Enjoy Nature on Northwest Ohio Trails



There are many Northwest Ohio trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.. They are always a great way to exercise and enjoy nature and the outdoors. 

This page lists some of the different trails in the area. Click on the corresponding links for additional information about that trail.

There are many great Ohio trails in Northwest Ohio.   This part of the state is completely flat so you won't be challenged by steep climbs or drops.  However there are other aspects of the landscape that will make each trail (or section of the same trail) a little bit different or challenging.


Hiking Trails

  • The 15 mile Scout Trail in Oak Openings Preserve is one of my favorite Northwest Ohio trails.  The signs for the trail say it is 17 miles but is actually just a bit over 15 miles.  This trail weaves through the entire 3700 acre (plus) Oak Openings Preserve and covers some of the most remote sections of the park.  You can't really appreciate Oak Openings Preserve unless you hike the Scout Trail.


  • The 8 mile towpath trail can be used for hiking or biking. Most people walk to the Bend View area and back, which is 4 miles round trip.


  • The boardwalk trail at Irwin Prairie is a very casual 2 mile round trip through Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve.


  • The 2.7 mile River Bluff trail at Providence Metropark is a very nice stroll and a good way to see the "back country" of Providence.


  • The Meadow Trail at Swan Creek Metropark is an interesting 1.3 mile stroll though an natural urban oasis.


  • Another of my personal favorite Northwest Ohio trailss is the Ridge Trail at Oak Openings Preserve.


  • Evergreen Trail at Oak Openings Preserve

 

Visit one of our partner sites to learn all about the ins and outs of serious hiking. Check out the hiking tutorials, survival techniques, and backpacking essentials at Pure Country Hiking.



Wabash Cannonbal Trail - North Fork
A paved section of the
Wabash-Canonball trail

 Bike Trails

One of the longest bike trails in Ohio is the Wabash-Cannonball Trail at 63 miles. It is an old railroad bed and part of the Rails-to-Trails initiative in Ohio.  Approximately 22 miles of this trail is paved in Lucas County.  The trail also extends (unpaved) in to Fulton and Henry counties. 

(Learn more about Ohio bike trails at OhioBikeways.net.)

Another of the nicest trails in this part of Ohio is the towpath trail.  This trail can be used for hiking or biking (mountain biking for most of it). The towpath trail extends for eight miles between Farnsworth and Providence Metroparks.  It is the old towpath trail from the Wabash-Erie canal.  many sections of the abandoned canal can still be seen along the trail.



Horseback Riding

Horse Trail at Oak Openings
Horse Trails at Oak Openings Preserve

If horseback riding is your passion the horse trails at Oak Openings Preserve and Maumee State Forest have to be some of the best in the state. 

There are nearly 20 miles of horse trails at Oak Openings Preserve and a dedicated horse center in the park.  The horse center is also adjacent to Maumee State Forest for easy access to both locations.






NW Ohio Nature Oak Leaf

 



What's New
Share Your Nature

Plants & Animals

Butterflies
Dragonflies
Trees
Wildflowers
Poison Ivy ID

Birds

NW Ohio Birds
Picture Gallery
Birds of Prey

Things to See & Do

Parks & Preserves
Oak Openings Rgn.
Trails

Photography

Nature Photography
Photo Galleries

Articles

Nature Notes
Habitat Restoration