Shawnee Walking Tour

In an ongoing series, we will be taking walking tours throughout Ohio’s Winding Road. Focusing on COVID-safe activities, we aim to share the natural beauty of the region and highlight its unique history and vibrant culture. SHAWNEE: WHERE NATURE MEETS HISTORY The historic town of Shawnee is named after the North American Indian tribe who…

OWR SNAPSHOT: Wildcat Hollow

In an ongoing series, we are traveling throughout the OWR region on short day-trips to find and share its natural beauty. Today’s post comes from Audrey Tompkins: Wildcat Hollow Trail is tucked away off State Route 13 towards Corning. There are two trails offered- a 17.2 mile scenic loop for backpackers and a 5 mile…

OWR SNAPSHOT: Monroe Outlook

In an ongoing series, we are traveling throughout the OWR region on short day-trips to find and share its natural beauty. Today’s post comes from Audrey Tompkins: The Monroe Outlook is a unique wildlife observation destination located in Wayne National Forest just off of State Route 13 towards Corning. The trailhead is slightly down the…

OWR SNAPSHOT: Boord State Nature Preserve

In an ongoing series, we are traveling throughout the OWR region on short day-trips to find and share its natural beauty. Today’s post comes from Grant Joy: Boord is a State Nature Preserve located off of State Route 550 on Township Road 69. Boord is named in honor of Elza and Cora B. Boord. Boord…

OWR SNAPSHOT: Gifford State Forest

In an ongoing series, we are traveling throughout the OWR region on short day-trips to find and share its natural beauty. Today’s post comes from Audrey Tompkins: Located just between Amesville and Chesterhill, the Gifford State Forest is the smallest state forest in Ohio. The 320-acre area features hiking trails, a breeding nursery, and forested…

OWR SNAPSHOT: Shallenberger State Nature Preserve

Shallenberger is located right off of US Route 33 and features a 1.6 mile figure 8 loop of hiking. The trail traverses through two valleys and around Allen and Ruble Knob. The preserve features a number of interesting rock croppings and a nice second-growth mixed hardwood forest. The site is named for J.M. Shallenberger.

OWR SNAPSHOT: Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve, located in southern Fairfield County, just recently opened up to the public: As you make your way to the preserve, you will follow a gravel road that will turn to grass, going past an old farmstead and wooden barn. The preserve features Christmas Rock Loop trail and the Jacob Ladder’s…

OWR SNAPSHOT: Muskingum River Parkway State Park

The Muskingum River Parkway State Park System was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The Muskingum River begins at the confluence of the Walhonding and the Tuscarawas Rivers in Coshocton, Ohio. The state park is a home to the nation’s oldest hand-operated lock system as West…