|
 On-Site Review -
Ghost RR Trail (1.2
miles): The name comes from a railroad train that used
to pass through the woods and although the tracks are gone now, you can
still visualize where the tracks were located hence the name "Ghost RR
Trail". This trail's entrance is directly off the "Dogwood Loop" trail so
when you're walking down the utility road, about 1/2 mile down the road
you'll come to a signpost on the right side of the trail indicating that
is the entrance to the Ghost RR Trail. Interestingly, there is
somewhat of an optical illusion at the entrance marker because the first
section of this trail is uphill to the ridge above the trail. The
area behind the entrance sign has no horizon line and therefore the signpost tends
to blend into the surroundings wooded area at certain times of the year. My advise to people walking
on the loop is to keep a sharp eye out for the sign and you'll be ok. And
my advise to the park is to put a bench at the entrance to the
this trail. Not only to make it easier to locate the entrance, but also
a welcome rest stop for people who might want to take a rest before climbing the hill.
And I should note that this trail has signs advising these trails for hikers
only - not walkers. That is good advise as you'll see below in my review.
The trail itself is more
challenging than the Dogwood Loop. To begin with the Ghost RR Trail
is really a combination of three trails so if you get confused by
reading this, you can click on the trail map listed at the bottom of the
page which might help you understand the layout. The trail initially goes up
a hill to a ridgeline path at the top of the hill. It is a somewhat gradual incline,
but still an incline and it's steep enough to be slippery in wet weather.
Again, the problem is that horses use this incline and in my opinion, this section of the trail is
a bit treacherous in the
wet months of spring and fall. Not only do people have to deal with deep, wet, slippery horse
hoof indentations but also the rangers take their wide tired trail cart up this
trail and put huge, deep grooves in the trail which fill with water when
it rains. In this park, more than any in the Metroparks system, I
think it should be required that rangers who work this park be
required to walk the Dogwood and Ghost RR. Tail every spring and fall.
Perhaps once they experience the problems that walkers have with
these trails, maybe something will be done about them. This part of the
trail get so wet and slippery during heavy rains that I've actually
spoken with people who won't ride their horses up this hill because it's
to dangerous. Clearly, if you're going to walk up this hill use a walking
stick or cane or do it during the dry, summer months of July and August.
At the top of
the hill, you turn left onto the South Ridge Line (trail
number two) which is a
scenic walk with woods on the left and a boulder strewn hill on the right.
There are several low spots on this trail that can also be slippery when wet.
After a 1/4 mile or so you'll come to a signpost that directs you to turn
left to enter the Upland Oak Trail (trail number three) .
At one time this section of the trail was also bad for walking, but now they have
a rule that horses are forbidden on this section of the trail and what a
huge difference it has made. Unfortunately, most people would enter this
trail on the Ghost RR Trail section which as noted above could be a
problem for most walkers. And as near as I can tell, there aren't any
directional signpost at the top of this hill when going up this direction, so it's a little confusing on
where to go if you enter the trail on this side. Just remember to go
right when you get to the ridgeline path of the trail.
I've walked this trail several times with
the latest being in early October of 2007 and I cannot recommend the Ghost
RR Trail for elderly people walking at Edison Woods. This trail, like many
of the trails in Edison Woods, is designed for hikers not walkers. Younger
hikers would have less of a problem with this trail, but it's just not ready
at this time for seniors to enjoy. As noted
previously, a wooden bench at the entrance to this trail would be
appreciated for the convenience and
safety of the people walking the Ghost RR Trail. But this doesn't
address the biggest problem and I don't know the answer to the question of
the horse trails. I know that this park is big enough for both horses and
people to enjoy, but I cannot see any way they can safely use the same
trails. Perhaps an inexpensive solution would be to designate a two
or three foot wide path beside the existing trails on the hillside. The
path, with the surface perhaps made out of wood chips, could have a rope guideline
beside it for safety in climbing or descending the hills. The fact is that other than the pedestrian only Adventure
Walkway, almost every trail in this park (currently they list 14 trails) have
footing problems where both
people and horses cross the various trails. This is a beautiful reserve
with many things to enjoy but for seniors, the walking trails pose some
serious
concerns. |
