A walk along the Tree Farm Trail takes us through a former Christmas tree farm, now rich with mixed conifer trees that provide great habitat for wintering birds. This is an especially good area in which to look for red-breasted nuthatches and golden-crowned kinglets from late October through early March. The large open areas surrounding the evergreen forests are excellent places to look for small flocks of eastern bluebirds most any time of the year. Park at Horseshoe Pond on Major Road in Peninsula.

Tree Farm Trail (2.75 miles; 1.5 hours). Parking located at 2075 Major Road, Peninsula 44264

The Tree Farm Trail, accessed via the Horseshoe Pond trailhead, is located off Major Road. This trail loops through gently rolling woodlands, beginning and ending near Horseshoe Pond. The trail begins at the northeast edge of the trailhead parking lot, passing through stands of hardwoods, evergreens, and a large open field area adjacent to the Bishop family Christmas tree farm. The Tree Farm Trail wanders through a portion of the Christmas tree farm that the park acquired. (Please, respect the private property lines when walking along this portion of the trail.) Wildlife is plentiful in this area, with sightings of deer, fox, coyotes, and numerous songbirds possible. For those who like to fish, the nearby Horseshoe Pond provides a fully accessible fishing pier and is a popular bass and bluegill fishing pond. Along with restroom facilities, there is also a picnic pavilion provided at this location, with tables and grills.

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Warning: All areas of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park are prone to deer ticks from the early spring until late fall, so prepare accordingly before birding.

Restrooms at locations identified on Cuyahoga Valley National Park map. Most areas have non-flush toilets; there are flush toilets available at the Pine Hollow parking lot on Quick Road and the Virginia Kendall Lake lodge building.

Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch.