Castalia Quarry Reserve
SR 101 (off SR 269), Castalia
419.625.7783
http://www.eriemetroparks.com
This abandoned limestone quarry, surrounded by forests and fields, is great for hiking and mountain biking (permit required) with scenic views year-round.
Castalia State Fish Hatchery
7018 Homegardner Rd. (off Heywood Rd., just off SR 269), Castalia
419.684.7499
ohiodnr.com
The hatchery raises steelhead and rainbow trout and offers self-guided tours of 90-acres of serene grounds including outdoor raceways, a half-mile section of Cold Creek and a “blue hole” aquifer. The area also provides excellent bird watching opportunities. Year-round, Mon-Fri 8am-3pm.
Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point
3819 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky
419.625.7783
http://www.eriemetroparks.com
This freshwater marshland along Ohio’s northern coastline, offers visitors an excellent site for viewing American bald eagles and other wildlife. During the sensitive eagle nesting season, Jan-Jul, human activity is limited and some areas may be restricted.
Crane Creek State Park
13531 W. SR 2, Oak Harbor
419.836.7758
dnr.state.oh.us/parks
With its sandy beach and picnic areas,
this beach area shares parking with the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Boardwalk Trail.
DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve
River Rd. (south of US 6), Huron
419.625.7783
http://www.eriemetroparks.com
Take a leisurely hike near the Huron River while observing birds, butterflies and other wildlife. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing along the designated trails.
East Harbor State Park
1169 N. Buck Rd. (off SR 269), Marblehead
419.734.4424 or 866.664.6727
eastharborstatepark.org
Seven miles of sandy beaches, picnic shelters, hiking trails, fishing access, boardwalk trail, full-service marina and the largest campground in the Ohio State Parks system.
East Sandusky Bay Water Trail
River Ave. (off Cedar Point Dr.), Sandusky
419.625.3864
ci.sandusky.oh.us
A new 15-mile water trail around the East Sandusky Bay that provides people using small, hand-powered watercraft such as kayaks and canoes, the opportunity to enjoy scenic views, natural resources, cultural history and recreational opportunities from a unique viewpoint.
Edison Woods Preserve
SR 61 (south of SR 2), Berlin Heights
419.625.7783
http://www.eriemetroparks.com
Approximately twenty miles of trails are open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, photography and horseback riding (with your own horse).
Erie Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve
Scheid Rd. (off Taylor Rd., in Oxford Twp.), Sandusky
ohiodnr.com/dnap
Sand beach ridge plant community with many rare prairie plants. Hike the half mile trail and view prairie milkweed, Virginia meadow beauty and twisted yellow eyed grass. Preserve open from dawn to dusk.
Glacial Grooves
Kelleys Island
The magnificent grooves of Kelleys Island are the largest in the world, and were caused as Pleistocene Glaciers moved south carving out the relatively soft island limestone. Embedded and very visible throughout the limestone is a marvelous fossil record of marine invertebrate animals, which lived on the floor of the Devonian Sea millions of years ago. Perimeter viewing of the grooves is available.
Hoffman Forest Reserve
Huff Rd. (between Arlington and Chapin Rds.) Berlin Heights
419.625.7783
http://www.eriemetroparks.com
Home to many species of birds, wildlife, plants and trees, the grassy trails of this 40-acre reserve is open for hikers and joggers to enjoy its many natural features.
James H. McBride Arboretum
behind BGSU Firelands College, Huron
419.625.7783
http://www.eriemetroparks.com
Enjoy walking the paved pathways or take the woodland trail along the banks of Sawmill Creek. Butterfly and hummingbird garden, a peace and tranquility garden and deck overlooking the lake.
Kelleys Island State Park
Kelleys Island
419.797.4530, 419.746.2546
or 866.OHIOPARK (644.6727)
ohiostateparks.org
100-foot swimming beach, picnic shelter, launch ramps, fishing access areas, family campground, showers, flush toilets, a dump station and six miles of trails.
Kuehnle Wildlife Area
Middle Bass Island
This 20-acre pond and adjacent area harbors an array of plant and animal life, including songbirds, wading birds, fish, turtles, salamanders and the rare Lake Erie water snake.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
13531 SR 2 W, Oak Harbor
419.898.0960
friendsofmageemarsh.org
One of the best wildlife-viewing areas in North America, Magee Marsh has boardwalk trails, the Sportsman’s Migratory Bird Center and an observation tower.
Middle Bass Island State Park
Middle Bass Island
419.797.4530
www.ohiostateparks.org
This is a new park to the Ohio State Park system and is still under development. Primitive camping and limited hiking trails available.
North Pond and North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserves
Kelleys Island
ohiodnr.com/dnap
Located within the 660-acre Kelleys Island State Park, North Pond is a 30-acre marsh that opens to Lake Erie and features many rare plants including wapato, inland sea rocket and seaside spurge. Birding is excellent during the spring and fall migration along the preserve trails. North Shore Alvar showcases an alvar plant community on barren limestone and dolomite rock. This community is rare in Ohio and can only be found on the Lake Erie Islands and Marblehead Peninsula.
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve
and State Nature Preserve
2514 Cleveland Rd. E (US 6), Huron
419.433.4601
oldwomancreek.org
Visit the indoor nature center or hike the trails to learn more about this special preserve where the inland waters meet and mix with Lake Erie to form a third type of water, chemically different than both, yet attractive to a variety of flora and fauna.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
14000 SR 2 W, Oak Harbor
419.898.0014
www.fws.gov/midwest/Ottawa
Visitor Center and nearly 5000 acres with hiking trails and scheduled auto tours to view wildlife
Putnam Marsh Nature Preserve and Joseph Steinen Wildlife Area
Cleveland Rd. (US 6 at Perkins Ave.), Sandusky
419.625.7783
www.eriemetroparks.com
This 155-acre natural area protects an extraordinary freshwater marsh rich in critical wildlife food and cover. Take a leisurely walk and discover an amazing number of unique flora and fauna and most likely see American bald eagles and a large variety of other birds.
Resthaven Wildlife Area
SR 269, Castalia
wildohio.com
A 2,272-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing area, that has a handicap accessible fishing pier.
Schedel Arboretum and Gardens
19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore
419.862.3182
schedel-gardens.org
Schedel Arboretum and Gardens is a hidden treasure with unparalleled beauty and tranquility. Enjoy a unique Japanese garden, kitchen garden with more than 80 varieties of ornamental peppers, bonsai exhibit, water gardens, perennial gardens, sculpture and painting exhibits, flower gardens featuring 20,000 annuals, as well as unusual trees and shrubs. May–Oct.
Schoepfle Garden and Arboretum
11106 Market St. (off SR 113), Birmingham
loraincountymetroparks.com
Best known for its topiary, roses, conifers and rhododendrons, this 70-acre garden has a riverside walking trail and visitor center.
Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
2715 Cleveland Rd. W (US 6), Huron
ohiodnr.com/dnap
Coastal marsh surrounded by swamp forests and a barrier beach. Sheldon Marsh has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Birding is best during the spring migration with almost 300 bird species recorded on the preserve. Three miles of hiking trails, including the mile long barrier beach. Preserve open dawn to dusk.
South Bass Island State Park
Put-in-Bay
419.797.4530 or 419.285.2112
ohiodnr.com/dnap
A lakeside campground that offers a public picnic shelter, launch ramp, fishing pier, stone beach and children’s play area.
The Coupling Reserve
SR 13 (one mile north of US 250), Milan
419.625.7783
www.eriemetroparks.com
Developed around a historic railroad theme, the Reserve provides small, non-motorized boat access to the Huron River, bank fishing sites, a wooded nature trail, picnic tables, grills, a sledding slope, cross-country skiing and a grassy volleyball court. Canoes, the historic depot and overnight accommodations in the train cars are available for groups with advance reservation.
Willow Point Wildlife Area
Wahl Rd., Sandusky
419.684.7483
ohiodnr.com/wildlife
A 645-acre public hunting, fishing and wildlife area on the southern shore of Sandusky Bay.
