Oak Openings Preserve Metropark Swanton Township, Ohio Fall Walks

When it gets cooler we spend more time taking fall walks. One of our favorite preserves has over 30 miles of well-marked hiking trails, 22 miles of bridle trails and there are designated trails for cross-country skiing. 

 I like it that I  sit at the nature center and watch the loud-voiced nuthatch as it creeps along this tree trunk, probing the crevices, with its pointed bill. Meanwhile, a little chipmunk scurries across the rock and takes a drink from the small pond. 

Sandy paths run along many of the attractive ponds and creeks beds, making the area a prime nesting place for bluebirds, indigo buntings and whippoorwills. 

You can  walk the thin gravel path and connect with a boardwalk over the marshy areas.