Ashland County: Nature Trails, Wetlands, and History

In southern Ashland County lies Mohican-Memorial State Forest; ponds, wetlands, meadows, and wooded ravines also shape the county’s natural areas. The Ashland County Park District manages 17 ponds, more than 30 miles of hiking trails, and over 2,400 acres of land. For planning, it’s worth noting the differences between the areas: Along with hiking trails, you’ll find opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and water activities, as well as self-guided historical tours.

Forest, Cycling Route, and History

Mohican-Memorial State Forest is accessible via Interstate 71 and State Routes 97 and 3, and is open to visitors daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. A mountain biking trail runs through the forest and Mohican State Park, forming a loop of more than 24 miles. There are two possible starting points. The forest also has more than 27 miles of horseback riding trails—another way to spend time in the woods.

The Memorial Shrine is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Shrine and the 270 acres of Memorial Forest surrounding it were authorized in 1945 to honor the men and women from Ohio who lost their lives defending their country in World War II and all subsequent conflicts. Another point of interest is the Discovery Forest at Mohican: This public educational area has a 1.5-mile interpretive trail through areas of sustainable forest management.

Trails and Water in the County Parks

River Walk Nature Area covers 11 acres along the Jerome Fork of the Mohican River and offers more than 1,500 feet of river access. A three-quarter-mile trail is available for hiking, birdwatching, and viewing spring wildflowers. Canoeing and kayaking are also possible on the Jerome Fork. At Hurdle Waterfowl Park, two miles of hiking trails are complemented by a distinctive pond landscape: It includes a 4.5-acre fishing pond, a 12-acre complex of shallow ponds, and a 2.5-acre duck pond.

At Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park, gently rolling meadows meet a wooded ravine and a pond. The site covers approximately 80 acres of significant wildlife habitat and is open to the public for fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and nature observation. Byers Woods offers more than three miles of trails through forests, grasslands, wetlands, and areas with fishing ponds. Fishing at its four ponds is permitted without a fishing license and is catch-and-release only.

Avian Acres Farm Park also features a variety of landscapes: Its 300 acres include woodland and farmland, wetlands, a fishing pond, and a historic barn. The Jerome Fork runs along one corner of the park.

Wetlands and Birdlife

Audubon Wetlands Preserve covers more than 100 acres of swamp white oak-maple forest and several wetlands: a rare cattail marsh, a high-quality tussock sedge marsh, and a buttonbush swamp. For walks, there are two half-mile loop trails and a 1.5-mile loop trail with five bridges over old river channels. There is also a 300-foot elevated boardwalk with railings.

More than 96 bird species have been identified at the preserve; it is also home to a great blue heron colony and a bald eagle nest. Wildlife sightings may vary by season. Compared with the other trails, the preserve offers several loop routes of varying lengths, while River Walk has a three-quarter-mile trail and Hurdle has two miles of hiking trails.

Historical Tours

The Ashland County Historical Society preserves four historic buildings and offers educational programming for visitors. Its self-guided tours take you through the Center Street Historic District and along Ashland Main Street. This lets you include a historical tour in your travel plans alongside visits to natural areas.

Discover more destinations: Ashland, Medina County, Sandusky County, Fairfield, Lorain, Richland, Muskingum, Harrison County.

For the main travel overview: Ohio.