The Outdoors
FROM OLD-GROWTH FOREST TO ROLLING COUNTRY ROADS
Wayne County is rich with natural wonders. From an old-growth forest to rolling country roads, lovers of the outdoors will find a natural setting that's just right. Wayne County provides many diverse opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There are nature trails, paved trails, bike trails, and even equestrian trails sure to please nature lovers of every kind.
Barnes Preserve
SR 30, to Hillcrest Rd S. then Sylvan Rd. SE, near Wooster
Here you can enjoy more than 80 acres of park like land. Meander through trails along pastures, ponds and through wooded glens by foot, horseback or bike. Nearly 20 picnic sites with tables are also available. Open daylight to dark.
Brown's Lake Bog
SR 226 through Shreve to Elyria Rd to Brown Rd. N. 614-717-2770
A national landmark, you can see a kettle hole lake 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 trail is ideal for hikes and there is parking on site.
Fredericksburg to Holmesville Rail-Trail
Holmes-Wayne County Line to County Road 192 in Holmesville
One lane of the trail is paved with asphalt for biking, roller-blading, walking, running, and wheelchairs, while the other lane is paved with "chip and seal" for horse-drawn vehicles and horseback riding. Length: 3.45 Miles
Funk Bottoms
SR 3 to SR 95 West, 8 miles, 330-567-3390
This 1,154-acre wildlife preserve is located behind Mohicanville Dam and has an observation tower for viewing animals and birds.
Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve
Off SR 57 near Marshallville on Fox Lake Rd. East 419-433-4919
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.
Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area
Along SR 226 near Shreve, 330-567-3390
The 5,000-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.
OARDC, 1680 Madison Avenue, (SR250) in Wooster 330-263-3761
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.
Shreve Lake Wildlife Area
West off SR 226 on Force Road, near Shreve, 330-567-3390
This beautiful 58-acre lake is a fisherman's dream with a boat ramp and accessible fishing area.
Village Green Park, Freet St., Dalton, 330-682-7188
Enjoy breathtaking views of eastern Wayne County on the 9.5 mile paved trail (2.5 miles in Wayne County). The trail includes four bridges and an equestrian trail.
The Wilderness Center
9877 Alabama Ave. SW
Wilmot, OH 44689 330-359-5235 or 877-359-5235
Enjoy six scenic hiking trails totaling 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.
Silver Rd off SR 250, Wooster c/o Wooster Parks and Recreation, 241 S. Bever St., Wooster 44691, 330-263-5207
Wooster Memorial Park is known for its beautiful wooded, steep ravines and scenic Rathburn Run. Four loop trails can be hiked on over five miles of earthen trails. The 254-acre park and picnic area are located west of Wooster, off SR250, at the intersection of Jefferson and Silver roads.
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