The Outdoors

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.

One of the area's newest attractions contains more than 80 acres of park land. Visitors may walk, run, or bike on the trails rolling through pasture, wooded glens, and ponds. Horseback trails and nearly 20 picnic sites with tables are available. Open daylight to dark.

Brown's Lake Bog

Brown Rd., off SR 226 near Shreve 614-717-2770

Named a national landmark in 1968. Visitors can see a kettle hole lake, the result of glacial forces that shaped the area over 13,000 years ago. Wildlife enthusiasts may identify over a dozen state-listed rare species at the bog, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy. A boardwalk trail is ideal for hikes and there is parking on site.

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. 419-433-4919 One of Ohio's few remaining old-growth forests which visitors can view from a 1.5-mile boardwalk trail. The 206-acre ecosystem is home to nearly 500 year-old trees, buttonbush swamps, and a variety of bird species.

Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area

Off SR 83 near Shreve, 330-567-3390

The 5,000-acre marsh offers a 3.7-mile wildlife observation and hiking trail where visitors can view birds, including trumpeter swans that frequent the area.

This beautiful 58-acre lake is a fisherman's dream with a boat ramp and accessible fishing area.

Sippo Valley Rail-Trail

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.

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

Wooster Memorial Park

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 (foot traffic only). The 254-acre park and picnic area are located west of Wooster, off SR250, at the intersection of Jefferson and Silver roads.

FROM OLD-GROWTH FOREST TO ROLLING COUNTRY ROADS