Kendrick Woods State Nature Preserve October 2023

Kendrick Woods State Nature Preserve is part of Kendrick Woods Park. 

This 533-acre park has some amazing trees and vernal pools.  

(Vernal Pools are seasonal depressional wetlands. They are covered by shallow water for variable periods from winter to spring and serve as crucial breeding habitats for certain species of wildlife.)

If you park in the parking lot - take the South Trail and head down the slight hill

Currently, in October 2023,  the park's people have painted some tree roots a bright orange on a portion of the path as a warning to people that tree roots are underfoot. Deeper into the woods the roots are not painted. 

This time of year tree roots are not the only dangerous issue. There are a lot of walnuts and hickory nuts and leaves down which can make it difficult to obtain a stable foothold on the uneven terrain.. 

As you approach the southern end of Kendrick Woods you'll find a bubbling spring. I was informed it is an Artesian Sulfur Spring. 

You can't miss it as the smell of sulfur and the sound of water proceed it. Prior to getting to the spring, you'll find a drainage pipe on your left dumping water into Six Mile Creek.

A short distance beyond the pipe on your right is the artesian spring.  

We find the South Trail to be a pleasant short hike. 

We have hiked here in the different seasons and there is a decent mix of wildflowers and the park draws some interesting migratory birds in the spring. There are a few small hills and the terrain is uneven but the views are worth it.

Kendrick Woods State Nature Preserve 971 Defiance Trail, Spencerville, Ohio