A hiker's path: Stroll through Martin State Forest reveals the lasting effect of conservation corps

I decided this past weekend to drive down for a day hike at one of my favorite state forests.

Martin State Forest was established in 1932 with the purchase of 1,205 acres. A fire-tower and a small picnic area were soon built. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps built several shelter houses. Later, in 1957, three fishing ponds were constructed. Each pond measured 3 to 4 acres in size.

In the mid-1960s, a 26-site, primitive campground was developed.

Since that time, the property has grown to 7,863 acres through additional land purchases and trades with the U.S. Forest Service.

With years of intensive management, including the planting of thousands of trees, countless hours fighting wildfires and hundreds of acres of selective improvement harvests, the area has been transformed into a lush, healthy, growing forest. The property is located on Williams Road not far from Shoals, Indiana. When I arrived, my first stop was Martin Lake. The trailhead for my first hike was located at the lake.

The Woodland Education trail is loop trail 1.25 miles in length. It is an easy walk through the forest.

The day was sunny with blue skies overhead, which made for a picturesque view of the lake. The surface of the lake  reflected the colors of the sky and the trees which bordered its banks.

I knew it was going to be a great day.

I started off on the trail as I crossed over a small, faded boardwalk to my left. The path afforded nice views of the lake until the footpath turned into the woods.

Now I was in the forest. The walking was easy. Early winter had arrive in the woods. The tree limbs were now bare of their leaves. As I passed each tree, I tried guessing what kind each one was by the bark. Slate gray and smooth was the mighty Beech tree.

Ironwood was similar to the Beech except with vertical wrinkles and much smaller in stature. The rough, thick, and often gray bark of Oak trees, except for Red oaks with naturally reddish-orange colors, infused into their inner bark.

I love exploring every aspect of the forest.

I soon came to the small “Trailside” shelter. Built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, it’s a nice, small place for a rest or a picnic. It contains a beautiful old fireplace and is open on one end.

I continued hiking to my next stop on the trail: the Willow Valley Fire Tower.

It was a short walk to the tower and a scenic one at that. The fire tower was also built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

The tower stands about 100 feet tall and is one of only 13 left in the state. It was used as a fire tower until 1976, and is still used today as an emergency tower. A public observation deck is open in the tower. Next I took off to finish my day on the loop trail and soon found myself back at the small parking lot.

There are other hiking trails to be found Martin State Forest.

It was a good afternoon for me and the time was well spent.

The address of the state forest is: 14040 Williams Road, Shoals, Indiana.

A quote for your week: “There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.” — Washington Irving, 1783-1859, American writerUntil the next trail,Susan

This article originally appeared on Evening World: Management has helped Martin State Forest be lush and healthy