Forest Run Wildlife Preserve Metropark

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest Run Wildlife Preserve Metropark is a beautiful nature reserve located in Hamilton County, Ohio.


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Summary

The park covers 145 acres of land and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, foxes, and many species of birds.

One of the main draws of the park is its extensive network of hiking trails, which wind through the woods and along the banks of the Little Miami River. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the forest or challenge themselves with a more strenuous hike. Along the way, they will discover a variety of points of interest, including scenic overlooks, historic sites, and unique geological formations.

One of the most interesting features of the park is the abandoned railroad tunnel, which was built in the early 1900s and served as a vital transportation route for many years. Today, the tunnel is a popular spot for hikers to explore and take photos.

Another highlight of Forest Run Wildlife Preserve Metropark is the abundance of wildflowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. Visitors can stroll through fields of vibrant wildflowers and catch a glimpse of the many pollinators that call the park home.

The best time of year to visit Forest Run Wildlife Preserve Metropark is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round and offers something for visitors to enjoy in every season.

Overall, Forest Run Wildlife Preserve Metropark is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Ohio. Its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and fascinating historical sites make it a truly unique and memorable experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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