Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum
Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. ~ Chinese Proverb
Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum
The Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum is accessible by the Zeller-Smith Covered Bridge. It is a nice addition to the park. There are a large variety of trees and a walking path.
What is an Arboretum?
An arboretum is an area that has been set aside for a wide variety of trees and shrubs. These botanical gardens are often used for education and research as well as for ornamental purposes.
The Trail
The trail that winds through the garden is about half a mile long. It is flat and natural. The beginning and end of the path were easy to see and worn down to the dirt. The middle of the path was muddy and mostly grass. It looks as though many people only walk the beginning and the end of the path. Both sides lead to clearings along Sycamore Creek where people can enter the water.
When we visited the Arboretum there were a lot of people in the creek playing. However, the park website states that there is no swimming, wading, or boating.
There are several benches setup along the path.
The Trees
Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum has many different tree species. Each tree has a sign identifying the species.
The field where the trees are growing is beginning to get overgrown. Some of the signs were hard to read without moving the grass and weeds. Hopefully, this was just due to the rain we had lately.
The idea of the arboretum is very nice and adds a unique aspect to the park. However, walking through the tall grass isn’t something that many people care to do. And this year ticks have been horrible.
Other Plants and Wildlife
Upon entering the Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum we were able to hear the birds chirping. This was in contrast to the park. There were some robin in the park, but the birds were enjoying the silence that the arboretum provided. There were also several squirrels running around.
We spotted:
American Robin
Eastern Phoebe
Baltimore Oriole
Scarlet Tanager
There were also several Ohio wildflowers growing along the path.
Zeller-Smith Covered Bridge
To enter the arboretum from Sycamore Creek Park you must cross the Zeller-Smith Covered Bridge. This bridge was originally built in 1906 and moved to the park in 1986.
The historical Fairfield County Ohio covered bridge is a favorite place for graduation photos and weddings.
Sycamore Creek Park
The Zeller-Smith Bridge is located in Sycamore Creek Park. The park is large and has soccer fields, softball fields, a skate park, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, obstacle course, amphitheater, covered bridge, 2.3 acre pond, and an arboretum with a walking trail.
There are several different parking lots. The closest lot to the covered bridge is accessible from Lockville Road.
Our Thoughts
An arboretum is an interesting addition to Sycamore Creek Park. The trail is easy to walk but could be improved upon.
The wide variety of trees offers a beautiful place to visit and relax. These trees also provide a place for wildlife.
Having the Arboretum separated from the park helps to cut back on the noise and the crowds.
If we are in the area and are looking for something quick to do, we would stop by again.
What You Can Expect at the Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum
Please note that trail rules and regulations can change at any time. The following information was in effect for Sycamore Creek Arboretum as of May 2020.
Restrooms are available April 1 - October 31.
The arboretum is full of trees and shade. There were several birds in that area.
Concealed carry is not addressed in their rules and regulation.
Pets are permitted if they have a valid registration tag and are under physical control of the owner. Leash cannot be more than six feet long.
Flat trail.
Several different parking lots. The closest lot to the arboretum is located off of Lockville Road.
There are picnic tables at the shelter house. There are no picnic tables in the arboretum.
There are benches spread throughout the arboretum.
There is sun and shade.
There is shelter house near the parking lot.
Trail is not marked. The largest part of the trail is visible.
There are trashcans available at the shelter house.
Sycamore Creek.
The park has several different parking lots. There are ADA parking spots available.
Special Features - Historical Covered Bridge with Arboretum.
