Each year since my husband and I have gotten married (three years!), we take a hiking vacation for our anniversary. Each year, we have visited Chain O’ Lakes State Park — stepping out of the norm this year to visit Kissing Falls!
True to its name, it is a chain of nine lakes that are amazing for small boats — especially kayaks and canoes. Most of the lakes are connected by small rivers for nearly endless exploration.
There are twelve trails that twist, wind, and intersect throughout the park ranging from .5 to 4.4 miles of easy, moderate, and rugged trails.
We have our favorite trails at this park, even our favorite direction (nearly all uphill!) on those trails!
The photo above is a new trail we found by accident (because my husband wanted to drive the Jeep up the somewhat steep drive a couple of times) when we just happened to spot a trail at the end of a lane disappearing into the forest.
This trail was laden with Honeysuckle in full bloom. The sweet fragrance lingered throughout the entire trail. 😍
One of our favorite trails begins near the Nature Center (off of Sand Lake beach) and wraps around nearly half of the lake before branching off into the depths of the forest.
It ends up crossing a small creek. You can cross on the wooden bridge if you didn’t come prepared — or walk across the stones through the water.
Which reminds me…as with the Kissing Falls hike, I wore my waterproof boots.
Only they failed me on the very first trail! Leaving my left foot soaked for hours!
Did I let that stop me? Heck, no‼️I still went through the creek and walked in the lake! 🤪🤣
How often do you look up to watch a bird of prey soar on the air currents, or at the clouds drifting lazily across the sky as they carry water, or at the shimmering stars?
Despite people and their impatient attitudes, we live in a pretty amazing place.
After a long, dreary winter (nothing but mud-brown or snow-white gets old for me,) the greens held so much vibrant color.
Almost like nature would explode from the intensity!
Each year on our favorite trail, we pass this tree where countless people have literally left their mark.
We found it interesting that, with time, the tree creates a raised scar where names and initials were carved.
You can see steps in the distance. I wonder if a home was built here, long ago.
Sand Lake (also the first image) has a large beach for swimming (just ignore the Canada Goose bombs) and a very large area for fishing — whether by boat or on the shore.
I thought this downed, gnarly tree with the Phlox made for an gorgeous picture.
Yes, I think gnarly trees are interesting. LOL
I’ve seen interesting flowers in this forest (and also at Salamonie River State Forest) that I’ve not seen anywhere else.
God truly is awesome.
Gorgeous!!!