Hueston Woods sits on the Cincinnati Arch which is a geological term for this area of land that used to be a shallow sea. There is even a designated area where you can collect the Ordovician fossils (ancient marine animals) year-round. However, I believe the best part of Hueston Woods is the hiking trails. My favorite time to visit is in spring as there is a plethora of spring wildflowers to marvel.
Hueston Woods State Park has camping, a rustic lodge, a nature center, a wildlife rehabilitation center, an archery range, and a marina.
The grounds also include the Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve which is home to an old-growth and nearly-virgin forest.
Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve is a designated registered National Natural Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior. The site meets to criteria of representing exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of the United States. You can see why the moment you step into the woods.
When crossings a creekbed, take a moment to look closely at the flat rocks.
These limestone slabs are often filled with Ordovician fossils.
You are likely to see brachiopods, crinoids, bryozoans, bivalves, and corals.
Hueston Woods Hiking Trails
Hueston Woods State Park and State Nature Preserve is a popular destination. Oxford, Ohio is nearby and the recreational opportunities bring people from all over the region. You will likely encounter multiple hikers on the trails. Everyone that I’ve encountered has been friendly and happy to share information on any cool things that they have found.
Most of the hiking trails are one-person-wide footpaths through the woods. In the wet days of spring – it will be muddy along the trails, especially the Blue Heron and West Shore trails.
The trails meander through the sugar maple-beach forest and occasionally cross creeks via footbridges.
In the springtime, this old-growth and nearly virgin forest has a multitude of spring wildflowers including Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, trilliums, mayapples, and bloodroot.
Look for clusters of trout lilies near the bases of beech trees.
The 200-acre nature preserve is also home to old-growth woods with beech, sugar maple, red oak, and white oak trees. Forests of this size are rare in western Ohio considering the state went through an era when most of the land was cleared for farming.
Checkout my book for a comprehensive guide to hiking at Hueston Woods State Park.
