MALABAR FARM STATE PARK

4050 Bromfield Road

Lucas, Ohio 44843

Malabar Farms is located about 69.4 miles (~1 hr. 10 min) northeast of downtown Columbus, Ohio.  I picked the Pleasant Valley Bridle and Hiking Trail from All Trails, for my hike.  This is a 6.2-mile dirt trail hike though the Malabar Farms woods and fields. 

The trail head was a little tricky to find, but the kind people in the gift shop helped me to find it.  It’s on the top of the hill behind the gift shop building just so you know.  The All-Trails app will help you find it. 

I went on a cool fall day, and it was beautiful.  The trail was lightly populated, I think I only ran into 1 or 2 other hikers on my trek.  It’s a peaceful walk, designated as “moderate” in All Trails; but the most distinguishable feature to me was when I had to cross a stream.  The water was up to maybe midcalf (keep in mind I’m 5’2”), but it was over the tops of my boots.  I chose to take off my shoes and socks and wade across bare foot.  So, I was able to put on dry shoes once I crossed.  So, keep this obstacle in mind if you choose to walk this path. 

I must give a shout out to the kind staff, park ranger and Poncho, the resident gift shop parrot (yes real parrot), I met in the gift shop.  They not only helped me find the trail head, but also shared some interesting stories on the local history.  The gift shop has some wonderful treasures.  I picked up a copy of The Witch of Mansfield: The Tetched Life of Phebe Wise, written by a local author, Mark S. Jordan (book is also available on Amazon).  Which I thought was a great read, about the life and struggle of one local woman.  I hit the gift shop again on my way out, not only to hit the lovely and clean restroom (which is treasured by any hiker!), but I also picked up some stew meat and ribeye steaks!  Yes, you read that correctly, I bought meat at the gift shop.  Malabar is a working farm, and they have a freezer in the gift shop with fresh meat provided by the farm.  And I can attest the steaks were amazing!  And since it was a chilly fall weekend, I made a heart beef strew when I got home. 

You can do a lot of things at Malabar Farms, including the Big House Tour.  But this is a Hikes & Haunts trip, so I found something else to do.  About a quarter of a mile from the gift house, right on the Malabar Farms grounds, is the Ceely Rose Murder House!  Ceely Rose was a mentally disturbed young woman who fatally poisoned her family members.  She was trialled and found not guilty due to insanity and spent the rest of her days in the Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane.  At the time of my visit, her house was not open to visitors, but you can explore the outside and grounds.  There is a plaque outside, so you’ll know you’re at the right place, and they placed a wonderfully creepy scarecrow figure in the upstairs window.  It’s a very fun and creepy side stop!   

Ceely Rose is buried in the hospital graveyard, but her family members are buried at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, just 1.1 miles from Malabar Farms, if you would like to stop by and pay your respects. (as always, please be respectful when visiting cemetaries)

If you would like to extend your Hikes & Haunts trip a little more, Malabar Farms is only about 18 minutes away from The Ohio State Reformatory, made famous from the 1994 Shawshank Redemption Movie.  I’ve been several times, but I’m always awestruck at how it rises ominously out of the landscape.  It’s a haunting experience for sure! 

Well, fellow adventurers, that’s it for this Hikes & Haunts trip entry.  Below is the itinerary I used for this trip.  Please keep in mind I live in Central Ohio, so all my mile estimates are from downtown Columbus.  So, make sure to update with your own start and stop points when planning your trips.    

If you decide to take this trip for yourself, please share your experiences.  I look forward to hearing from you!