The Outdoors

The Barnes Preserve is a fully accessible nature park. The park encompasses 76 acres of mature woods and meadow with nearly a mile of ADA paved trails, an observation deck overlooking a wetland pond, and a beautiful pavilion. The park is ideal for recreation and therapeutic walking and biking.

A national landmark, where you can see a kettle hole bog formed by glaciers over 13,000 years ago. A boardwalk and earthen trail allow for short hikes and there is parking on site. Open dawn to dusk.

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."

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.

Trout Unlimited in partnership with the City has established a trout fishery in Apple creek at Grosjean Park. Fly fishing and the practice of catch and release is strongly encouraged. The fishery is open to the public; those anglers 16 and older must possess a valid Ohio fishing license.

The Holmes County Trail is 15.5 miles of paved surface (one mile in Wayne County). The trail is open to buggies and other non- motorized vehicles, as well as to equestrians, hikers and bikers.

This 206-acre ecosystem provides a 1.5-mile boardwalk foot trail providing views of one of Ohio's few remaining old-growth forests. Pets prohibited in preserve. Handicapped accessible.

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.

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.

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.

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; lake is currently drawn-down for repairs until further notice.

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.

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 is found off of U.S. Route 250 just five miles west of town. Consisting of over 320 plus acres of pristine woodland for hiking. New renovations were done in 2017 that include a new parking lot, new benches, signage and a 1 mile long ADA accessible paved trail. The park has over six miles of primitive trails, scenic overlooks, picnic pavilions and public restrooms. Wooster Memorial offers some wonderful educational opportunities or just a place to get back to nature. Foot traffic only please. No bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles permitted.