The Natural Playground In Ohio That Will Make You Feel A Million Miles Away From It All
Here in Ohio, natural playgrounds abound. You don’t always have to drive miles off the beaten path to find them, however.
There’s one extra special nature preserve hiding in the small town of Yellow Springs. It’s a beloved hiking spot among frequent Ohio explorers. A natural playground tucked away in the middle of a small town, Glen Helen Nature Preserve is perfect for your next adventure. With towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and interesting rock formations, there’s so much to see within this little-known nature preserve—and you’ll forget just how close to town you actually are.
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Also known as the Glen Helen Ecology Institute, this natural attraction is an Ohio gem you need to explore when you can.
You'll find it at 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387. (Note: Parking is located to the left of the entrance.)
The nature preserve covers 1,000 acres and features a 25-mile network of footpaths that allows visitors to observe 400-year-old trees, limestone cliffs, waterfalls, overhangs and more.
In addition to hiking, there's a Raptor Center and Trailside Museum you can explore. They make great educational opportunities for families with children.
Within the preserve, you''ll also find the official "Yellow Spring" (which actually looks more orange than yellow) that the town is named after.
(And you have to get a picture in front of it, of course!)
You'll even stumble upon some interesting rock formations. Pictured is Pompey's Pillar. Although it may look like it's made of bricks, it's actually weathered limestone. You'll find this particular sight along the Inman Trail.
The Inman Trail takes you to both Pomey's Pillar and the Yellow Spring. If you only have time to take one trail, we recommend this one. It's a loop trail, categorized as "moderate." It begins at the preserve's main entrance.
Along the Inman Trail, you'll also pass what's know as Glen Helen Falls, or "The Cascades." You'll want to stop a minute and take in the picture perfect surroundings near this 10-ft. waterfall that kids love to stop and play in.
Just follow the creek downstream. Before you know it, you'll end up back at the parking lot! Before leaving, make sure you visit the Glen Helen Building, which houses the Visitors Center, Nature Shop, Atrium Gallery and Auditorium.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve is located at 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387. Have you ever been here before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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