Old growth forests are important to the ecological balance in nature. The trees in these forests provide nesting places for insects, reptiles and amphibians. They improve air quality and water quality while creating a rich topsoil for native plants, flowers and fungi.
Ohio is home to many old growth forests, some with trees dating 300 years old. Northwest Ohio is home to four old growth forests, each with unique aspects to explore. The Old Growth Forest Network keeps detailed records of forests in Ohio and around the country, with descriptions of flora and fauna as well as directions to find each preserve.
Secor Metropark
10001 W. Central Ave., Berkey
Lucas County
419-407-9700
This 159 acre park is part of Oak Openings and features a high biodiversity with trees that are 75-150 years old. It is also home to the National Center for Nature Photography.
Trees: tupelo, silver maple, sycamore, cottonwood, hickory, beech, red oak, pin oak, white oak.
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve
5232 County Rd. 26, Archbold
Fulton County
419-445-1775
This 321 acre preserve is part of the Black Swamp forest and features some of the largest trees in Ohio.
Trees: giant bur oak, large white oaks, cottonwoods.
*Tip: Visit in the spring before the arrival of mosquito season.
Howard Collier State Nature Preserve
1655 W. Township Rd., Tiffin
Seneca County
419-445-1775
Located on Sandusky State Scenic River, this floodplain features many trees and spring wildflowers.
Trees: large oaks, sycamore, ash, tulip, American beech, cottonwoods.
Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve
615 S. Wintergarden Rd., Bowling Green
Wood County
419-353-0301
This 103 acre preserve includes meadows, prairies, wetlands, pioneer woods, and old growth forests. You will also find a wide assortment of native flowers and plants such as may apples, trillium, and prickly pear cactus.
Trees: red oak, white oak, shagbark, hickory.
Day Trips
Looking for more adventure? These nature preserves are worth the drive.
Solon Woods State Nature Preserve
34227 Russell Dr., Solon
Cuyahoga Valley
This mixed hardwood forest includes 130 acres. In the spring you will find vernal pools and native wildflowers. It is also an excellent place for birding.
Trees: white oak, bur oak, red oak, swamp white oaks, beech.
Coppess Nature Sanctuary
Located off Young Rd.
Darke County
937-548-0165
This 32 acre park features walking trails along with an oak and hickory old growth forest.
Routzong Preserve
Located off Routzong Rd.
Darke County
937-548-0165
This 55 acre preserve has a 1.5 mile walking trail and an interesting understory that includes spicebush and pawpaw.
Trees: red elm, buckeye, oak.
Highbanks Edward F Hutchins Nature Preserve
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewes Center
Delaware County
614-906-3149
This 206 acre park is a mix of young and old growth. It also contains a 1000 year old Native American earthworks by the Late Woodland native people, a National Historic Treasure.
Trees: oak, maple, hickory.
Edward Thomas State Nature Preserve (Sharon Woods)
6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville
Franklin County
614-315-5520
This 768 acre preserve is a mix of fields and forest. It features an 11 acre lake and seasonal pools. Some of the trees are over 250 years old.
Trees: hickory, beech, eight species of oak.
Baker Woods State Nature Preserve
4316 St. Anthony Rd., Coldwater
Mercer County
937-537-6173
This 47 acre park features 42 acres of old growth forest. Visitors in the spring will find many native flowers.
Trees: shagbark, shellbark, hickory, bur oak, swamp white oak, white oak, chinquapin oak.
*Tip: visit in spring or autumn to avoid mosquito season.
Hueston Woods Nature Preserve
St. Rt. 732 North
Preble County
513-523-6347
This preserve features 200 acres of virgin forest. Visitors will find streams, trails, and many spring flowers that cover the forest floor.
Trees: beech, sugar maple, oaks, white ash, tulip.
Gross Memorial Woods State Nature Preserve
19575 Botkins Rd., Jackson Center
Shelby County
937-537-6173
This preserve has 40 acres of old growth forest at its 49 acre site. It is one of the least disturbed swamp forests, with a diversity of trees, many dating 150 to 200 years old. Native flowers bloom in the spring.
Hammon Woods
342 Resort Dr., Butler
Richland County
419-522-6262
This 172 acre preserve has 90 acres of old growth forest. Spring-fed streams are home to many woodland animals, including salamanders. Native plants and flowers such as orchids are on display.
Trees: oak, maple, tulip, beech.
