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Wahkeena Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 252 Google reviews · Running trail in Sugar Grove, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wahkeena Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Wahkeena Nature Preserve
“but they gladly accept donations to help keep the grounds and trails in great condition.”
“Delightful place with a few scenic trails and a very cool little office/visitor center full of neat animals (living and preserved).”
“The trails here are very well marked and you can get a trail map at the trailhead.”
“Perfect for quiet solo hikes, as well as for educational family visits.”
This place is cool and worth the trip no matter where you are. The trails are perfect. The trails now are controlled in the direction to walk, so keep a distance is very easy. There are all kinds of things to see here, birds, frogs, turtles, all kinds of bugs flying around. The rocks and boulders are really cool too.
A gem hidden along the busy route 33 highway in Sugar Grove. Easy to moderate trails and wildlife and fauna of all sorts to feast your eyes on. Due to the COVID-19 the trails have been marked as one way to insure proper distancing for all hikers.
This is an absolute gem of a place. Of note, this is a Nature Preserve. As with all Nature Preserves in Ohio, there are no pets permitted and you cannot fish there. They also have signs that advise on rules of the Preserve that also advise no picnics and you cannot pick flowers/plants.
The trails here are very well marked and you can get a trail map at the trailhead. The terrain is very steep in places but the trails around the cabins and ponds are easy with beautiful scenery.
Trail conditions & character
“The terrain is very steep in places but the trails around the cabins and ponds are easy with beautiful scenery.”
“Delightful place with a few scenic trails and a very cool little office/visitor center full of neat animals (living and preserved).”
“The parking lot is pretty spacious and there are two Porta Potty near the parking lot.”
“The parking lot is pretty spacious and there are two Porta Potty near the parking lot.”
“The staff also told me that the trail map is updated every few months because they relocate the trail markers.”
“There is no fishing, picnicking, or dog walking allowed here.”
“Perfect for quiet solo hikes, as well as for educational family visits.”
“There were 2 or 3 easy hiking trails, a boardwalk through a wetlands area, and a little cabin with employees available to answer questions.”
Plan your run at Wahkeena Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewahkeenanaturepreserve.com
- Phone(800) 297-1883
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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