Tonight, the woods whispered. At about 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the air soft and mild. At 65°F. I wandered Infirmary Mound Park with Skyler, her daughter, and a friend. We strolled slowly (about 1.58 miles total), savoring every curve of the Fairy Trail and the Mirror Lake Overlook Loop. We paused. We watched the sun drape itself in gold over quiet water and tree silhouettes. We listened.
Nestled just south of Granville, Ohio, Infirmary Mound Park spans roughly 316 acres under the care of the Licking Park District.
It offers seven miles of mixed-use trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
One of the park’s quiet claims to ancient mystery is its namesake: the Infirmary Mound. Which is a prehistoric earthwork now reduced by centuries of cultivation. It’s subtle, almost hidden in the slope of the land, but carries a weight of past human presence.
Mirror Lake sits at the heart of the park and is a favored spot for still-water reflections and gentle paddling (kayaks, canoes, SUP are allowed) .
Near the lake is also the Wildflower / Fairy Trail, a whimsical loop (¼ mile) populated with “fairy houses,” wildflowers, and shaded woodland paths.
The Licking Park District has also invested in play and nature engagement: there’s a Nature Playscape honoring both hill and streamside ecology and the cultural history of the site.
Recent upgrades have added more inclusive play structures.
If you want to explore more maps and layout: the park’s trail map shows color-coded segments like Blue (1.45 mi), White (0.85 mi), Green, Yellow, Red connectors, etc.
Our Evening Walk
We entered just before golden hour, the sun low but still lofty enough to pierce through the trees. Because we walked slow, the forest revealed itself more fully: a small mushrooms near roots, delicate wildflowers bowing, mossy trunks, occasional birds calling in the distances.
What a fun guy (fungi)
On the fair trail (one of our chosen paths), the walk felt intimate: wood chips underfoot, soft shadows stretching, that shade-light dance you can only get just before dusk. The trail meandered, curling us through trees lined by tiny fairy homes.
When we reached the Mirror Lake Overlook Loop, the moment struck. The lake’s surface was almost glass: silver, then gold, then purple as the sun leaned back. The overlook bench gave us a moment to pause. Smoke filled our lungs as we took in the views of: tree crowns, water reflections, and the slow breathing of evening.
We paused often… to point out a flower, to watch a fish skim the surface, to listen to wind sift through oak leaves. No rush.
By the time we looped back, dusk was already here, and colors folded into soft but darkened blues . Our pace carried us gently home.
Reflections & Notes to Remember
That 1.58 mi may have felt small, but we got far more in return: quiet conversation, time, softness. Even though Infirmary Mound is reduced in form, knowing people once shaped this land adds a haunting echo. The park is open dawn to dusk. Restroom facilities are vault-style, and the park welcomes pets (on leash). Want to try the fairy trail? It’s short and enchanting. Remember it is only May through October.
Finding Peace After Recovery: A Full Day of Exploration
With my shoulder finally feeling better after last week’s injection, Luna and I decided to make the most of the beautiful early September weather. Thursday (9/4) brought perfect conditions: mid-70s, partly cloudy, and a gentle breeze. This is ideal weather for exploring several of Fairfield County’s natural and historical treasures. What started as a simple outing turned into a full day of discovery across five distinct locations, each offering its own unique experience.
Morning Wonder: Stebelton Park at Rock Mill
Our day began at Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, home to one of Ohio’s most picturesque historic grist mills. This 1824 wooden mill stands dramatically above the Hocking River gorge, where the river drops 14 feet through a narrow passage of blackhand sandstone. The restored mill with its massive water wheel creates a perfect backdrop against the early autumn landscape.
I love it
Luna was particularly fascinated by the rushing water sounds as we walked the short trail along the gorge. The park’s compact size (just 13 acres) makes it perfect for a gentle morning exploration. We spent time watching the water cascade through the gorge while learning about the mill’s history from the informative signs. The combination of industrial history and natural beauty makes this spot uniquely appealing.
Natural Beauty: Arney Run
Our journey continued to Arney Run, a peaceful natural area in Fairfield County. This quiet spot features a winding creek through wooded terrain, offering a serene environment away from busier parks. Luna and I enjoyed a brief stop here, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and natural surroundings.
The shaded paths provided a cool respite during our day of exploration. Though our visit was short, it was a pleasant addition to our tour of Fairfield County’s diverse landscapes.
The area surrounding this is Christmas Rock & Jacob’s ladder. I have done the area once prior but No dogs allowed so we shall save it for another day.
Two Glaciers Park:
Next, we ventured to Two Glaciers Park, one of Fairfield County’s newer naturally areas. This fascinating geological site sits at the junction where two ancient glaciers met, creating a unique landscape of rolling hills and of course covered bridge number 3!
Honoring the Past: Stonewall Cemetery
Our journey took a contemplative turn at Stonewall Cemetery, a small historic burial ground dating back to the early 1800s. This peaceful site contains graves of some of Fairfield County’s earliest settlers and several Revolutionary War veterans.
Though not a traditional nature stop, the cemetery’s ancient trees and quiet setting provided a moment for reflection. Many of the weathered headstones tell stories of the area’s first families, with dates reaching back to when Ohio was still frontier territory. Luna respectfully stayed on leash as we quietly observed this piece of local history.
A peek through the gate.
Afternoon Adventure: Slate Run Metro Park
The highlight of our day came at Slate Run Metro Park in Canal Winchester. This 1,705-acre park features restored prairies, wetlands, forests, and a working historical farm. We chose the trail that loops around the lake and passes the park’s beautiful covered bridge.
The 1.5-mile trail offered easy walking with spectacular views of the lake, where blue herons stood sentinel in the shallows. The covered bridge, though not original to the site, has been beautifully constructed in traditional style and makes for a perfect photo opportunity. Luna was particularly excited by the waterfowl activity on the lake and the varied scents along the trail.
Pretty baby!
What makes Slate Run special is its diversity in one visit, you can experience: wetland ecosystems, prairie restoration, and historical farm life. Though we focused on the lake trail this time, the park offers over 7 miles of trails through various habitats.
Ancient Mystery: Cross Mound Park
Luna Baby
Our Fairfield County exploration concluded at Cross Mound Park, home to a mysterious ancient earthwork in the shape of a cross. This small but significant archaeological site preserves a Native American mound believed to be constructed between 800 and 1200 CE.
The earthwork stands as a testament to the sophisticated cultures that inhabited Ohio long before European settlement. The short trail around the mound provides time to reflect about its possible significance and the peoples who may have created it.
Luna and I walked the perimeter trail, taking in both the archaeological wonder and the surrounding natural area. There’s something profoundly moving about standing in a place that has held spiritual significance for over a thousand years.
Bonus Stop: Circleville’s Octagon House
As the day was still young, we decided to venture slightly south to Circleville in Pickaway County to visit the remarkable Octagon House. This unique eight-sided home built in 1856 represents a fascinating architectural movement popular in mid-19th century America, inspired by phrenologist Orson Squire Fowler who believed octagonal homes provided better lighting and ventilation.
The house has been beautifully preserved, with its distinctive shape and period details intact. Though you can schedule a self-lead interior tour, Luna & I just enjoyed a walk around the grounds instead. The Octagon House stands as a reminder of America’s experimental architectural past and makes for a perfect historical complement to our day of natural exploration.
It’s historic!
Reflections on a Day Well Spent
By day’s end, Luna and I had experienced a perfect cross-section of what central Ohio offers. The natural wonders shaped by ancient glaciers, historical structures that tell stories of early settlement, and sacred spaces that connect us to those who lived here thousands of years before. Each site, though relatively small, contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences that left us both happily exhausted.
These people accessible locations prove that adventure doesn’t require epic journeys – sometimes the most meaningful explorations happen close to home, in the overlooked corners of familiar counties. As my shoulder continues to heal, I’m grateful for these gentle yet rewarding outdoor experiences that nourish both body and spirit.
What hidden gems have you discovered in your own county?
Have you visited any of these Fairfield County treasures?
Share your local exploration stories in the comments!
The Covered Bridge at Mohican State Park was the third and final stop of our short morning out. Which happened to be right after I got off work overnight on Sunday, August 3rd. (Which was Saturday nights shift by night math) I wasn’t sure how long we’d actually be out, but it felt like we still had one last stop in us before heading home. The Covered Bridge made the perfect choice.
Covered Bridge Mohican
This one’s a classic, with the wide wooden beams, but different in lacking the old red color. It sports the color black and though faded it feels right. The Clear Fork River flows right underneath. You don’t have to hike to reach it at all… so another for the easily accessible theme. You can just drive right up, park nearby, and walk across or around it. There is a steady calm feeling here. Even with the few people I encountered around. You hear the river. You feel like the trees lean in a little closer.
Luna and I didn’t take the full trail next to the bridge, just a small part of it. I wanted to get a few side shots of the bridge itself, and Luna was clearly still in an exploring mood. The trail ran alongside the water for a bit, framed with late-summer greenery, and I spotted all kinds of mushrooms just off the path. More than a few bright, orange like those from Blue Rock. A lot popping out from the sides of downed trees like they’d just emerged the battle on top.
Photo of bridge, Forrest, and river taken from trail
Unexpectedly enough it also felt nostalgic in a way. I was reminded of the covered bridge in Belmont County. The one next to my old high school. We took senior photos and class group shots there, but mostly it was where we snuck off to smoke reefers and escape whatever was going on that day. Seeing a bridge like that again, tucked into the woods out here, hit different. It felt familiar in the best way. Even though this one’s in use and their different colors I welcome the pleasure of a fond memory.
River view
This was just one of those slow, winding little forest detours that makes the whole morning feel more complete. We’d already completed the Fire Tower and the Gorge Overlook. This was just the extra bonus. It even reminded me a little of home. I felt relaxed and in my element without the need to rush. Just to feel the forest, with my baby dog who wasn’t quite ready to go home yet. And that’s okay because honestly I never am either.
