Sugarcreek MetroPark

The Sugarcreek MetroPark lies between Centerville and Bellbrook, Ohio where the Sugar Creek carved a valley in the local terrain.  Its six trails lead hikers and horseback riders through 618 acres of woods, valley, and tall grass prairie.  The park’s name is derived from the many Sugar Maples that populate the area as well as the surrounding Sugarcreek Township where the Big Sugar Creek, becomes Sugar Creek and then flows into the Little Miami River. 

Sugarcreek MetroPark has been part of the park district since 1966.  Before it was a park, the land once served as farmland and once held the Sugarcreek Riding Academy.  In the late 1800s and before the widespread use of barbed wire, the land made use of a living fence that now forms a living tree tunnel. 

Sugarcreek MetroPark Features

• Osage Orange Tunnel: The living tree tunnel mentioned above today serves as a fanciful park feature where hedge apple trees form a long and graceful arch for hikers to enjoy throughout the seasons
• Three Sisters: A set of 550-year-old White Oak Trees.  In 2008, One succumbed to storm damage, but the remaining two trees are impressively large and majestic.  This gallery features the Big Sister which is the first one a visitor typically sees from the Orange Trail.
• Tall grass prairie: Though once a farm field, this tall grass prairie carries a host of native Ohio wildflowers making the Yellow Trail a visual treat
• Beech Woods: Among the Sycamore and Maple trees lie a stand of Beech trees where the forest footpath gently meanders through the forest creating compelling compositions

Sugarcreek MetroPark Art Prints

I love exploring this park and capturing several compositions throughout the colorful seasons.  The Osage Orange Tree Tunnel scenes have won many art and photography awards, thus serving as my signature prints.  In 2023, when the State of Ohio sought art of the prettiest scenes in the state, Sunrise along Osage Orange Tunnel No. 7 was selected as to hang in the Rhodes Office building to the delight of state employees.  Many purchase the print for its heavenly feel of walking into the light which reminds them of one of their favored places to walk before their spouses’ passing. 

If you are seeking additional signature images, be sure to check out my prints from these nearby parks: 

• Morris Reserve Prairie
• Morris Reserve Wildflowers
• Caesar Creek State Park
• Glenn Helen Nature Preserve
• Forest Footpaths