Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve is great for serious nature enthusiasts who are interested in old- growth forests and all they have to offer. It also simply serves the local area for people who simply want to go for an easy nature walk.
The entirety of the trails are a well maintained boardwalk and completely flat with no steps or inclines. Depending on the time of year, prepare for mosquitoes. There are no restrooms or trash receptacles at Johnson Woods.
PHOTOS OF JOHNSON WOODS
Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve located in Wayne County, Ohio.
Johnson Woods is one of the largest old-growth forests found in Ohio and is large enough to support a variety of animals, including many nesting birds, squirrels, raccoons, deer, and various amphibians.
The main trailhead is across the road from the parking lot. The nature preserve closes at dusk, pets are not permitted, and all other rules are posted at the entrance.
Johnson Woods features one and a half miles of boardwalk to help visitors connect with nature while preserving the quality of this unique woodland.
The wetter areas of the woods feature red maple and American elm trees as well as a variety of wetland flowers.
Trillium blooms from April to June featuring white flowers that normally fade to pink as they age. Trillium, also known as white trillium, is designated as Ohio's state wildflower.
The majority of the larger trees in Johnson Woods are red and white oak, many of which are over 400 years old.
White oaks make big contributions to the canopy of the woods, just one of the many types of trees featured in Johnson Woods.
This small swamp features a small shrub named buttonbush which is typically found in the shallow waters of swamps in eastern half of North America as far south as Mexico.
Johnson Woods feature vernal pools that serve as an important breeding habitat for a number of amphibians including several species of mole salamanders and various species of frogs, such as the chorus frog, wood frog, and gray treefrog.
Fallen trees are an important component to the cycle of life. They serve as a source of food and shelter for many living things and are vital to perpetuating the woodland.
There are many types of benches along the boardwalk of Johnson Woods.
View of eastern horizon from Fox Lake Road from the entrance to Johnson Woods.
Looking west on Fox Lake Road from entrance to Johnson Woods.
The parking lot is located across the road from the woods. It is paved and well maintained and features 24 parking spaces.
Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve: 13240 Fox Lake Rd, Marshallville, OH 44645
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