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# Wahkeena Nature Preserve: Trails & Hiking Guide
- URL: https://hiking-ohio.com/wahkeena-nature-preserve/
- Published: 2024-07-11T02:45:06.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-07T02:18:37.000Z
- Description: Wahkeena Nature Preserve near Lancaster, OH: 2.5-mi moderate loop, 300 ft gain, 1.5 hrs. Waterfall, wildflowers & wildlife in Fairfield County. Trail guide.
- Author: Lori Jordan
- Tags: waterfall, wildlife, Moderate, Loop Trail, fall, Spring, Scenic View

Trail FactsWahkeena Nature Preserve2.5 miDistanceModerateDifficulty300 ftElevation1.5 hrsDurationLoopTypeFallSpringScenic viewWaterfallWildlife

**Wahkeena Nature Preserve** can best be described as a “living museum,” showcasing the rich natural diversity of the Hocking Hills region. With a focus on education, the site features a Nature Center with seasonal displays, self-guided interpretive trails, natural-history programs, and historical signage.

**Visitor info (as of September 2026, Fairfield County Park District / Ohio History Connection):** **2200 Pump Station Road SE, Sugar Grove, OH 43155**. About **150 acres** (94 acres typically open to the public for hiking). Seasonal hours commonly **mid-March through mid-November, Wednesday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.**; closed Mondays–Tuesdays and for winter mid-November to mid-March — **confirm before you drive**. Phone **740-652-4416** or **800-297-1883**. Admission free. **No pets** (service animals excepted). No picnicking; stay on trails. Official: [Fairfield County Parks — Wahkeena](https://fairfieldcountyparks.org/info/parks/wahkeena-nature-preserve/?ref=hiking-ohio.com) and [wahkeenanaturepreserve.com](https://wahkeenanaturepreserve.com/?ref=hiking-ohio.com).

The preserve's history dates back to efforts by local conservationists and organizations dedicated to preserving its natural landscapes.

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## History of Wahkeena Nature Preserve

![Carmen Warner bench at Wahkeena Nature Preserve](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720141241247-carmen-on-bench.webp)

In 1931, Dr. Frank Warner of Columbus gave his new bride, Carmen, an unusual wedding present: ninety-four acres of old farmland in southern Fairfield County. Mrs. Warner named her estate Wahkeena – a Yakama Indian word meaning “most beautiful” – after a waterfall she had seen in Oregon. The property was studded with old buildings, including a white log-framed house, log barn, hog house, smokehouse, and other structures.

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve scene](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720138926821-image.png)

Wahkeena’s appearance was profoundly transformed in the years after the Warner’s bought it. Some of the buildings were torn down, and their logs were used to build a lodge and garage. The old hog house became a charming guest house, while the smokehouse became a potting shed, an important part of Mrs. Warner’s gardening plans.

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve scene](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720138951936-image.png)

Around their new buildings, the Warners planted more that 100,000 trees on the hillsides and around the lodge. Mrs. Warner built terraces near the lodge by importing loads of top soil, and planted colorful flower gardens all along them. The cornfield near the lodge became a lake; two other ponds were also created.

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve landscape hero photo](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720141697766-Wahkeena_HERO.jpg)

Over the years, the Warners acquired more property until Wahkeena had grown to 150 acres of tree-covered hills.

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve scene](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720141761660-image.png)

Mrs. Warner bequeathed Wahkeena to the Ohio Historical Society in 1957 “to be used for nature study and as a preserve for birds and other wildlife.” Wahkeena has provided environmental education for school children, scout groups, garden clubs, and many others for over 50 years.

In 2012, the Ohio Historical Society entered into a management agreement with the Fairfield County Historical Parks for the day-to-day management and staffing of Wahkeena Nature Preserve. This agreement remains in place today.

This outdoor area is used exclusively for nature study and as a preserve for birds and other wildlife. Wahkeena Nature Preserve is one of 58 sites owned by the [Ohio History Connection](http://www.ohiohistory.org/?ref=hiking-ohio.com), a private, non-profit organization. Wahkeena is managed by the [Fairfield County Park District](http://www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/?ref=hiking-ohio.com) and generously supported by the [Ohio Association of Garden Clubs](http://www.oagc.org/?ref=hiking-ohio.com).

Wahkeena Nature Preserve, located in Fairfield County, Ohio, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, scenic beauty, and conservation efforts. The preserve's history dates back to efforts by local conservationists and organizations dedicated to preserving its natural landscapes.

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve informational signage](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720140713941-Screenshot%202024-07-04%20205104.jpg)

## Admission is free

(Confirm seasonal hours and closures above — Wahkeena is **not** open year-round dawn-to-dusk like many ODNR parks.)

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## Wahkeena Nature Preserve Trails:

### Casa Burro Trail

- Length: Approximately 1 mile
- It's a moderate hike suitable for visitors of all ages.

### Shelter Trail

- Length: Approximately 0.5 miles
- It's an excellent trail for birdwatching and observing native plant species.

### Pond Loop Trail

- Length: Approximately 0.1 miles
- It's a short and accessible trail suitable for families and casual hikers.

### Boardwalk Trail

- Length: Approximately 0.05 miles
- It's a short and accessible trail suitable for families and casual hikers.

### Connector Trails

- Length: Varies see map
- Allows the trails to be connected

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## Biodiversity

The preserve includes upland forests, bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, and meadows, supporting a variety of plant and animal species.

The site hosts an abundance of plants and animals typical of unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. Black Hand sandstone cliffs are forested primarily with tulip trees and oak. Rhododendron, mountain laurel, ferns and orchids are among the preserve's showiest plant species.

# ORCHIDS

Wahkeena has twelve different species of Orchids that can bloom throughout the growing season. If you are only familiar with the grocery store type of orchids, well, you may be disappointed with the native ones. However, if you give them a chance and a closer look (literally) I think you might be surprised. Many of the orchids native to North America are quite small, hard to find, and in special habitats. Bogs are great places to find native orchids and so are Prairies. Unfortunately, all of those habitats are pretty rare in Ohio. But, it can make finding these elusive plants all the more exciting! None of our orchids are exceptionally rare or anything, but because we can tell you exactly when they are blooming and make sure that you can actually find the plants, we’re a great place to get good photos or get started on a life list. Many of our orchids can be seen right from the trail.

**May**:  
Showy Orchis  
Pink Lady’s Slipper  
Whorled Pogonia\*  
Puttyroot

**June**:  
Tway Blade Orchid– can also be late **May**  
Ragged Fringed Orchid  
Adder’s Mouth Orchid

**July**:  
Club-spur Orchid  
Cranefly Orchid\*  
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain\*

**August/September**:  
Autumn Coral Root  
Oval Ladies’ Tresses

# FERNS

Wahkeena lists on the order of **\~30+ fern species** (preserve materials; counts vary by survey). The majority of these can be observed from the trail system, especially the Shelter Trail. Ferns are ancient plants dating back to around 300 million years ago! At that time ferns were huge tree-like plants and dominated the landscape. In fact, we can thank those ferns for much of our electricity today. Why? Those plants over time became coal, which in Ohio, is our main source of electricity!

## **Wahkeena’s Animal life:**

![Snakes exhibit or wildlife at Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720404222945-snakes%20together.jpg)

Visitors may encounter wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, migratory birds, and various reptiles and amphibians. The preserve is known for its birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse habitats.

- Over 100 species of birds documented
- Over 35 species of mammals
- Over 30 species of amphibians and reptiles
- Hundreds of insect species such as dragonflies, damselflies, bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles and more!

The preserve offers educational programs and guided hikes that highlight its natural history, ecology, and conservation significance. These programs are designed to engage visitors and deepen their understanding of local ecosystem

## Nature Center

The Nature Center began its life in the early 1900’s as a farmhouse. In 1931, Wahkeena’s founders, Frank and Carmen Warner, remodeled the farmhouse to the lodge you see today. The inside of the Nature Center features natural history displays, an observation beehive, taxidermized animals, as well as live animals. The Nature Center is a favorite for visitors of all ages, and is open during preserve hours.

![Bear mount display in Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402968108-bear1.jpg)

![Bird displays at Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402968399-birds1.jpg)

![Bobcat mount at Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402970020-bobcat.jpg)

![Duck display at Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402972875-ducks.jpg)

![Fox and owl mounts at Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402971811-fox%20owl.jpg)

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve scene](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402970523-Image1.jpg)

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve scene](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402972629-IMG_3358.JPG)

![Squirrel mount at Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402969376-squerl.jpg)

![Turkey mount at Wahkeena Nature Center](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402968355-turkey.jpg)

## Personal Experience

I noticed the sign for Wahkeena Nature Preserve many years ago. I always wanted to stop to explore. Recently Rob and I stopped by the preserve. It is a very beautiful site and the history of the land and former owners adds a personal element to the preserve. It seems it was a labor of love for the Warners.

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Wahkeena serves as an outdoor education area for nature study groups, school groups, garden clubs and visiting natural resource professionals. Wahkeena is owned by the [Ohio History Connection](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/wahkeena-nature-preserve?ref=hiking-ohio.com) and managed by [Fairfield County Parks](https://www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/parks/wahkeena-nature-preserve/?ref=hiking-ohio.com).

And to think it all started with a gift from a husband to his wife.

![Wahkeena Nature Preserve grounds](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2024/07/1720402906672-resize.jpg)

> 🥾