City of Columbus Nature Preserves
Trail Map
Interactive map showing the trail route for City of Columbus Nature Preserves. The map displays topographic information and trail markers.
Elevation Profile
Elevation data not available for this trail.
Chart showing elevation changes along the trail distance. Hover or focus on the chart to see specific elevation values at each point.
The City of Columbus, Ohio, has a mix of City-designated nature preserves, and operates 422 parks throughout the greater Columbus region, providing 14,069 acres of parkland to the residents and visitors of Columbus. These parks contain many amenities and provide access to 230 miles of regional trails, 171 playgrounds and 25 nature preserves.
Brief History of City of Columbus Nature Preserves
1988 – Designation of Hoover Meadows, Hoover Nature Preserve, Hoover Oxbow and Mud Hen Marsh nature preserves.
1989 – Creation of Waterway Task Force for consideration of additional parkland areas.
2004 – Designation of Griggs, Hayden Falls, Kiwanis Riverway Park, O’Shaughnessy and Woodward nature preserves. Formal adoption of the Nature Preserve Advisory Council.
2016 – Designation of Beechwold Park, Gertrude S. Lawrence Woods, Hickory Woods Parkland, Hoover Prairie, Kenney Park, Lazelle Woods, Mock Park, Rush Run, Sawmill and Webster Park nature preserves.
2022 – Adoption of nature preserve code by Columbus City Council.
2024 – Designation of Coronet, Islandview, Overbrook, Warner Woods and Woodstream nature preserves.
If you want to search for a nature preserve by name, please use the site search function in the main menu of the website.
These areas are officially protected for their ecological value. Many have walking paths and are great for birdwatching, nature study, and peaceful outdoor time.
Visiting Suggestions
- Check access: Not all preserves have formal trail signage or parking. Look up the preserve on the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department website before visiting.
- Stay on paths: These are protected habitats — staying on established paths (where present) helps protect sensitive plants and animals.
- These preserves vary in accessibility: some have formal walking paths or boardwalks (e.g., Hayden Falls, Kiwanis Riverway), while others are more natural habitat areas with minimal trails.
- Parking availability also varies — some have small lots or neighborhood street access, others do not have dedicated parking lots. The City site or individual preserve pages on the Columbus Recreation and Parks website often list access details.
- A few preserves (like Hamilton Road Wetland) may require permits for access due to sensitive habitat and rookery protection — check before planning a visit.
- Ecological value: These preserves protect forests, prairies, wetlands, waterways, migratory bird habitat, and endangered plant and animal species. Many were acquired over decades and designated to save habitat amid urban development.
- Habitat types: Forested ravines, floodplain wetlands, marshes, small prairie remnants, creek corridors and riparian areas.
- Wildlife: Amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, migratory birds and diverse native plants. For example, Hamilton Road Wetland preserves a large heron rookery.
- Trails & access: Some preserves (like Hayden Falls, Rush Run, and Kiwanis Riverway) have accessible paths or boardwalks and are suitable for quiet walks and nature observation. Others may be more undeveloped and primarily for conservation and habitat protection.
- Note: These preserves vary in developed trail mileage and signage. Many are maintained for conservation first — hiking may be less formal than in Metro Parks.
Riparian-what does it mean?
Riparian forests grow mainly along rivers and streams, sometimes close to the water, sometimes a bit farther away. They’re shaped by flowing water and changing soil conditions, with plants adapted to the moisture. Many animals depend on these areas for food and shelter. Moisture-loving trees dominate the landscape, giving these forests a distinct look, especially in savanna regions. They’re also home to plant species that thrive in wet conditions.
City of Columbus Nature Preserves
Each of these is officially a nature preserve — many protect forests, wetlands, streams, ravines, grasslands, or riverfront habitat. The City of Columbus Nature Preserves I visited on November 13, 2025, are bolded.
Beechwold Nature Preserve — 101 W. Beechwold Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214 11 acres
A riparian forest lines the Olentangy River, with a forested ravine in the Beechwold neighborhood. This area is home to mature native trees like beech, oak, and hickory, along with a mix of woodland wildflowers and native shrubs.
Coronet Woods Nature Preserve — 1790 Coronet Dr., Columbus, OH 43224 3.7 acres
Coronet Woods is mostly an upland forest with a small wetland by both rainfall and groundwater. Once used for agriculture until around the 1950s, the land was left unoccupied, allowing natural forest succession to take place and shape the woods as they are today.
Gertrude S. Lawrence Woods Nature Preserve — 4748 Red Bank Rd., Galena, OH 43021 29 acres
This forested area sits high above two ravines that flow into the Hoover Reservoir. Along the loop trail, you can take in views of the flooded ravines from two scenic overlooks. In the fall, the water recedes, revealing mudflats that help filter the water and trap sediment, nutrients, and pollutants.
Griggs Nature Preserve — 6245 Riverside Dr., Dublin, OH 43017 41 acres
The area boasts diverse terrain, with hillside slopes, steep cliffs, and river bottomlands. Situated along the 6-mile-long Griggs Reservoir, Griggs Nature Preserve can be reached through Kiwanis Riverway Nature Preserve or via the Scioto River.
Hamilton Road Wetland Nature Preserve — 6135 N Hamilton Rd., Columbus, OH 43081 78 acres
The Nature Preserve is made up of mature woodlands with vernal pools, offering a home to the largest great blue heron rookery in Franklin County. In the beech-dominated heart of the woods, you can find as many as 50 nests.
Hayden Falls Nature Preserve — 4325 Hayden Run Rd., Columbus, OH 43221 3 acres
Hayden Falls Nature Preserve has a beautiful limestone gorge with a breathtaking 35-foot waterfall on the western shore of the Scioto River. This spot has been a destination in central Ohio for over a century, valued for its historical and geological significance.
Hickory Woods Nature Preserve — 2485 Willis Rd., Dublin, OH 43016 5 acres
Hickory Woods Nature Preserve is made up entirely of upland forest, filled with mature hickory and beech trees. Its dotted with native spicebush, adding to its charm. Forests like these play a key role in the local ecosystem, helping to regulate water flow in the area.
Hoover Meadows Nature Preserve — 3715 Sunbury Rd., Westerville, OH 43082 76 acres
This area boasts a variety of habitats, including woodland, wetland, vernal pool, grassland, and stream. The wetlands offer excellent refuge for migrating birds like soras and bitterns, while a large vernal pool tucked in the woods serves as an important breeding spot for amphibians.
Hoover Nature Preserve — 33 Front St., Galena, OH 43021 2,204 acres
Hoover Nature Preserve was created after the construction of the Hoover Dam and reservoir in 1954. It’s now a favorite spot for birdwatchers, especially in spring and fall when migratory waterfowl and shorebirds pass through. The preserve also boasts Ohio’s largest breeding population of warblers.
Hoover Oxbow Nature Preserve — 8401 Oxbow Rd., Westerville, OH 43082 16 acres
Hoover Oxbow Nature Preserve offers a blend of upland forest and wooded wetlands along the western shore of Hoover Reservoir. It’s a favorite spot for boating, fishing, and birdwatching, especially in winter when migrating waterfowl flock to the waters just east and south of the preserve.
Hoover Prairie Nature Preserve — 7445 Cubbage Rd., Westerville, OH 43081 40 acres
Hoover Prairie Nature Preserve features an upland forest and a prairie habitat. The 100-year-old prairie provides habitat to the state’s only known population of the state-threatened Gattinger’s-foxglove.
Gattinger’s-foxglove (Agalinis gattingeri)
Annual hemiparasitic herb; flowers and fruits Aug.-Oct. Two other long-pedicled species, A. tenuifolia and A. skinneriana (which is also rare in Ohio) may be confused with A. gattingeri. A. gattingeri can be distinguished from all other members of the genus except A. skinneriana by the distinctive reticulate veins on its calyx. It also has single terminal flowers on abundant branches; the flowers have pink corollas with two yellow lines and many red spots inside. A. skinneriana, on the other hand, has less branching and flowers in terminal racemes; the corollas have few or no internal markings. Post-1990 records from Darke, Delaware, Franklin, and Lucas counties. This species has only been collected once in Ohio before 1990, in 1929 from Delaware County.
Moist to dry, open to semi-open habitats, especially in acidic soils; barrens, prairies and open woods. Overgrowth by woody species as a result of succession.
In 1973, Naturalist John Thomas discovered the first wild indigo dusky wing skipper here.
Island View Nature Preserve — 403 Westview Ave., Columbus, OH 43214 10 acres
Island View Nature Preserve is a key part of the riparian zone along the Olentangy River. These areas form the transition between land and water, with soil and vegetation shaped by the constant presence of water. This environment boosts plant growth and sustains diverse, interconnected food webs.
Kenney Nature Preserve — 369 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43224 22 acres
Kenney Nature Preserve features upland forests, forested wetlands, and streams that feed into the Olentangy River, with roughly 3,850 feet of flowing water. Its mix of habitats provides a home for an array of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Kiwanis Riverway Nature Preserve — 6245 Riverside Dr., Dublin/Columbus border 10 acres
Kiwanis Riverway Nature Preserve offers a variety of habitats and streams that flow into Griggs Reservoir. It’s a convenient gateway to an area full of natural beauty and ecological significance. Stroll along its wooden boardwalk and enjoy the peaceful forest, colorful wildflowers, and picturesque views.
Lazelle Woods Nature Preserve — 8140 Sancus Blvd., Columbus, OH 43081 10 acres
Lazelle Woods Nature Preserve offers acres of mature forest filled with native wildflowers and visiting migratory birds. Its rich plant diversity draws a variety of wildlife, making it a vibrant natural habitat. Conveniently located beside the Lazelle Woods Community Center, it’s an easy spot to explore.
Mock Nature Preserve — 2520 Mock Rd., Columbus, OH 43219 83 acres
Mock Nature Preserve boasts wooded ravines, floodplains, and streams with beautiful views of Alum Creek. The upland forest is rich with oak and hickory trees, offering shelter to a variety of wildlife. However, the steep terrain can make access challenging for some visitors.
Mud Hen Marsh Nature Preserve — 8742 Big Walnut Rd., Westerville, OH 43082 54 acres
Mud Hen Marsh Nature Preserve features an upland forest, a high quality forested wetland and numerous streams that feed into the Hoover Reservoir. Wetlands are characterized by areas covered or saturated with water. Mud Hen Marsh provides excellent birding opportunities from trails located throughout the preserve.
O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve — 9280 Dublin Rd., Powell, OH 43065 80 acres
O'Shaughnessy Nature Preserve offers a mix of upland forest, pollinator habitat, wetlands, and a large pond connected to the Scioto River. Nicknamed Twin Lakes, it sits beside two large lakes and lies along a migratory path, providing a haven for over 100 species of migrating birds and 45 species of breeding birds.
Overbrook Nature Preserve — 300 Overbrook Dr., Columbus, OH 43214 13 acres
Overbrook Nature Preserve acts as a riparian buffer, protecting the Adena Brook ravine by filtering out harmful pollutants before they can reach the Olentangy River. The trees and shrubs lining the ravine form a natural barrier between the water and surrounding land use, helping to safeguard the stream’s habitat.
Rush Run Nature Preserve — 370 Broad Meadows Blvd., Columbus, OH 43085 39 acres
Rush Run Nature Preserve is home to wooded ravines, wetlands, and streams that flow into the Olentangy River. Just south of Antrim Lake in a quiet residential area, it maintains its charm as a mature forest filled with diverse plant life.
Sawmill Nature Preserve — 2650 Starford Dr., Dublin, OH 43016 17 acres
Sawmill Nature Preserve features a mix of emergent and forested wetlands, upland forests, grasslands, and a pond. Scattered throughout are mature hardwood trees and vernal pools, also called seasonal depressional wetlands. The wetlands here are rich with swamp white oak and a variety of sedge species.
Warner Woods Nature Preserve — 4790 Warner Rd., Westerville, OH 43081 15 acres
Warner Woods Nature Preserve is home to several vernal pools that attract large populations of early spring amphibians. Blending seamlessly with the surrounding Warner Woods Park, it’s a perfect spot for both enjoying the outdoors and supporting conservation efforts.
Webster Nature Preserve — 230 Webster Park Ave., Columbus, OH 43214 1.6 acres
Webster Nature Preserve is one of the oldest parks in Columbus. The land was gifted to the city in 1909 and officially dedicated in 1926 as a “bird sanctuary and flower preserve.” This charming spot is a small forested haven, complete with an unnamed tributary of the Olentangy River.
Woodstream Nature Preserve — 4535 Big Walnutview Dr., Columbus, OH 43230 31 acres
Woodstream Nature Preserve boasts a rich understory of trees and pristine wetlands. Once just a field, it transformed into a meadow and eventually grew into a forest, showcasing ecological succession in action. Today, it’s home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife.
Woodward Nature Preserve — 1230 Fahlander Dr. N., Columbus, OH 43229 34 acres
Woodward Nature Preserve boasts a beautiful oak-hickory and beech-maple forest that’s full of life. In spring and summer, the ground bursts with colorful wildflowers, while the towering trees provide a home for salamanders, warblers, owls, and even flying squirrels.
My plan:
I have lived in the Columbus, Ohio, area all of my 61 years. I am aware of many of the parks, recreation centers, etc. that City of Columbus manages. I was not aware of the City Nature Preserves. So, I pulled up the list of 25 city nature preserves and decided to visit each one and write a review. My husband and I went out on November 13, 2025, to explore some of the nature preserves. We were able to find 6 of the nature preserves. The ones we visited are bolded in the list above.
My first observation was that the city nature preserves are not well-marked. When we did find one, there was no parking or marked trails. Some of the preserves do have parking but not many of them.
Some don't have easy access and no trails. Others have partially marked trails.
It appears the nature preserves are not visited frequently. There are no restrooms or picnic tables. Many of the areas are isolated next to bodies of water or wetlands.
Also, some of the riparian areas are inhabited by people that may not want you to explore. So don't go alone. As always, be aware of your surroundings.
