Nature Preserve Hueston Woods

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve is located in the state of Ohio and covers an area of 2,600 acres.


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Summary

The preserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna, ranging from old-growth forests to wetlands and prairies.

There are several good reasons to visit Hueston Woods, including hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore over 10 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The preserve is also home to over 200 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Additionally, visitors may spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, coyotes, and other wildlife.

Some specific points of interest within the preserve include the Old Growth Trail, which features some of the oldest trees in the area, and the Swamp Forest Trail, which passes through a wetland area and offers views of beaver dams. The Lake Trail offers scenic views of Acton Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Interesting facts about the preserve include that it was once home to the Shawnee tribe and that several species of rare plants are found within its boundaries, including the American Chestnut tree. Additionally, the preserve is part of the larger Hueston Woods State Park, which offers camping, swimming, and other recreational activities.

The best time of year to visit Hueston Woods is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers unique experiences during all seasons.

Sources:
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve
- Ohio.org: Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve
- AllTrails: Hueston Woods Old Growth Trail
- BirdingInOhio.com: Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve

       

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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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