A Hiker's Path: Rolling hills, steep ravines and towering trees in Putnam County

This past week, I found myself venturing up to hike more of what I call "the north country."

My destination: Big Walnut Preserve.

Part of a bigger natural area, this preserve is located just outside of Bainbridge, east of Greencastle off of Ind. 36 in Putnam County.

The Big Walnut Preserve is said to be a "dazzling" scenic area and is situated among the rolling hills and steep ravines of Big Walnut Creek Valley. It was named a National Natural Landmark back in 1985 due to the fact that some of the oldest hemlock trees in the state are located there. The preserve also contains beech, sugar maple, and tulip, with many older trees.

Since 1985, the preserve has been co-managed by The Nature Conservancy and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Nature Preserves. The Big Walnut Natural Area contains 2,458 acres. There are several trails.

It was a gorgeous day when I decided to make the trip to the north.

There was a window of respite from the recent extreme heat the Midwest has experienced lately. The weather was picture perfect with blue skies and the temperature was in the 70s.

I planned to hike the The Tall Timbers Nature Trail. It got its name because of some of the old and very large trees growing along the trail. The trail is a loop trail and is 2.8 miles in length. It’s considered moderate in ease of hiking.

The trailhead starts along a mown path of grass by a cornfield. I quickly found myself hiking along a beautiful, shaded, wooded trail.

There were some fine specimens of older trees and the trail ran parallel in places to Big Walnut Creek, complete with observation trails.

There was a set of 40 stairs that traversed a deep ravine. Fortunately, there was also a landing halfway up the stairs and a bench to rest on. This section was very scenic.

Moving through this beautiful forest I crossed several small streams and enjoyed a deep canopy of shade overhead.

I finally arrived at what I feel is the best part of the preserve: the Big Walnut Creek. The creek rises in Hendricks County and flows more or less diagonally from the northeast to the southwest through Putnam County. It’s a beautiful creek and eventually joins with Mill Creek to form the Eel River.

This section was the highlight of my hike. I lingered a bit longer along the banks of this beautiful creek just to see what I could see. It was very relaxing to take a break at the creek, listening to the sound of the water as it meandered downstream.

The sparkling sunlight reflected off the surface of the water and a gentle breeze moved the leaves of the trees overhead. It was one of those moments that you can just exhale and feel all your cares fall away.There's nothing like a good walk in the woods to set things right.

I finished my hike and soon found myself back at my car.

I have been writing this column about hiking for eight years now. I have seen so many wonderful places and I return to many of them year after year. I have committed them to memory. I can close my eyes and see the trails, the creeks, and forests in my mind.

There are subtle changes that occur throughout the seasons in these special places and sometimes more sudden changes occur, whether manmade or natural. But I love these trails and they are like a second home to me.

What I am trying to say is, find what gives you joy, and do it with all of your heart. For me, it has made all the difference. Thanks for continuing to follow my journey!

To find this preserve, take Ind. 231 north past Greencastle. Continue north about 0.3 miles to the intersection of Ind. 36 and turn right (east). Drive 8.5 miles to Bainbridge and turn left (north) on North Washington Street. Follow for 3.9 miles and turn right on East County Road 950 North. Drive 1.5 miles and the parking lot and trailhead will be on the right. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

A quote for your week: "Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy. Your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself." — Annie Leibovitz, photographer

Until the next trail, Susan

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Hiking the trail in Big Walnut Preserve outside Bainbridge