Arney Run Park .. Topo map of Arney Run .. Mink Hollow Covered Bridge .. Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve ……………………………………….
Near Lancaster, Ohio in Fairfield County…..
“Located in Hocking Township, Arney Run Park is a quaint yet scenic retreat that features the Mink Hollow Covered Bridge. This historic bridge rests on its original sandstone abutments over Arney Run, a tributary of Clear Creek. The Mink Hollow Covered Bridge has the distinction of having the longest name of any covered bridge in the United States: The Mink Hollow Covered Bridge in Oil Mill Hollow Over Arney Run Near Borcher’s Mill. Picnicking is available on the east side of the covered bridge.”
Paved parking lot.. For the Park, Bridge, & Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve. (sure is a good looking truck)
Looks like a bucolic place for a picnic when the weather warms up.
“The old and weary covered bridgeThat spans the swollen stream
Is what I picture in my mind
At the start of my favorite dream.”
“You can tell the bridge was stately
When it was young and new
But the years have been unkind to it
As its' age just grew and grew
The stories that this bridge could tell
Are numerous and happy and sad
Each could fill a book or two
With the experiences it has had.”
“The stream at times has a gentle flow
At times it's swift and fast
Always being an integral part
Of the covered bridge and its' past
The area's nestled in a grove of trees
A place for picnics and fun
A place for Mom and Dad to rest
And a place for children to run”
“The bridges' ultimate time of the year
Is the fall, when summer's done
When God gets out his paint brush
And pastels in the warmth of the sun
Each time I close my eyes to sleep
I hope for my favorite dream
The dream where I see the covered bridge
That spans that swollen stream.”
The Old Covered Bridge by Mr. Doug
Next up:: A hike at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve. The Jacob’s Ladder Loop Trail.
It’s always fun to find a “new” place close to where you live. This SNP used to be by permit only but not any longer. This is a great place to hike.