wahkeena nature preserve

Having moved to the area just months earlier, we were delighted to run into Wahkeena on an afternoon drive to re-acquaint ourselves with the area. This is a lovely, quiet, wooded retreat with a pretty pond, trails, an interesting nature center and an amazing array of plants. We arrived on the final day before it closed for the season. We now await spring and more exploration.

We stopped to check out this nature reserve. It's a short hike around, but quite a few things to look at including a beaver lodge. It's a short hike and good for a family. The center also has some activities for kids. This is another no pets place.

rolling hills, creeks rock formations Historic sites. many points of interest. Beautiful wildflowers. Creek deep enough for fishing.

Wahkeena is one of our favorite stops when traveling to the Hocking Hills region. There is a nice little cabin that houses a small museum and visitor services. The staff is outstanding. The grounds are beautiful and offer some great little hikes. Our favorite part is seeing the wounded birds that are housed (a hawk and an owl during our last visit). Be sure to keep calm and quiet around these beautiful creatures. It's a short, but amazing stop when traveling the area.

The Wahkeena nature preserve is located near the larger and more spectacular parks of Hocking Hills, but it is worth a stop. There is very small museum with many interesting exhibits. There are some nice trails located throughout the park. There is also a small lake where we spent some relaxing time watching the numerous turtles. One of our favorite things about this park is that they house birds who were no longer able to live in the wilderness because of various injuries. Our favorite on our recent trip was a large, beautiful owl who had been blinded in one eye when hit by a vehicle. An hour to a few hours offers ample time to see the preserve. The park is free and is located near route 33, well worth the stop when traveling through the region.

This preserve is well maintained and staffed. It is a quick hike since it ranks on the smaller side. We experienced more wildlife here than at Hocking, easily, because it is less frequented.

Nice little walk in the woods situated on property of an old farmstead with standing buildings, ponds and gardens.

This is a must go to spot for all nature lovers. The kids and grandparents alike all find things of interest at the nature center.

Wahkeena is a real find. The nature center is small but jam-packed with cool stuff. The helpful naturalists are eager to engage you and your kids in conversations about what you saw on the trails, the snakes in the center, and identifying the many amazing shells, bones, furs and nests on display.