Mushrooms of Salt Point State Park

On our way to the Central Trail trailhead in Salt Point State Park to begin our long awaited Prairie Loop hike, we came upon a group of 3 people who each carried a paper bag and walking stick. The gentlemen in the front of the group asked us, “Did you find any?” Not having found anything that day, I smiled and replied, “nope,” not really sure how to answer. It wasn’t until later when we passed by the kiosk window and saw a posted sign that I realized what the man was asking about. They were asking us if we had found any mushrooms. Mushroom picking is legal in Salt Rock State Park and they even have organized mushroom forays that teach people how to identify and collect them. I, myself, did not attend any of these forays, so I just took pictures and admired from afar. There is an incredible amount of variety here, I’m showing 24 different looking mushrooms, but I didn’t take a picture of everything. Below is my photo journal of the mushrooms I saw on our hike to the prairie and back. I wonder if any of these were edible?

(Here is a link to another Salt Point State Park post about camping and hiking if you’re interested).