Site Features

  • Lake Odonata
  • Casa Burro Trail
  • Shelter Trail
  • Casa Burro Trail

EDUCATION

Wahkeena Nature Preserve is best described as a “living museum,” featuring informative information on the rich Natural History of the Hocking Hills region. Interpretive trail guides are changed throughout the year with the season, the Nature Center is open during site hours and experienced Naturalists are available for programming and to answer visitor questions.

TRAIL SYSTEM

Wahkeena’s trail system is comprised of two walking trails and a floating boardwalk loop. All paths are narrow, rugged and unpaved. Features along both main trails are explained in a seasonal guided trail map, available at the site’s front informational kiosk. 
 
SHELTER TRAIL- 0.5 MILE TOTAL
The Shelter Trail is a self-guided footpath, fairly level with steps to aid in a couple of slight elevation changes. 
 
CASA BURRO TRAIL- 1.0 MILE TOTAL
Named for the small cabin that once housed Carmen H. Warner’s (Wahkeena’s founder) pet donkeys. Hilly with an elevation change of around 250 feet. 
 
POND LOOP- 0.1 MILE
Featuring Lake Odonata, this short loop is the best in terms of wildlife viewing. Depending on the season and time of day, you may sneak up on a muskrat, observe coloring dragonflies and damselflies flying or even see a painted turtle basking in the sun! The trail passes an active beaver lodge and ends at the enclosure of Wahkeena’s two rehabilitated educational raptors. 
 
BOARDWALK- 0.1 MILE
The short Boardwalk Trail winds through a swamp meadow planted with native grasses, sedges, and numerous wildflowers.
 

NATURE CENTER

nature-center

The Nature Center began its life in the early 1900’s as a farmhouse. Once acquired by Frank and Carmen Warner in 1931 it was remodeled to the lodge you see today. The inside of the Nature Center features natural history displays, an observation beehive, taxidermized animals, as well as live animals. 

 

ANIMALS

Wahkeena is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. During your visit be sure to take a look at our two captive birds of prey, an Eastern Screech Owl and Red-shouldered Hawk. Both were injured, deemed non-releasable and are now kept at the Preserve as educational animals.

PROGRAMMINGwinterhike

Wahkeena offers a variety of programs throughout the spring, summer and fall. If you are interested in learning about our native birds, wildlife, wildflowers, ferns or just natural history in general be sure to check out our guided nature walks. We also offer programs for schools, scout groups and home school groups.  Please contact us at (800) 297-1883 for more information on scheduling.

 

Click here to download a general trail map. Trail Map

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