It is a surprising paradox – a 50 acre old-growth forest only 7.5 miles from downtown Cincinnati, which I would argue is the most underappreciated piece of greenspace in the region. The old-growth wood is part of the 113 acre California Woods Nature Preserve, which originated in 1938 as a WPA project for the construction of a day camp with a pool and pool house. I suspect that it was spared development due to its presence on the flood plain of the Little Miami River, just north of where the it empties into the Ohio River. But that does not explain why it was never logged – a blessing for us later generations.

We had ample warning for this snowstorm and awoke to five inches of fresh snow. I had identified two old-growth forests for potential hiking spots, as snow amplifies the majesty of big trees, and makes it easier to find the woodpeckers that call these forests home. Our daughter Caroline, the photographer for the day, and I settled on California Woods due to its proximity to home and ease of travel.

We turned into the preserve and were immediately stunned by the beauty that enveloped the single lane driveway, as seen in the title photo. We found only one other car in the park, and just stood in awe when we exited our vehicle. We were looking north up into the surrounding woodlands, but we could have looked in any direction and been as equally taken aback. We had a frozen paradise almost to ourselves.

Our first dilemma was which trail to take. I chose to start on the Trillium Trail, at the trailhead circled in red on the map below.

It is an entry into the old-growth wood and began with a series of unspoiled, snow covered stairs, which led to an extended boardwalk that climbs up into the valley.

Soon we left the boardwalk and climbed a hillside that offered episodic stairs.

Alongside the trail you had the diminutive, evergreen Christmas Fern buried in the snow,

as well as the matriarchs of the wood – majestic Tulip-poplars, which were 3 to 4 feet in diameter.

But this was not going to be a specimen hike, but rather one where we enjoyed the vistas of the forest.

While this photo was taken to feature the dead tree snag with woodpecker cavities in the foreground, it is the structure of the massive tree in the backdrop that captivates me.

It was interesting to note how the snow adhered to some tree trunks and not to others. Black Cherry, White Oak, and mature Sugar Maple have more textured bark that captures the snow.

One surprise of the day was that in this section of the old-growth wood we saw or heard very few birds.

As we neared the crest of the hill, we diverted from the Trillium Trail, crossed a small bridge, and headed onto the Moon Ridge Trail, which wove through a somewhat younger wood.

That said, this section was not without big trees.

Here we noted a marked increase in bird activity, including these Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, who were only 4 foot apart on this tree.

As we continued to course through the woods, time and again we would see Red-bellied Woodpeckers. As we descended a hill, one landed on a mature Sugar Maple right behind us, that had their typical plaqued bark. Caroline, who was using a new telephoto lens for the first time, was able to capture a series of photos that demonstrate how woodpeckers search for food in the winter. Insects frequently overwinter beneath these plaques, sometimes in adult form, sometimes as larvae, and other times as eggs, depending on the insect species. Woodpeckers typically land at the base of a tree and search for these morsels as they work their way up the trunk, turning their heads to peer into the protected space, or probing with their beak. It was fascinating behavior to watch. As noted in each of these photos, they use their tail feathers as a prop or third leg to provide stability and support.

Perhaps a half mile later we witnessed another foraging behavior as a Red-bellied Woodpecker put its head into an old tree cavity and flicked debris around hoping to find insects.

As Moonbeam Ridge Trail neared its ending we could see the series of stairs that we started our hike on, down in the valley.

After crossing the entry drive, and a bridge over a tranquil stream,

we traversed a small field to find ourselves at the formal trailhead of the Ridge Trail, and again enjoyed the challenge of a climb up snow covered stairs.

Halfway up the climb we noted a well positioned stone bench on a landing, an inviting repose under better weather conditions.

The Ridge Trail wove through a younger wood that still offered beauty.

The trail delivered us back to the unplowed eastern end of the long driveway, which we followed back to our vehicle.

Odds and Ends:

We are looking forward to utilizing the new telephoto lens as it allows the photographer to capture sharper pictures of birds, including this Dark-eyed Junco, from a distance.

While on the Ridge Trail we came upon this atop the snow – a Tulip-poplar seed.

But it wasn’t just one, there were hundreds if not thousands that had fallen from the canopy in just the two hours since the snow had stopped. Wildlife, including squirrels (gray, red, and fox), deer, rabbits, and many species of birds, will feed on these seeds. A tree mentor once told me that only 1 in 100,000 seeds from the Tulip-poplar will successfully germinate. My tree resources do not give a specific number but generalizes the issue with comments such as “a remarkably low germination rate”. Luckily they are heavy producers of seeds which you can see at this time of year, held in a cup formation at the tops of the trees.

Even though it was early December, we could actually see the promise of spring, as evidenced by the enlargement of these lance-shaped American Beech buds.

Another unique wintertime tree bud is that of Pawpaw – which I have seen described as “praying hands”. The ice crystals add a touch of bling.

In summary, hiking in the snow is always enjoyable. Snow transforms the landscape, even if you are on a trail that you have hiked many times before. New textures are displayed and often overlooked features are highlighted. For this tree lover, the snow accentuates the architecture of trees – especially of the matriarchs found in an old-growth wood. The contrast between the dark of the trees and the white of the forest backdrop is sharp and brings attention to the size and reach of the branches. Likewise, it can also make birding easier, as the birds are more easily seen as they forage for food. This is particularly true for woodpeckers. So now, in anticipation of the next snowfall, develop a list of potential snow hikes, taking into consideration terrain, trail conditions, potential road challenges, and the presence of mature trees. If you do so, it will be easier to don the garb and head out into the cold – you will be glad you did.

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Photo credits to Caroline Burns Grizzle.

Overview:

Location – 5400 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230

Parking – several gravel pool offs along the entry drive.

Facilities – Seasonal in the nature center.

Trail Conditions – generally bare dirt trail with good footing. Quite a few stairs on the trails we took for this hike. The three trails we hiked were approximately 1.5 miles in total distance.

Print Map Link – https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/california-woods-nature-preserve-center/california-woods-printable-trail-map/

Benches – many noted, especially at the top of the climbs.

Picnic Tables – under shelters along the entry drive.

Kids – The grade could be a challenge for kids under 4.

Dogs – Prohibited.

Suggested Paired Hikes – There are 4 more trails available at California Woods ranging from 0.3 to 1.05 miles.

Links:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/california-woods-nature-preserve-center/