Sharon Woods State Park is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and families seeking a peaceful retreat. Located just a short drive from the city, this park offers a beautiful escape into the great outdoors. Upon entering, you are greeted by stunning landscapes, lush greenery, and a variety of recreational opportunities.
The park features an extensive network of well-maintained trails that are perfect for hiking, jogging, or leisurely walks. I particularly enjoyed the scenic loop around the lake, which offers breathtaking views and the chance to spot local wildlife. The tranquility of the park makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching or simply relaxing in nature.
Sharon Woods also boasts excellent facilities, including picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, making it a great place for family gatherings or a casual outing with friends. The playground is a fantastic addition for families with young children, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy.
Moreover, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to provide information about the park's features and events. Overall, Sharon Woods State Park is a wonderful destination that combines natural beauty with recreational fun. I highly recommend visiting for a day of exploration...
Read moreI love this park and have been here a couple of times. The energy there is great... if you are into that sort of thing. The lake is beautiful. The meadow with all of the wild flowers is lovely and the wooded trails are beautiful. The bird watch area is cute. It's clean and well kept.
My two complaints? They don't let you have pets. Ok, let me clarify, you can take your pets to the picnic areas, but all of the trails are off limits to pets. This is a bummer, because who really wants to walk their dog in a circle around the picnic area?! I'd rather take my puppy on the trails. I'd honestly give it a 5 star rating if it weren't for that. I feel guilty going to parks and walks while my dog sits alone at home. Because of that I won't be visiting often... I'll go somewhere where my beautiful boxer baby is welcome.
Second complaint is the wooded trails. I like to explore the woods and go where the energy is the highest and meditate, but there is none of that there. You can't go off of the trails, there are signs everywhere stating this and there are a ton of rangers around, so I am pretty sure they would enforce that.
Pets and a desire to explore off trails aside, it is really a lovely place and if you want to have a family gathering or something there,...
Read moreWhat kind of park doesn't allow dogs on the majority of the trails? (All except one!)
We went hoping for a quick hike with our dog but our only option was the 3.8 mile hike and we didn't have the time to do that. All "nature" trails ban dogs. By the way, what part of a gravel path through the woods constitutes as nature?
What logic is there to not allow dogs on the paths? I pick up my dog's waste, she is on a leash, so she won't be chasing down any wildlife, and all the people likely scare away anything my dog would scare. It's not a dangerous path for dogs: no cliffs or bears at Sharon Woods. So why not allow pups?
Even if we look at bad dog owners who don't pick up waste, bad hikers leave litter behind. Yet there's no ban on bringing any sort of food or drink on the trails, but there is a ban on dogs.
Nearly 50% of homes in the US have dogs, so why make a rule so stupid that affects almost half of...
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