As mentioned, the second half of the hike is really pretty. Caesar Creek State Park. While you only gain about 500 feet of elevation, the hot desert sun is what makes this hike tough - but the swimming hole makes it totally worth it. Relax and south your muscles in the fresh cold rushing stream. 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There will be two times where you'll come to a fork in the trail - once at Weir Trail and once to pass the creek - stay to the left both times. The trail is very exposed so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring lots of water. Caesar Creek State Park Perimeter Loop Trail. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Glen Helen Loop Trail. Most people will hike straight to The Crack, but there are several spots to cool off along the way. Thankfully, there are a number of excellent hiking trails to enjoy, especially in Northeast…, Need some inspiration for your next outdoor adventure? This day-use area (group shelter also known as Ramada) is as popular as it is ... As you drive into wet beaver creek you'll follow the signs for the Bell Trailhead. The springs at the bottom of the sinkhole feed a large pond which supports a unique aquatic habitat in this dry landscape. Waynesville, OH. This five story 50 room cliff dwelling is one of the best preserved in all of North America. Crescent Moon sits beneath the towering Cathedral Rock, one of the most photographed scenes in the Southwest. I’m dipping my toe into landscape photography and wanted to catch a good sunrise hike to test out my new (to me) Sony A7II. It’s difficult to describe to someone you spent the day swimming in “The Crack,” much less explain that it’s in “Wet Beaver Creek,” but don’t let a dirty joke deter you from one of Arizona’s better and lesser-trafficked natural swimming holes. Approximate Trail Length: 1 mile The actual watering hole is awesome, however, the water is very very cold! The shallow creek and large flat stones underneath make it perfect for just resting right in the middle of the water. Roughly halfway through the hike you’ll officially enter Wet Beaver Wilderness (how can you not laugh). Choosing the right socks for summer hiking will…, From small towns to big cities, communities throughout the United States have begun putting "social distancing" measures into practice in an attempt…, When you hit the trail in the spring, there really is no telling what kind of conditions you might run into. Three Sisters to Sycamore Ridge Loop. Lots of drinking and partying, with 100+ people at the swimming hole. During the winter season, sandhill cranes flock to Arizona. 7 miles All that's left to do is choose a spot and jump in! Special for The Republic.  - Out-and-Back Trail. Most of the elevation change occurs in Wet Beaver Wilderness and the trail wraps and weaves around large boulders until you reach the swimming hole. To get to The Crack, it's about a 3.5-mile hike each way, making it slightly less popular than Sedona's more accessible swimming holes. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. 'The Crack' is a cliff jumper's dream, but it also offers something for everyone, with smooth rocks for sunbathing and shallow waters for wading. Waynesville, OH . Mare Czinar. From the parking lot, follow the signs for Bell Trail. Is there a place that we should know about? Beaver Creek Mountain Trail: Beaver Lake Trail #2109 ... Five Senses Hiking Trail: Take your fishing pole and your curiosity as you stroll from the Village up the creek to Floods Fishing Pond - “easiest ” Cinch : Well known to locals as a great beginner ski run, Cinch transforms into a beautiful summer trail that connects the Village and the Spruce Saddle Lodge. Overview This makes…, A day hike doesn't sound like it would require much preparation, but there are a few important things to take note of, plan for, and pack with you…, One of the key qualities to look for in a trail running shoe is support. Bellbrook, OH. Beaver Creek State Park, is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is one of Ohio's most scenic parks. Yellow Springs, OH. Abby Terlecki and I set the alarm for 3:30 am to make the two-hour drive north to Bell Trail near Wet Beaver Wilderness. I was happy to have the place to ourselves and enjoy what felt like a true wilderness area in the moment. And then hike back, of course... Sidenote: No cell service is available on the trail or at the swimming hole. The going is easy and the tempting sound of rushing water is on your right as you continue parallel to West Clear Creek. Not long after you pass the second fork, you'll arrive at the swimming hole. Please explore responsibly! 500 ft gain Its nice to at least lay there and listen to the running water of the river. This trail takes you to the rim of Montezuma Well, a massive collapsed limestone sinkhole. But with small kids,…, When you hit the trails in warm weather, the last thing you need is overheated, sweat-drenched feet. Length: 7.4 miles point-to-point. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. I was a little nervous jumping in at first because I wasn’t 100 percent sure where the deepest spot was and there was no one else to watch go first. Rain, cold, wind, hot sun, even snow are…, There is a lot of research backing the notion that hiking is not only good for an individual’s physical health but also their mental and…, There’s no reason for cold temperatures and a little snow to keep you off the trails—not if you have the right boots, anyway. Turn right and it’s just a few miles to a small parking lot in front of Bell Trail. The central Arizona facility is a rustic, historic ranch house adjacent to Oak Creek and near the base o... Overview The hiking trail is marked with red on white tree blazes and since the trail primarily follows the floodplain it is mostly flat except for the creek crossing near the Nature Center entrance. There are two restrooms at the trailhead in case you need to use them before the 3.5-mile hike to the swimming hole. Waynesville, OH. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, camping, fishing, picnicking. The only thing that makes it tough is that there is zero shade and the sun can be brutal, so drink lots of water and wear a hat! To avoid the crowds, be sure to go early or in the middle of the week.