The Trothwood Forest

07/30/2026

Traditional camp broom. Gather thin, flexible twigs and one sturdy branch. Bind them tightly with twine. A simple way to keep the campsite tidy. Part of The Trothwood Outdoor Guide.

07/29/2026

Blue Space.

Being near water helps the mind settle. The small pond at Trothwood is a quiet spot for it. Just the water and the frogs.

Part of The Trothwood Outdoor Guide.

07/28/2026

The Eastern Box Turtle.

A quiet neighbor found among the leaves or near the small pond. The frogs usually spot them first. Note the distinct yellow and orange markings while you explore.

The Trothwood Outdoor Guide.

07/23/2026

Arrival at Trothwood. Camp is set. A simple board with meat, cheese, and fruit for the first night. No cooking required. Dinner by the pond while the frogs are active. The Trothwood Outdoor Guide.

07/22/2026

The Trothwood Outdoor Guide.

Mirror signaling.

Catching the sun to be seen from a distance.

A small tool for a big job.

Do you keep one in your pack?

07/21/2026

The Hermit of Cedar Falls. A quiet story from the woods near the pond.

The Trothwood Outdoor Guide

07/21/2026

Thanks for sharing this Katie Neff

I decided to try naked hiking.

I’ll be honest…

I felt a little vulnerable.

Every breeze caught my attention.

I started wondering if the birds noticed.

A squirrel stopped what he was doing and just stared.

Pretty sure he judged me.

I knelt beside a little creek to cool off.

The water felt incredible.

A frog hit the water so hard you’d have thought he’d seen something he wasn’t supposed to.

I didn’t run into another person for hours.

Which, in hindsight, was probably for the best.

By the time I made it back to the trailhead, I realized I hadn’t missed it once.

Turns out I can survive a whole afternoon without my phone.

What the hell did y’all think I meant?

Photo location: Avery Island, Louisiana

07/16/2026

Ever feel like your brain has too many tabs open? We have all been there.

Science actually shows that just three minutes of focused attention on nature can reset your nervous system. It is not magic: it is just how we are wired. At Trothwood, we see it every weekend. That first deep breath when you step out of the car? That is your brain finally exhaling.

Next time you are here, try this:
1. Find a stump or a quiet spot by your site.
2. Set a timer for 3 minutes and put the phone away.
3. Just listen. The wind in the oaks, a distant woodpecker, the rustle of leaves.

It is the cheapest, most effective therapy session you will ever have.

How do you unplug when life gets too loud? Let us know in the comments.

07/15/2026

Who says you need a kitchen to bake a masterpiece? 🍎🔥

Today’s Trothwood Recipe is a crowd favorite: Campfire Baked Apples. It’s basically a warm apple pie without the messy crust or the dishes!

The Recipe:
1. Core a large apple (but don’t go all the way through).
2. Stuff the center with a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pat of butter (raisins or walnuts optional!).
3. Wrap it tightly in heavy-duty foil.
4. Place it on the edge of your campfire coals for 15-20 minutes.

The result? A soft, gooey, caramelized treat that smells like heaven. Perfect for those cool Hocking Hills evenings. 🍂