Malabar Farm State Park: A Thanksgiving Hike

Thanksgiving day found us at Malabar Farm State Park, an interesting visit if you are in the area.  We visited with family the weekend after Thanksgiving so we enjoyed our free time outdoors.  An excited spirit and a picnic lunch always make for a fun adventure!  We started the day hiking the Butternut Nature Trail.  A nice little trail passing by....

big boulders and big hemlocks,

a whimsical, inviting cave (yes we went in!),

and some very interesting tree falls that create important micro-ecosystems.

Malabar Farm is steeped in history, as many farms are, and staff work to educate folks on the history and importance of farming in the area.  The sugar shack is a fantastic building that we plan to visit again in March for the annual maple syrup festival!

The Pugh cabin (in the background) is available to rent for special occasions.  A family celebrated their holiday at this cabin during our visit.  How fun!

Good for the spirit scenes...

Do you see it? 

Look closer!  Yes, it's skunk cabbage up in November!  WOW.

Ohio is a beautiful place...

We felt mighty grateful to be here, in so many ways, on this day of thanks.