Pine Grove Trail

Pine Grove Trail is an about 2.2-mile outing from the upper Octagon Shelter lot: a short out-and-back access connector to a roughly 1.3-mile loop, then the same connector back. Allow about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Most of the walk is gentle dirt and gravel through mixed woods, a planted pine grove, and ravines. The area map calls it moderate and lists about 100 feet of elevation change. If you want the nearby rock formations and overlook, take the separate Ledges Trail.

Start at the Pine Grove kiosk in the upper section of the lot and follow the path to its right. The approach descends gently through hardwoods and crosses a few small wooden footbridges. Farther along, the trail crosses near the lot and climbs a short staircase before reaching a signed fork at about half a mile. Keep right for Pine Grove; the left branch leads toward Ledges Overlook, a separate spur that adds distance. The Pine Grove circuit passes moss-covered logs and deep ravines before returning to the access trail.

The grove is the main feature and the reason for the trail's name: these are planted pines, not just another stretch of woods. A soft layer of pine needles covers parts of the tread beneath tall trunks, with mixed hardwood and evergreen canopy over the ravines. The surrounding Virginia Kendall area was once part of industrialist Hayward Kendall's private retreat. He left the land to Ohio as a park named for his mother, Virginia Kendall; the Civilian Conservation Corps developed area amenities in the 1930s.

Use the upper part of the Octagon Shelter lot at 801 Truxell Road. Restrooms and a picnic area are at the lot. Expect a short staircase and dirt that can turn muddy after rain; the park does not list this route as wheelchair accessible. Leashed pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet.