Henry County Parks

Walking Group Schedules Hikes on the Trail

2012-02-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

The Maumee Valley Volkssporters will host a volksmarch in Napoleon, Ohio during the Memorial Day weekend of May 25-28, 2012. The group is affilliated with the American Volkssport Association- a National Walking organization with local chapters all over the USA.

In fact 5 walking clubs in Ohio are hosting 5 walks in 5 counties on Memorial Day Weekend 2012. Other walks are to be in: Bryan, Archbold, Paulding, and Defiance. The headquarters hotel for the weekend will be the Comfort Inn in Defiance just off US24 at OH66. More info on the events can be found at ava.org.

All of the walks will have a 5 kilometer (km) and 10 km distance offered. In addition the Napoleon walk will have a 15km = 9.36 miles route which will use a lot of the Buckeye Trail along the Maumee River. All walks are open to the public and are free. Awards from past events are free to all children 12 and under who participate.

For more Information, please contact Craig Gauger at:

mailto:gcgauger@hotmail.com

To print the full flier for the event, Click Here

Rice Lock #42

2012-01-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

After learning of all the clearing efforts by the volunteers and the Buckeye Trail Organization earlier in the year, I decided to investigate the newly cleared Trail bed in the East End of Henry County. As I walked on, I admired all the efforts of those who so graciously gave of their own time to this great cause. I was on the Towpath Trail of the Miami, Wabash & Erie Canal, in Henry County, Ohio located between County Road 1 and County Road 2b. This Trail is part of The Buckeye Trail and also the National Park Service’s North Country Trail.

I am still amazed to be walking next to this great old canal where countless ancestors had traveled in the middle 1800’s. As I walked, I eventually came upon a Canal Lock. There is a series of these along the canal. They were used to raise and/or lower the canal boats to changing levels of elevation as the topography gradually changed along the way. The lock I found myself at was called “Rice Lock #42”.

As I gazed and marveled at it, I became curious because most of the other locks along the way have been constructed using quarried stone. This lock appears to have originally been constructed much the same way, but later modified using cement. I later found out that construction of the Erie Canal in New York created the first demand for cement to be imported to the US. The first recorded shipment of Portland cement to the US was in 1868. In 1871, the first Portland Cement Plant was established in the US in Coplay, PA. Locks originally constructed of wood were rebuilt along the Miami & Erie Canal beginning around 1870.

I am familiar with a lock near Defiance which was reconstructed around 1906 using cement. I wonder when this Rice Lock #42 was reconstructed. As I walked on, I also wondered why it was that this lock was called “Rice” lock # 42. Who or what was “Rice” referring to? The Sign also referred to the Canal as the “Miami, Wabash, and Erie Canal”. I later learned that this section of Canal from Junction, Ohio to Toledo was originally part of the Wabash and Erie Canal which came over from Indiana. Later, as the Miami & Erie Canal was finally completed, and worked its way up from southern Ohio up to Junction, it merged and became the “Miami, Wabash, and Erie Canal”.

I continued to marvel at the lock. As I continued my hike, I came closer to The Lucas County Line. It was here that the old ghost town of Providence lies. Providence became a ghost town. After being a thriving Canal Town complete with a sawmill and gristmill, tragedy struck in 1846 as a fire ravaged the town destroying its central business district. Later in 1854 a Cholera Outbreak killed most of the inhabitants. Finally in 1928, the Town was officially removed from official records. The remaining buildings were designated a Historic District by the Department of the Interior. Later the Providence Dam was constructed. Providence was directly across the river from Old Gileod- a village today known as Grand Rapids.

Special thanks to Bob Morrison for the photos, and information,

Autumn along the Trail

2011-11-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hiking on the North Country/Buckeye Trail
in Henry County, Ohio

I love to hike on the trail in the Fall ! The Kaleidoscope of fall colors is all around and seems to be more vivid when the sun's rays illuminate the beautiful gold, amber, orange and red hues. As each day passes, it becomes a new and different spectacle to behold. As I walk along, my skin beeks in the warming yet waning sun of this fine October afternoon. It warms the morning chill off the crisp air, as it continues its perennial journey closer to the the southern horizon. Leaves crunch under foot as I walk, and the gentle afternoon breezes swirl among the trees, cascading many leaves through the air as they float to the ground.

Florida Spillway

The cooler temperatures make hiking enjoyable, and the small animals are more active. Squirrels scurry about with their Herkey-Jerkey movements as they work to gather food for their long winter's rest. The flocks of Canadian Geese gather in the wetlands along the canal as they take a brief respite from their long journey south for winter. Listening to their honking as they fly south in their V-Shaped formation overhead is a special treat I love to watch.

Beautifull Fall Foilage

I enjoy my hike, for I know that it won't be long until all the leaves have fallen, and the giant trees have yielded to Winter's Silent Slumber. Occasionally the scent of burning leaves drifts by. It is a familiar scent this time of year. It makes me think of crisp juicy apples and fresh-squeezed cider for which their was ample bounty this year! I will remember this day as a gem, and as the days continue to get shorter as we coast into the holiday season, I will have this day to remember throughout the long cold winter ahead.

While Hiking on the Trail...

2011-10-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

New Historical Marker, Ritter Park, Napoleon

Civil War Camp Latty was all around Me!

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, while hiking along the Buckeye Trail / North Country Trail through Henry County Ohio, I came upon the leg of trail that goes through the city of Napoleon along the Maumee River. Here along the River, the trail goes through Ritter Park and the boat docks area. As I hiked through there on that crystal clear autumn afternoon, the sun was bright, the sky was blue without a cloud in it, and the temperature was unseasonable but pleasantly warm- near 80 degrees!

As I hiked west past the boat docks, I continued into Ritter Park, where an amazing event was taking place. Just being unveiled and dedicated, was a brand new Historical Marker which now and hereafter will note the location and significance of "Camp Latty". This camp was a famous Civil War camp which was used to muster the 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during this tragic war. The new marker tells the amazing story, which plants a curiosity in viewers to want to learn more of this famous place. This marker and great event was sponsored by the Henry County Historical Society.

Civil War Era Encampment

As I continued my hike, I came upon a number of historical reenactors, who were dressed in civil war era clothing. There were men who dressed in soldiers' attire, and women and children who tended to the homes while the soldiers were away at war. They occupied various tent structures which were authentic replications of those actually used. In addition, there were various demonstrations and exhibits of various aspects of what life was like during the civil war era. Complete with many accoutraments of the time, the exhibit was facinating, informative, and entertaining.

Civil War Medical Equipment Display

It seemed as though I was a time traveler and had hiked backwards in time to a life very different that what I am used to now. I decided to end my hike for the day here in Ritter Park. As I spent some time here with the re-enactors, I enjoyed the experience and wondered about what it was like at Camp Latty. 2011 marks the first year for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. There are many events happening around Ohio for the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. I will visit the Ohio Civil War 150 web-site to discover more Civil War events around Ohio. Until Then... see you on the trail! Be sure to click on the "Slide Show" to the right to view more photos. Also to learn more about other Ohio Civil War Events for the sesquicentennial, Click Here! ....Photos supplied by Bob Morrison and Bill Morey.

New ways to stay updated on Henry County Parks

2011-09-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Just to the right, below the Henry County Park District Logo are two new ways to receive updates on Henry County Park District news. Enter your E-Mail address in the "Follow us by E-Mail" bar. Any time an update is made to the web-site you will receive an E-Mail notification of the posting along with the link for you to connect to this web-site!

If you prefer, you can click the "Find us on Facebook" icon to the right which will take you to the new Facebook Page for the Henry County Park District. Log into your facebook page and click the "Like" button. By doing this, whenever the facebook page is updated, you will receive notification on your facebook wall. There will also be a link back to the web-site so you can view the complete posting at your convenience!

Culverts: A special feature found in the Canal Lands along the Trail

2011-08-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

Benien Creek Culvert near County Road 15-C

In the middle 1800's when the Canal was being planned to run adjacent to the Maumee River, a certain dilemma had to be addressed before the canal could be built. That dilemma involved all the tributaries and small creeks which emptied into the river. Given the fact that the waterworks of the canal required very specific water levels to operate as designed, and the fact that the runoff streams would cause many fluctuations in the volume and level of the water which would be detrimental to the canal operations, a solution needed to be found to allow the runoff water to feed into the river without allowing it to enter the canal. The solution was to construct culverts which would carry the runoff waters from the streams underneath the canal and into the river.

In order to accomplish this, the Culverts had to be built over streams and low-lying drainage areas during construction of the canal. Stone was brought from a quarry near Grand Rapids Ohio on the Muamee River by poled flat boats and then by horse and wagon to the building sites. A heavy timber form was constructed before stone could be laid. The stone was cut on site and placed over the wood form one section at a time. No cement was used in the construction of the culverts. It was cut (or finished) so accurately that few leaks occurred. Keystones were dropped in place at the top of the structure before the wood form was dismantled and reconstructed for the next section of stonework. These graceful arched stone culverts were an amazing feat of engineering even by today's standards, let alone the standards in the middle 1800's!

Culvert at Ritter Park, Napoleon

Based on the standard dimentions of the Canal, the length of the culverts needed to be long enough to run the entire width of the Canal alignment. The Canal was to be at least 40 foot wide at its surface and 10 feet for the towpath. Also there would have been some width for the opposite berm. This means that the length of the culverts is estimated to be no less than 60 feet!

An informal count revealed around six stone culverts in Henry County. Benien Creek near Road 15C, Garrett Creek in Ritter Park, Oberhaus Creek near Tullock's Marina, North Turkeyfoot and Dry Creek in Mary Jane Thurston State Park, and finally Bad Creek in Texas. The culvert in Texas at Bad creek is unique because it has a double arch instead of the normal single arch used throughout the M & E Canal. Also the builder of the Bad Creek culvert was so proud of his culvert he built a small monument to himself on the towpath.

Bad Creek Culvert, Texas, Ohio featuring double arches

These graceful arched stone culverts used stones that were cut by hand, and were constructed by hand in the middle 1800's. While hiking on the trail, catching a glimpse of these amazing structures will make you contemplate the complex nature of what technology and technique went into the contrruction of not only the canal, but these culverts which went underneath as well! All this in the middle 1800's!!

Durbin Monument, Texas, Ohio

Information and photographs about the culverts in Henry County, Ohio were supplied by Joe Krueger and Bob Morrison.

New Bridge Built on the Buckeye Trail / North Country Trail

2011-07-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Volunteers Construct a new foot bridge on the Buckeye
Trail / North Country Trail near Napoleon, Ohio

Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasum of local volunteers, a new bridge was built on the Buckeye Trail / North Country Trail in Henry County, Ohio! On July 23, 2011, the new bridge was built approximately one-quarter mile East of Henry County Hospital, near Napoleon, Ohio. The Construction went well, as this was the fourth bridge constructed to date by this group. This bridge along with the prior three constructed last year are tremendous improvements to the trail. 2011 has been a busy year for trail construction, as volunteers cleared the final miles of trail in Henry County. Due to these efforts, the trail is now cleared all the way through the county. In conjunction with the new bridges, the Henry County Section of The Buckeye Trail / North Country Trail continues to improve. Click on the Slide Show at the right to see more Photos. All Photos provided by Bob Morrison.

Completed Bridge

Buckeye Trail Work Party Builds More Trail

2011-07-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

From June 18 through June 22, 2011, volunteers from The Buckeye Trail Association, and local volunteers held a "Work Party" on the Trail. The objective was to clear the last segment of Trail in the Eastern side of Henry County. And after all the dust had settled, the last mile of the trail in Henry County was finally cleared ! Thanks to the 10 Buckeye Trail Volunteers, and the 12 local volunteers who worked their magic on the trail and cut through all the dense underbrush to finally complete the final section of trail to open in Henry County. As a result of this effort, the Buckeye Trail, and The North Country Trail is now cleared all through Henry County from West To East! The Trail now Connects Independence Dam in the West to Providence Dam in the East! Approximately 20 plus miles of trail now open! The Work Party went well, and according to Joe Krueger, Henry County Park District Commissioner, several ladies from St Patrick's Catholic Church in Providence cooked breakfast for them each morning except Sunday. Breakfast was so good, they stayed Tuesday night to have breakfast before leaving Wednesday morning. Kind thanks to all the Trail Volunteers, and also the ladies from St. Patrick's! Click on the photos to the right to view slide show. Photos supplied by Bob Morrison. Thanks again to all!

National Trails Day Event

2011-06-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Local groups hosted
National Trails Day
Trail Awareness Event

The Henry County Park District, The Buckeye Trail Association, and The Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor hosted an American Hiking Society's National Trails Day - Trail Awareness Event. The event was held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Wayne Park Shelter House in Napoleon, Ohio. Volunteers from all the groups were on hand to answer questions, provide information, and to act as trail guides to the hikers who attended the event. Special Thanks to The Henry County Transportation Network, who shuttled small groups of hikers out to the trail so they could hike back to the shelter house. Some took a brief 1 mile hike, while others took a longer 5 mile hike. Also a special thanks to the Local Boy Scouts who were on hand preparing and selling lunch treats to all ! Thanks to all who supported National Trails Day in Henry County, Ohio! (Photos Provided by Jim Rebar- Thanks, Jim!)

Thanks to the Trailbuilders!!

2011-04-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

Special Thanks to All the Volunteer Trailbuilders!!

On March 25, 2011 a special event was held on the Trail. Everyone involved with the Henry County Parks wishes to send a large heartfelt "thanks" to all the volunteers who contributed their time and efforts to the cause!! Pettisville Local Schools sent 125 students in grade 7 throught 12 along with 13 teachers and one student teacher from BGSU. Two Buckeye Trail people brought the trailer of tools and helped. About six local Buckeye Trail volunteers were able to also help and supervise the work. They assembled at 9:30 AM and left after 2:30 PM. Much progress was made towards clearing another section of the trail. Linking up to the trail at Providence Dam is closer now, thanks to this great effort! (Click on the Slideshow photos on the right to view more photos of the event!)(Photos and Info submitted by Bob Morrison- thanks, Bob)

Welcome to Henry County Ohio Parks

2011-02-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Henry County Parks! The Park District manages a hiking/biking trail which runs along the old Miami & Erie Canal Towpath and the Maumee River. The Trail was cleared by volunteers from the Buckeye Trail Association, and is part of the US National Park Service's "North Country Trail". The Trail covers the entire county from East to West- around 22 miles. It is mostly native terrain through woodlands, but briefly becomes road through some of the City of Napoleon. There are many access points to both the Trail and the Maumee River. So browse through the web-site, and by all means come and enjoy hiking the trail. We are eager to hear about your trail experience!

The Henry County Miami, Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Hiking Trail

2011-01-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

A section of the Buckeye Trail and the North Country National Trail in Northwest Ohio

Henry County's Tow Path Hiking Trail is a beautiful area to hike, bike, and cross country ski. Picturesque river vistas appear constantly through the brush as the trail winds along the scenic Maumee River, and the Miami Wabash and Erie Canal. Step back in time to the 19th Century when canals were a major national transportation route. Walk along the same path taken by countless ancestors from a simpler, slower time- just 150 years ago. Most of the Earth Works are still Intact. The river route was used by many famous settlers in the "Old Northwest" including Jean Baptiste Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes French Army from Fort Wayne to Fort Detroit in 1712, and General Anthony Wayne's Army's march up the Maumee in 1794. Indian traders, French Canadian Traders, Flat Boat Oarsmen, Canal Boat Captains, and an entire menagerie of 19th century historical characters all were part of the Canal era. See the work of Native American, Irish, and French workers who built the Canal in the mid 1800's

Historic Precht Bridge

2011-01-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

While Hiking along through Mary Jane Thurston State Park, North Turkeyfoot Creek Area, you will discover the Historic Precht Bridge. This is an old bridge which crosses the North Turkeyfoot Creek. It was from an old farm road from times long past. Legend has it that on old farmer named William Precht died here in a tractor accident. The old barn still stands on the north side of the creek. It is a great place to take a break from a long hike. Crossing the bridge from the North to the South, you can continue on the trail and eventually end up on the banks of the Maumee River.

A Winter Odyssey on the Trail

2011-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Today I venture out walking after the heavy snows from last week. As cabin fever sets in, I love to get outdoors to chase it away! The snow is abundant from two major storms last week… one was expected, and one surprised us all – even the weather forecasters. I am bundled up in winter attire and walking down onto the Miami & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Western Henry County, just east of the Village of Florida. The trail is part of the US National Park Service’s “North Country Trail”. Arriving on the trail I am completely intrigued. As often as I frequent the trail in other seasons, I am seldom here in Winter. The setting takes on a completely new and refreshing ambiance. The giant trees and dense underbrush-once teeming with growth and leaves now stand naked yet draped with snow in their silent slumber. On one side of me is the Maumee River- frozen solid with ice nearly two feet thick, on the other side is the Miami & Erie Canal. The sky overhead looms with grey and is heavily overcast. The air is still and weighs heavy with dampness. From indoors it may seem dreary, but outdoors on the trail, the grayness takes on a magical and mystical quality. I am standing in snow up to my knees. I am the first to walk on this trail through all this snow, as I trudge through the knee deep virgin powder. It’s refreshing how quiet and serine it is here. There is nearly complete silence. All the snow on the ground and the trees acts like a giant sponge, absorbing and muffling all the sounds. Occasionally I hear a dog bark in the distance, but that too is muted and silenced by the abundant snow. It is difficult as I continue walking through the deep powder. I must lift my feet very high with each step to overcome the depth of the snow. As I stop to catch my breath and snap some photos, I begin to feel the cold settle in. Winter’s Chill is invigorating, yet I must respect this force of Nature. I must keep moving to generate warmth for my body so it does not succumb to the forces of the ambient cold. If I were to stay down on the trail for any length of time, I would scout a place out of the wind to start a fire for warmth. Knowing I will return home shortly, I dismiss that notion and keep moving. As I strain sinking in this knee-deep powder, I can immediately see how snow-shoeing here would enable me to walk farther. The oversized shoes would prevent me from sinking into the snow, Next time I will bring snow shoes, but as I return to my world off the trail, I am re-invigorated, and my cabin fever is no more.