Ohio is a large state with a diverse landscape, and sprinkled amidst its majesty are hidden gems like Hocking Hills. However majestic it may be, sometimes we crave a bit of time in a more intimate and small park. One of the very best one-mile hikes in Ohio can be found at Wahkeena Nature Preserve, a slice of paradise jam-packed into 150 acres. This is one park you’ll want to keep in mind for future adventures!

Shhh… You’ve just stumbled upon one of Ohio’s best kept secrets: Wahkeena Nature Preserve.

Kim Uttley/Google Images This site was first established by Dr. Frank Warner and his wife Carmen Warner, née Hambleton. The Wahkeena landscape was a wedding present from groom to bride, and the couple would go on to shape the landscape by planting more than 100,000 trees.

This magical and lively landscape, owned by the Ohio History Connection and managed by the Fairfield County Parks, is a 150-acre preserve with an interesting story to tell.

Fairfield County Parks/Facebook Its name comes from a Yakama word meaning “most beautiful.” This tribe is found primarily in Washington state, so it’s an unusual name in a place like Ohio. Purportedly, this site’s name was given by Carmen Warner herself and is inspired by Wahkeena Falls in Oregon.

Wahkeena Nature Preserve is home to a fascinating array of flora, including 33 species of ferns and twelve different types of native orchids.

Fairfield County Parks/Facebook While you can discover these incredible plants along the nature trails, you’ll also find that there are surprises hiding at the site’s Nature Center. Inside the Nature Center, you’ll uncover educational exhibits and a few critters.

It’s also abundant with fauna. This pretty preserve also is home to over 100 species of birds!

Fairfield County Parks/Facebook Pictured here are turkey eggs, as turkey are a familiar sight at the nature preserve. If you spot any during your hikes, remember to observe from a respectable distance. After all, you’re in their home!

The trails through the park are largely rugged, meaning you’ll find yourself immersed in the great outdoors with little evidence of the impact of man.

Benjamin Adams/Google Images The Casa Burro is the longest trail in this nature preserve. At one mile in length, this trail is fairly short and sweet, yet it doesn’t lack in beauty. You’ll pass sandstone ledges, wildflower clusters, and rich woods. Many consider this to be one of the very best one-mile hikes in Ohio!

And, of course, the Boardwalk Trail is a fan favorite attraction at this pretty destination.

Richard Iama/Google Images This modest loop trail will take you onto a floating boardwalk through a pristine Ohio wetland. Visit between July and September to see this area’s meadow in bloom.

If you’re lucky enough to visit when there’s a bit of snow, you’ll find that the effect is stunning.

Fairfield County Parks/Facebook The park opens during winter months on days with nice weather. Be sure to check their schedule to ensure the park is open before you make the trek out there!

Back when the original stewards of this site established it in 1931, they established a lake and two ponds, planted flowers, and started birdwatching at the site. Their legacy is evident throughout the park to this day.

Fairfield County Parks/Facebook When Mrs. Carmen Warner — one of the original owners of this site — passed away, she donated the land to the Ohio Historical Society. To this day, birdwatchers enjoy observing local species, and nature lovers bask in the beauty of the forests she and her husband established and nurtured.

This landscape is truly a living museum, demonstrating the coexistence of man and nature in a serene landscape.

Nathan Racz/Google Images As a result, many schools, groups, and parents immerse young people in nature here. If you’re a parent looking for a park to take the kids to, Wahkeena Nature Preserve should be at the top of your list!

There’s so much to love about Wahkeena Nature Preserve.

Fairfield County Parks/Facebook You can find this destination 6 miles south of Lancaster at 2200 Pump Station Road in Sugar Grove, Ohio.

This nature preserve has what is among the best one-mile hikes in Ohio. Have you ever visited Wahkeena Nature Preserve? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

Kim Uttley/Google Images

This site was first established by Dr. Frank Warner and his wife Carmen Warner, née Hambleton. The Wahkeena landscape was a wedding present from groom to bride, and the couple would go on to shape the landscape by planting more than 100,000 trees.

Fairfield County Parks/Facebook

Its name comes from a Yakama word meaning “most beautiful.” This tribe is found primarily in Washington state, so it’s an unusual name in a place like Ohio. Purportedly, this site’s name was given by Carmen Warner herself and is inspired by Wahkeena Falls in Oregon.

While you can discover these incredible plants along the nature trails, you’ll also find that there are surprises hiding at the site’s Nature Center. Inside the Nature Center, you’ll uncover educational exhibits and a few critters.

Pictured here are turkey eggs, as turkey are a familiar sight at the nature preserve. If you spot any during your hikes, remember to observe from a respectable distance. After all, you’re in their home!

Benjamin Adams/Google Images

The Casa Burro is the longest trail in this nature preserve. At one mile in length, this trail is fairly short and sweet, yet it doesn’t lack in beauty. You’ll pass sandstone ledges, wildflower clusters, and rich woods. Many consider this to be one of the very best one-mile hikes in Ohio!

Richard Iama/Google Images

This modest loop trail will take you onto a floating boardwalk through a pristine Ohio wetland. Visit between July and September to see this area’s meadow in bloom.

The park opens during winter months on days with nice weather. Be sure to check their schedule to ensure the park is open before you make the trek out there!

When Mrs. Carmen Warner — one of the original owners of this site — passed away, she donated the land to the Ohio Historical Society. To this day, birdwatchers enjoy observing local species, and nature lovers bask in the beauty of the forests she and her husband established and nurtured.

Nathan Racz/Google Images

As a result, many schools, groups, and parents immerse young people in nature here. If you’re a parent looking for a park to take the kids to, Wahkeena Nature Preserve should be at the top of your list!

You can find this destination 6 miles south of Lancaster at 2200 Pump Station Road in Sugar Grove, Ohio.

Craving more nature beauty? Embark on some of Ohio’s short and sweet hikes for views you’ll never forget.

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Address: 2200 Pump Station Rd SE, Sugar Grove, OH 43155, USA