Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Well, this was a surprise. When I think of state parks, I have an image of the "poor cousin," the smaller neglected space that's only vaguely interesting, without amenities, and not having a lot of appeal. (I should be ashamed.) My come-uppance came here--what a splendid park! We drove past the stunning entry cliffs into a huge campground, with lots of room, picnic areas, trees, bathrooms (with running water and showers), and even wildlife.

And driving just a bit further uphill brought us to the park proper, with huge facilities including bathrooms and changing rooms, a big spring-fed swimming pool with attendant, horse shoe pits, a large rose garden, and plenty of shady benches on which to sit and rest and enjoy the view. And the birds and flowers.

But when you crossed through the park, you came to the trails. The only problem with this park, I felt, was that the trails were not well marked and were quite confusing. I never knew which way to go to get higher or lower. But we walked up to the top of the cliffs, and then I insisted we try a back canyon through a lot of undergrowth because I thought there was a water feature, like a water fall or pond, on the other end, but there wasn't, at least at this time of year. Just bugs.

But, as usual, the views were gorgeous. And the day wasn't over.
Cathedral Gorge