A new bridge and beautiful weather at Cedar Bluff nature preserve.
After returning home from my recent trip to Colorado, I found myself on some familiar trails at home again.
I recently visited one of those places: Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve. The preserve is known for its 75-foot-high bluffs covered in eastern red cedar trees.
The preserve opened in 1976 and is owned by The Nature Conservancy. The agency partners with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Located in Monroe County, the 23-acre preserve has a somewhat rocky trail that follows a tributary of Clear Creek along the steep walls of the bluff. The trail is only 1.5 miles long but the terrain is challenging in itself. It is considered rugged.
The weather was perfect when I hiked there — I was excited to be getting back on familiar trails. I headed over to Bloomington and made the short drive to the preserve south of the city for an afternoon of hiking.
I found the parking lot and the trailhead and eargerly headed down the dirt path. The temperature was in the mid 70s, the sun was shining and the skies were blue — a perfect day to be outside.
I had read about a new bridge built over a streambed with deep walls. It was really nice to walk across the new bridge!
I had a clear view of Clear Creek, as the trail led me right up to the edge of its banks. The water was clear and I could see the rocks on the creek bottom. The creek meandered, bubbling and causing ripples as it flowed downstream. It was a serene setting.
Many sycamore trees along the creek banks shelter. Birds in the trees were making noise, adding to the sound of the bubbly creek. I felt myself relaxing and taking it all in.
Just what I needed.
The trail became much rockier after this point in the trail. I continued on my trek, following the length of the bluff, which loomed over me on the left side of the trail, with the creek to my right.
The trail was narrow in places and even had a sizable rock or two to climb over. Logs and debris were washed up on the banks of the creek — a reminder of what lots of rain in Indiana will do.
The trail continued at the end of the bluffs and to the left. It was a steep but short climb to the top of the bluff, where the view was fantastic.
The valley below. The canyon and creek. All of these were spectacular when seen from the bluff’s top vantage point.
On the bluff were cedar trees of different sizes, twisted into shapes from the elements. They were nature’s works of art, fashioned by the unseen forces of nature.
On its website, The Nature Conservancy calls the stand of cedars: “a stunning display of species adaptation and survival in a harsh environment.”
Lessons to be learned from these trees. They will bend before breaking. Their roots grow deep. They can withstand drought. They can grow in almost any kind of soil. They survive.
Cedars and other evergreens are among my favorite trees. They remind me of my childhood and family and Christmas. My parents used to cut the branches from cedars near our home to bring into the house — nature’s aromatherapy. Every time I smell the scent of cedar, I am reminded of those days.
It was soon time to finish and return to my car.
I brought photos and good memories home with me. But the cedars I left behind on the bluff. A little spot of nostalgia to visit on another day.
To get to this place:
Take Ind. 37 south past Bloomington. A few miles south of town watch for Smithville Road and turn right. Within a mile you will come to a stop sign at a “T” intersection. Turn left and then immediately turn right on Ketcham Road. Take Ketcham Road for approximately 2.5 miles; you will see Cedar Bluffs Road to your left but continue past it for another 0.5 mile. The Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve sign is visible on the left side of the road, just past a power line right-of-way.
A quote for your week: “I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees. The trail has strung upon it, as upon a thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets.” —Harland Garland, American author, poet, essayist (1860-1940).
Until the next trail, Susan.
This article originally appeared on Evening World: Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve’s rugged hike reveals picturesque scenes in tranquil place
Reporting by Susan Anderson / Evening World
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
