The 30 Best Nature reserves with recreational activities in Ohio

Trail Start - Western Reserve Greenway is a popular park and tourist attraction located in Ashtabula, Ohio, United States. This paved rail-trail extends 50 miles through Ashtabula and Trumbull counties in northeast Ohio, with 33 miles in Ashtabula County alone. The trail runs through rural areas, farms, and wooded areas, offering a beautiful and scenic experience for visitors. The trail is well-maintained with benches, road names, mileage markers, and interpretive signs detailing the history of the Underground Railroad in Ashtabula County. Volunteer bike patrol enhances the experience for all users by providing information, assistance, safety, and trail maintenance. The trail is open for various activities such as walking, running, biking, rollerblading, skiing, and snowmobiling in winter conditions. With funding from various sources, the trail has undergone significant improvements and developments, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Western Reserve Greenway is part of a nationwide network of hiking and biking trails, making it an essential recreational asset in the region.

Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve is a serene park located at 51766 Pancake-Clarkson Road in Negley, Ohio. This beautiful natural preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the area. With walking trails, picnic areas, and educational programs, Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings and experience the beauty of the Ohio countryside at this charming state park.

Tailwater Recreation Area is a picturesque park located at 1670 Wilson Sharpsville Road in Cortland, Ohio, United States. This beautiful outdoor space offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. With its serene atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, Tailwater Recreation Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the trails, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty of Tailwater Recreation Area today!

AEP Recreation Land Campground K is a peaceful retreat nestled in the heart of Caldwell, Ohio, United States. This campground offers a variety of lodging options, including tent and RV sites, as well as cozy cabins for those looking for a more comfortable stay. The surrounding park boasts stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, rolling hills, and a tranquil lake perfect for fishing and boating. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, AEP Recreation Land Campground K provides the perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts to relax and recharge.

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is a picturesque campground and park located in Pedro, Ohio. Situated at 6518 Ohio 93, this popular tourist attraction offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The area also features cozy lodging options for those looking to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. With its tranquil lake, lush forests, and scenic trails, Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat in the United States.

Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground in Wayne National Forest is a picturesque destination located at 44400 Ohio 7 in Matamoras, Ohio, United States. This campground offers a variety of lodging options and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a peaceful camping trip, a scenic hike, or a relaxing horseback ride, Leith Run Recreation Area has something for everyone. The campground is surrounded by historic landmarks and beautiful outdoor escapes, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers.

Lakeshore Reservation is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 4799 Lockwood Road in Perry, Ohio, United States. Situated along the shores of Lake Erie, this beautiful destination offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park also features a beach area where visitors can relax and soak up the sun. With its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, Lakeshore Reservation is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.

Four Seasons Recreational Park in Minster, Ohio is a charming and well-maintained park that offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Located at 360 7th Street, this tourist attraction boasts beautiful green spaces, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, play sports with friends, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, Four Seasons Recreational Park is the perfect destination. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this idyllic park in the heart of Minster.

Located at 29530 White Road in Perrysburg, Ohio, the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve is a 44-acre park donated by the family of William Windus Knight. This beautiful preserve offers hiking trails, boardwalks, and various natural areas such as wetlands, swamp woods, and native prairies. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the pond and birdwatching at the Lookout on Nature Area (LOONA) in the Nature Center. The Nature Center also features educational opportunities, a Nature Playscape, pollinator and sensory gardens, and the Hankison Great Room event space. The preserve hosts Paddle the Pond, a free summer program that teaches paddle sport safety with all equipment provided. Reservations for events at the Nature Center must be made in advance, with payment required at the time of booking.

Garbry Big Woods Reserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 6660 North Casstown Sidney Road in Piqua, Ohio. This beautiful park is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its lush greenery, abundant wildlife, and serene atmosphere, Garbry Big Woods Reserve offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, or simply relaxing in nature, this park has something for everyone. Come explore the beauty of Garbry Big Woods Reserve and experience the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Farrington Reserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1594 West Peterson Road in Piqua, Ohio, United States. This serene oasis offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and picnic areas, Farrington Reserve is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a picturesque setting for a family outing, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Farrington Reserve and experience the natural beauty and tranquility that this hidden gem has to offer.

The Kennard Nature Nook, located at 6800-7002 Mc Ewen Road in Ohio, United States, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that offers a variety of indoor nature and recreation programs. Originally named the Nature Nook, it was renamed in honor of Carol Kennard, the former Executive Director of the Centerville-Washington Park District. Carol dedicated over thirty years to the park district, leading the organization and expanding program opportunities for the community. The Kennard Nature Nook is available for weekday reservations by non-profit service groups based in Centerville or Washington Township that benefit the community. Group size and parking are limited, and reservation requests must coincide with the program calendar published in the Park District's News and Events. A $100 refundable deposit is required at the time of rental, and renters are responsible for clean up and trash collection after the event.

Kopf Family Reservation is a beautiful park located on Armour Road Trail in Avon Lake, Ohio, United States. This serene and picturesque park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With well-maintained walking trails, lush greenery, and scenic views, Kopf Family Reservation is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply enjoy the fresh air, this park has something for everyone. Come and explore all that Kopf Family Reservation has to offer and experience the beauty of the outdoors in this tranquil setting.

Euclid Creek Reservation is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 850 Euclid Creek in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. This beautiful institution offers visitors a serene and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and scenic views of Euclid Creek, this park is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply take in the sights and sounds of the creek, Euclid Creek Reservation is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a tranquil and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Cleveland.

Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located in Perrysburg, Ohio, United States. The property was generously donated by the Sawyer family and features an old limestone quarry with stairs leading down into the quarry. Visitors can explore various artifacts, geological features, and varying elevations within the park. Please note that it is prohibited to remove any rocks, geodes, gems, fossils, or artifacts from the quarry. The park also offers a bouldering area for visitors to enjoy low-level rock climbing without harnesses or ropes. It is recommended to use a bouldering pad and/or have a spotter present while bouldering. Visitors must be 16 years of age or older, or have a parent/guardian supervising all bouldering activities. The Wood County Park District reserves the right to suspend the Public Bouldering Program at any time and designated bouldering areas are only accessible during normal park hours.

Concord Woods Nature Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 11211 Spear Road in Painesville, Ohio. This beautiful nature park offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and scenic walking trails, Concord Woods Nature Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or explore the natural beauty of Ohio, this park is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of Concord Woods Nature Park during your next visit to Painesville.

The John A. Wannemacher Nature Reserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 1876 Monroe-Concord Road in Troy, Ohio, United States. This beautiful reserve offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or simply relax in a serene setting, the John A. Wannemacher Nature Reserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Sweet Arrow Reserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 789 Little Sugarcreek Road in Ohio, United States. This stunning natural oasis offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With lush greenery, serene walking trails, and beautiful wildlife, Sweet Arrow Reserve is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or a scenic spot for photography, this park has something for everyone. Come and explore the beauty of Sweet Arrow Reserve today!

Raven Rock State Nature Preserve is a breathtaking park and tourist attraction located on Old River Road in West Portsmouth, Ohio, United States. This stunning preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, with scenic views, hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Raven Rock State Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for a day of exploration and enjoyment.

Carlisle Reservation is the largest of the Lorain County Metro Parks, covering 1,917 acres of beautiful land in LaGrange, Ohio. This park offers a wide range of activities and events throughout the year, making it a popular tourist attraction. From hiking on over 11 miles of trails to horseback riding and stargazing, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Carlisle Reservation. The park is home to the administrative offices for the entire park system and also features the Carlisle Visitor Center, where visitors can explore the indoor Children’s Play Space, Discovery Den, and reservable meeting rooms. The park also includes the Duck Pond Picnic Area and the Equestrian Center, providing even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.

French Creek Reservation, located at 4540 French Creek Road in Sheffield, Ohio, is a stunning 450-acre park and tourist attraction that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The park is home to the French Creek Nature Center, which houses the French Creek Theatre, a live theatre program run by the park district. Visitors to the French Creek Reservation can explore over 4.5 miles of trails that wind through lush forests, along serene streams, and past towering cliffs. The park features three creeks - Sugar Creek, Fish Creek, and the French Creek - adding to the picturesque landscape. The Big Woods Stone trail, accessible from the Nature Center or the Pine Tree Picnic Area, offers a peaceful and scenic hike.

Bradley Nature Park is a beautiful natural oasis located in Westlake, Ohio, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to explore its lush greenery, winding trails, and serene ponds. With a variety of flora and fauna to discover, Bradley Nature Park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, this park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of Bradley Nature Park today!

Bay Village Parks & Recreation is a vibrant and dynamic institution located at 303 Cahoon Road in Bay Village, Ohio, United States. As a premier park in the area, we offer a wide range of recreational activities and facilities for people of all ages to enjoy. From playgrounds and sports fields to hiking trails and picnic areas, there is something for everyone at Bay Village Parks & Recreation. Come visit us and experience the beauty and tranquility of our park while engaging in fun and exciting activities with friends and family.

The St Bernard Recreation Department is a vibrant park located at 120 Washington Avenue in Saint Bernard, Ohio, United States. This institution offers a variety of recreational activities and programs for individuals of all ages. From playgrounds and sports fields to walking trails and picnic areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this community park. Whether you are looking to stay active, socialize with friends, or simply relax in nature, the St Bernard Recreation Department is the perfect place to visit. With its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, this park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Crains Run Nature Park is a 34-acre park located at 10741 Dayton Cincinnati Pike in Miamisburg, Ohio. Situated at the southern end of the township, the park borders the Great Miami River and offers a serene and natural setting for visitors to enjoy. The park features heavily wooded areas with hiking trails, as well as green space and a four-acre pond where fishing is permitted. There are two shelter houses available for reservations, one overlooking the pond and the other offering scenic views of the river. In keeping with its nature theme, Crains Run Nature Park does not have electricity or permanent restrooms. However, a portable restroom is located at the south end of the park, just a short walk from the north shelter. Two paved parking lots provide ample parking space for visitors. Additionally, the park is adjacent to a restored canal lock, known as Sunfish Lock, which was built in 1829 as part of the Miami-Erie Canal system and restored by Miami Township in 1990.

Marcum Nature Trail is a scenic park located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. This twenty-six acre institution is divided into two halves - one half consists of mature woodlands with access to Harker's Run Creek, while the other half showcases old-field succession. The circular trail offers hikers a chance to explore the beautiful woods. Access to the trail is available by reservation only. The trail was made possible by generous donations from individuals like Paul and Edith Kramer, Dr. and Mrs. Roy Reinhart, and Dr. Joseph M. Bachelor. The trails span over six miles and offer various terrains for hikers to enjoy, including hills, valleys, and scenic overlooks.

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation is a picturesque park located at 913 North Lake Street in Amherst, Ohio, United States. Spanning 108 acres of mature woodlands and floodplains, this park offers a serene escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy a 1.4 mile paved loop-trail that winds through various natural habitats, including a cattail marsh, Beaver Creek Valley, and a pine forest. The day-use area features a reservable shelter, playground, soccer field, and visitor's center. Whether you're looking to have a picnic, let the kids play freely, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the paved trail, Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation has something for everyone. The visitor's center offers natural and recreational programming, and the meeting room is available for private and community use.

New London Recreation Park is a charming destination located at 2 Blake Street in New London, Ohio, United States. This institution offers a variety of amenities including a campground, lodging options, and a beautiful park for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, explore the local area, or simply unwind in a peaceful setting, New London Recreation Park is the perfect place to visit. With its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, this tourist attraction is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who visit.

Huntington Beach Reservation is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 28728 Wolf Picnic Area Drive in Bay Village, Ohio, United States. This beautiful destination offers visitors stunning views of Lake Erie, sandy beaches, and a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. With its serene atmosphere and natural beauty, Huntington Beach Reservation is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Black River Reservation is a stunning park located at 1495 Gulf Road in Elyria, Ohio, United States. This peaceful oasis offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. With scenic hiking trails, tranquil picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the Black River, this park is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Black River Reservation has something for everyone to enjoy. Come explore this hidden gem and experience the beauty of Ohio's natural landscape.