A Hiker's Path: A short, satisfying walk along Lake Monroe's Osprey Trail

This week, I found myself on a bit of an exploration.

I decided to do some hiking over at Lake Monroe, but instead of hiking one big trail, I decided to hike a little of several. The beautiful March day offered a prelude to spring with sunny skies overhead and a temperature in the low 70s.

I decided to go to the Fairfax State Recreation Area. The area is located on the west side of Lake Monroe and is operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

I started on a short trail that turned out to be the highlight of my day: The Osprey Trail. The trail is just under a mile and is considered easy to hike. It is named after the bird of prey, the osprey. Lake Monroe at Fairfax SRA has a pair that migrate back to the lake every spring to nest.

I was lucky to see a pair in a nest, complete with chicks, when I was in Oregon last June. Ospreys mate for life and return to the same nesting area each year to raise a family. They are large, hawk-like birds with a brown back and wings and white underneath. They have a sharply curved beak which helps them catch fish, their primary diet.

A very tall platform was erected at Lake Monroe a few years back in hopes of making a nesting area that would appeal to the ospreys. Carol Kugler wrote about it in The Herald-Times in 2020. It was placed away from people as ospreys do not like disruptions.

The old nest from last year can still be seen, but only at a distance. When I arrived at the trail, I only had to walk down a grassy path to reach the viewing area. I was greeted by a photographer who was photographing the old nest. She told me the ospreys had not returned yet this year. I remembered something I had read about these birds do not start nesting until April and I shared this information.

Soon after, the photographer moved on to find some other subjects to capture. I was left alone with my thoughts and a beautiful view of the lake. And, of course, the empty nest.

There was a small fishing boat not far from me and I could hear the voices of two fishermen talking back and forth. They sounded happy to be out on a beautiful day. I felt the same way. I took a few photos of the nest, remembering the live version that I had seen last summer.

I walked along the edge of the small inlet, taking photos as I went, still eyeing the old nest. In any case, I had found a new happy place. It was a serene landscape before me and I wondered why I hadn’t noticed it before. As far as trails go, it was probably the shortest one that I have ever hiked, but it was also very rewarding.

I headed back to my car feeling very appreciative and knowing I would be back later in the spring. I stopped at other places on the lake on my day of adventure. I took pictures of the big oak tree on the Big Oak trail at Fairfax. Then I drove over to the dam and took a photo of the lake from the Dam Overlook.

From there, it's just a short drive to the tailwater to walk along the beach. The water level of lake was up this day, but there was still room for a stroll.

It had been a perfect day. I spent time visiting my favorite lake in some special spots and I went home feeling like I had visited with an old friend. Next time, I hope to see some new ones, the osprey family. From a distance, of course.

To get to this place: take Ind. 37 south from Bloomington. Travel 5.9 miles to exit 114 toward Bedford, continuing on Ind. 37 South for 3.6 miles. Turn left on East Smithville Road. Continue for 1.8 miles and turn right on South Fairfax Road. In 3 miles you will arrive at Fairfax SRA.

A quote for your week: ”Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." — E.B. White, American writer, 1899-1985

Until the next trail,Susan

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Hiking Lake Monroe's Osprey Trail at Fairfax State Recreation Area