Get Lost In A Pine Grove Maze At Oak Openings Nature Preserve In Ohio

Do you have a favorite forest you enjoy getting lost in? Here in Ohio, there’s an enchanting pine forest you’ll want to explore. Oak Openings Nature Preserve in Swanton, Ohio features a mesmerizing grove of red pine trees that feels like something from a dream. It’s more than worthy of your outdoor bucket list.

Welcome to Oak Openings Nature Preserve! It's Ohio’s rarest ecosystem—and it's one of the world’s rarest ecosystems.

Here, rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony.

The park covers a total of 5,000 acres and features more than 30 miles of well-marked hiking trails.

The Oak Openings Hiking Trail circles more than 15 miles around the park, winding its way through lakes, sand dunes, ferns and an enchanting red pine forest.

Looking up at the trees is mesmerizing. It's something you'll definitely want to bring your camera for.

Although it can be tempting to let yourself get lost in such a beautiful place, rest assured that the trails are well-marked.

Have you ever explored the pine forest at Oak Openings Nature Preserve before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

Address: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA

April Dray

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.