue.

Hiking after a rain storm lends itself to some beautiful photography with specimens draped in water or glistening with the moisture.

American Bittersweet

Rose Hips

Callicarpa

We have featured Ossage Oranges in the past and mentioned that they are eaten by some wildlife including deer, rabbits, squirrels, and quail. But usually they appear to be a food source of last resort – lying on the floor well into the winter. That was not the case here as we found that the majority of the globes were broken apart to get to the seeds on the inside.

The Texture of the Day belonged to this water covered Mullein leaf. I believe that it is the hairs on the leaf that cause the water to display angular shapes rather than that of simple water droplets.

And lastly, while there was no signage announcing it, it appeared that a new trail that would run along the banks of the Little Miami River was being developed in the mature wood. We could see small construction flags marking its path. It was a quagmire of mud at the time of our visit so we did not venture there. When completed, given the maturity of the wood, it should be an excellent trail to see spring ephemeral wildflowers.

In summary, this overcast, cold, wet day allowed us some time in the fresh air and to escape the winter doldrums. As the opening quote encouraged, we were able to embrace some of the “beauty, charm, and adventure” that our “wonderful world” has to offer. Yes, it was on a non-grand scale and in a somewhat urban setting, but we found beauty none the less. Footpaths’ wish for you is that 2025 brings you many experiences with nature and the great outdoors, both on a grand and intimate scale. Godspeed in the New Year everyone.

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Photo credits to Peggy Juengling Burns

Overview:

Location – the Bass Island Trailhead is on Newtown Road but was closed at the time of our visit. We parked at the Avoca Park Trailhead which is about a mile east on Wooster Pike. They are about 13 miles from downtown Cincinnati.

Parking – large asphalt lot with parking for about 20 cars.

Facilities – Porto-let in the parking area. Seasonally they have flush bathrooms.

Trail Conditions – asphalt in good condition.

Print Trail Map Link – https://lovelandbiketrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Map-detail-Newtown-to-Miami-twp-rv1.pdf

Benches – yes

Picnic Tables – yes, at the trailhead. The remodeled Bass Island Trailhead Park will also offer them.

Kids – kids of all ages should do well here. Great for strollers and bikes as well.

Dogs – welcomed on a leash.

Paired Hiking Trails – you could walk for days on the Little Miami Trail.

Craft Beer – as noted, 50 West Brewery is just off the trail. Depending on the trailhead used and the desired length of your walk you could chose to end your outing there. I recommend the Coast to Coast White Ale or Doom Pedal IPA.

Links:

https://www.greatparks.org/recreation/trails/little-miami-scenic-trail