The trails at Smeck Park wind through a variety of features and habitats. If hiking the full trail, you will hike just under two miles roundtrip from the parking lot. The trail includes three moderate inclines and a staircase to bring hikers down to the side of Walnut Creek. Due to the nature of the park, the trail is often muddy. You will enjoy your hike more if you wear waterproof hiking boots. Leashed dogs are welcome, but please be prepared to clean up after your pet.
The trailhead of the Paw Paw Trail.
The farm fields at Smeck Park are planted, tended, and harvested by members of Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club, one of our partners. Over the years, the club has planted potatoes, soy, corn, maize, gourds, pumpkins, popcorn, and sunflowers. The sunflowers are often spectacular in late summer!
The staircase down to Walnut Creek.
Most likely, the trail follows what was once a logging or farm road. Today, there are many trees that are probably 50 to 70 years old. And there are a few that are much older! Notice the large oak at the top of the second hill. This tree may not have been harvested when this area was used for grazing livestock. It’s possible the tree provided shade for animals and people long before the other trees in the area were here.
The large oak.
Walnut Creek is a tributary of the Scioto River. The mix of forest, creek, and meadow areas at Smeck Park provide habitat for Ohio animals including red foxes, great horned owls, grey tree frogs, great blue herons, several species of nesting and migrating songbirds, and deer. The creekside area is a really nice place to look for spring wildflowers including wild ginger, Virginia bluebells, and large flowered trillium.
The trail passes by Walnut Creek.
The Cache
The cache is a clear, regular-sized container hidden just off the trail from the staircase. To reach the cache, you’ll have to walk about 0.3 miles from the start of the Paw Paw Trail. Continue straight onto the Walnut Creek Trail when you reach the sign for it and you’ll soon see the staircase. Inside the cache you should find plenty of Fairfield County Park District goodies. There is a Fairfield County Parks bag and water bottle for FTF. Have fun!