Rocks and Roots Trail Trailhead — Attraction in Orange Township

This was my first visit to Alum Creek State Park, and I did my research before arriving. Other reviewers have mentioned the inadequate signage, and I agree. The biggest challenge for me was locating the trail! I found a parking lot and what I thought was the trailhead for Rocks and Roots North, but once I got going on the trail, the signage said otherwise. Luckily I had my All Trails app ready to go, and I used it to help me navigate. The trail itself was narrow, rustic, and unimproved, so it will definitely be muddy after a good rain. There are lots of exposed roots as well as fallen logs that you'll need to step over, so the terrain may not be suitable for everyone. What I most enjoyed was the isolation and the sounds of nature - lots of birdsong, very peaceful. I saw a couple of rabbits, a small snake, and came within about 20 feet of a young deer that was crossing the trail. We looked at each other for a few seconds before he bounded back into the thicket. Taking the north route also gives you glimpses of the lake...

This is a great trail/trailhead with entrances to two different trails that are both truely moderate in difficulty. They're both loops so you end up where you started. When you arrive you'll see a trail marker with a mini trail map, but this is not the trail entrance, it's the exit. Turn around and look for a gap in the grass. You'll see tiny white signs for the north and south loop. Both trails are marked decently but there are a number of locations where you'll scratch your head as to which way to go. Download the free all trails app and use it with your GPS and you'll be fine at those places. This trail also is perpetually muddy except at the driest of times. The north loop is a bit easier and less muddy IMHO but the south loop is prettier. Be prepared to pull yourself up steep inclines with pre-setup ropes or to cross shallow streams with ropes. You'll also be ducking under or climbing over fallen trees. Overall a...

First time on the trail just to get a feel for it out ahead of the Rocks and Roots challenge (run). Most of the trail was muddy and some areas frozen with deep foot prints-great for rolling an ankle. Endless debris from recent high winds made my trial run mostly a hike. If you attempt to go around any of it you're promptly greeted by thorns, some of which are growing right out into the path. Finally, so many sharp s-curves give you no chance to gain any momentum-especially with the slick mud. Maybe great for a challenging hike, but useless for a February run. And yes, I was wearing...