A nature hike to the ancient sand dunes in Oak Openings Preserve

Today we are going on a hike on the red trail at Oak Openings Preserve. Its one of the Toledo Area Metroparks. Its the largest park in the system but due to its remote location is one of the least visited. This is why it is my favorite; there is a lot to see and not many people around.

The trail that we choose today is the red trail. It is also known as the sand dune trail. These sand dunes are not very big but in an area that is otherwise virtually completely flat they stand out as a curious feature. As we went along the hike I took pictures and I'll describe the trail and go into more details as you scroll through the pictures.

We started out from the parking lot hiking through what I would call sort of an average midwestern forest. There are a lot of ferns in this part of the park and old fallen logs.

There are many stands of pine trees that grow close together here in the park.

The previous picture really shows what the whole Oak Openings region is named after. These are the Oak Savannahs. The area is primarily sand that drains quickly and Oak trees. All the large trees you see in this picture are oak trees. We are approaching the sand dunes that once marked the edge of and ancient sea.

It is very flat here, the only hills would be created where there is a river valley and there is no river right here so the small rise at the edge of the dunes stands out as something that appears to be out of place.

I took a picture from that rise and a few others for fun.

To protect the birds that nest in the dunes they don't want people in them during certain times of the year.

Now its time to hike back. By the way I really like these shoes. I have flat feet but I've always like the natural feel of shoes like Converse and Vans, but I wanted something for hiking that didn't absorb as much moisture, would dry quickly, and could go anywhere.

I found this great web in a ray of sunshine on the way back.

I always end these posts urging people to get outside and explore the nature around them. It can be so amazing and most cities have some parks worth going to. Personally I think people should try a hiking or canoeing trip but spending just a few hours at you're local park is a good start.