The Outdoors
FROM OLD-GROWTH FOREST TO ROLLING COUNTRY ROADS
Wayne County provides many diverse opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There
are natural foot trails, paved trails, bike trails, birding and fishing areas, and even equestrian trails sure to please nature lovers of every kind.
Barnes Preserve
East on East Lincoln Way, right on Hillcrest, then left on Sylvan Rd. 330-287-5400
Here you can enjoy more than 80 acres of parkland. Meander through trails along pastures, ponds and through wooded glens by foot, horseback, bike or on cross-country skis. Open dawn to dusk.
Brown's Lake Bog
SR 3 south past intersection of US 30, turn south on Elyria Rd., then turn west on Brown Rd. Park on south side of road (near Shreve Lake) 614-717-2770
A national landmark, where you can see a kettle hole bog formed by glaciers over 13,000 years ago, the bog is also home to dozens of rare species and is owned by the Nature Conservancy. A boardwalk and earthen trail allow for short hikes and there is parking on site. Open dawn to dusk.
Countyline Trail
Trailheads at Ohio Ave. in Rittman, Kauffman Ave. in Sterling, and beside the police station in Creston. 330-939-3571
The Countyline Trail is currently 6.75 miles long and mostly on the former Erie railroad bed. Much of it parallels the active CSX railroad for "train watching" possibilities. Currently almost one mile from CR 504 to Kauffman Ave. is "on road."
Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area
SR 3 south, right onto SR 95, left onto dirt road just before Village of Funk to reach the wildlife observation platform. 330-567-3390
This 1,490-acre wildlife preserve is located behind Mohicanville Dam and has an observation tower for viewing animals and birds. Open year round. Open for hunting and trapping.
Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve
13240 Fox Lake Rd., Marshallville, 44645 Four miles north of Orrville on SR 57, then one mile east on Fox Lake Rd. 330-527-5118
This 206-acre ecosystem provides a 1.5-mile boardwalk foot trail providing views of one of Ohio's few remaining old-growth forests. You will be able to enjoy a variety of bird species, buttonbush swamps and nearly 500-year old trees. Pets prohibited in preserve. Handicapped accessible.
Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area
SR 3 south to SR 226 near Shreve 330-567-3390
The 5,671-acre marsh offers a 3.7-mile wildlife observation and earthen foot trail where visitors can view birds, including trumpeter swans that frequent the area. Wearing muck boots is recommended. Open for hunting and trapping. Open for fishing in the creek.
Oak Hill Park
Intersection of Oak Hill Road and Oldman Road, Wooster 44691 330-263-5200
Located on Oak Hill Rd, this park was officially dedicated on October 15th, 2011. It has many wonderful features, including a 1.7 mile long trail. The 10-feet wide paved section is for walking, jogging, or biking and the adjacent grass berm is wide enough for cross country skiing. Included in the park is the City's first official sledding hill.
Secrest Arboretum & Gardens at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
1680 Madison Avenue (SR 250) in Wooster 44691 330-464-2148
Find pleasant vistas among open lawns and extensive plant collections, designed landscapes, educational exhibits and meeting places in this outdoor research laboratory and educational display garden. Gardens are handicapped accessible.
Shreve Lake Wildlife Area
West off SR 226 on Force Road, near Shreve 330-567-3390 or 1-800-WILD-LIFE
This 228-acre wildlife area, which is open for hunting and trapping, has a beautiful 58-acre lake that is a fisherman's dream with a boat ramp and an accessible fishing area that's perfect for children.
Sippo Valley Rail-Trail
Village Green Park, Freet St., Dalton 44618 330-466-1580
The Sippo Valley Trail project included paving of an old Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad. Enjoy breathtaking views of eastern Wayne County on the 9.5-mile paved biking trail (2.5 miles in Wayne County). The trail also includes four bridges and an equestrian trail.
The Holmes County Trail
Trailhead by Fredericksburg Elementary School. 330-674-0475
The Holmes County Trail is 15.5 miles of paved surface (one mile in Wayne County), covering the former Norfolk Southern railroad bed. Enjoy views of scenic wetlands. The trail is open to buggies and other non-motorized vehicles, as well as to equestrians, hikers and bikers.
The Wilderness Center
9877 Alabama Ave. S.W., Wilmot, 44689 330-359-5235 or 877-359-5235
Enjoy six scenic hiking trails totaling approximately 10 miles. Visit The Wilderness Center's Interpretive Building, which features a fossil wall, interactive display room, meeting rooms, bookstore/gift shop, trails, and animal observation area.
Wooster Memorial Park
Silver Rd. off SR 250, Wooster 44691 330-263-5207
Wooster Memorial Park is known for its beautiful, steep, wooded ravines and scenic Rathburn Run. Seven loop trails can be hiked on nearly eight miles of earthen foot trails. The 325-acre park and picnic area are located west of Wooster, off SR 250, at the intersection of Jefferson and Silver Roads.