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Trails | |||||||||
Belden & Blake Wilderness Walk The Wilderness Walk is our most varied trail. This 1.5 mile loop takes you through upland and lowland forest, along the edge of the prairie, and past the marsh, with views of Fox Creek. These woodlands are spectacular in spring, with wildflowers like Trillium, May Apple, Blue-eyed Mary, and at least 4 different kinds of violets. Sigrist Woods Trail The Wilderness Center is at this location because of the big trees in Sigrist Woods. This three-quarters-mile trail takes you along a wooded boardwalk, then loops among some of the oldest trees in this part of Ohio. It's especially beautiful in fall when the leaves turn color. We've spotted Raccoons, Barred Owls, and even Pileated Woodpeckers in this mature forest. Fox Creek Trail (Named for William Wilson & Wilbur Hunter) The three-quarters mile Fox Creek Trail is a good year-round trail. With mushrooms in the fall, the beauty of Fox Creek in the winter, and wildflowers in the spring and summer, this trail has something for every nature lover. Look for signs of Raccoons along the creek and White-tailed Deer in the old apple orchard. | |||||||||
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Mature forest in winter along Belden & Blake Wilderness Walk | |||||||||
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Sugarcreek Trail Birders and wildflower lovers love the Sugarcreek Trail. This one-mile loop starts in open forest high above Sugarcreek, goes down along the edge of the creek, then climbs back up. Birding is especially good along the Sugarcreek Trail during spring and fall migrations. It's also an amazing stand of Trout Lilies in spring, with many other kinds of wildflowers in season. Esther & Eleanor Oakes Pond Trail The Pond Trail is our most popular trail, a 1.25 mile loop. Walk along Wilderness Lake, go out on the dock, and view the fish, geese, and Beaver lodge. Climb the Tower to get a treetop view. Collect some rocks at our special “rock pit.” Tell time at the Sundial in front of the Astronomy Education Building. Use the spotting scope in the Observation Shelter to look for wildlife at the pond. Pioneer Path Our least-used trail is the Pioneer Path. This 1.75 mile trail takes you on a quiet walk through deciduous forest with a few stands of evergreens. You'll also visit the natural spring. See some of our | |||||
Bridge along the Esther & Eleanor Oakes Pond Trail in early spring | |||||
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restored prairie, try the Prairie Walk portion to travel through the prairie. Beautiful any time of year, The Pioneer Path is especially spectacular in late spring and early autumn, when the prairie blooms.
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