Ohio's state nature preserves, in ODNR's words
What each preserve protects, how to visit, and what the rules allow.
Find preserves near you
Our count: 157 preserves and natural areas in ODNR's GIS layer, 95 with a page here, 115 with no whole-preserve permit requirement identified in ODNR's permit table or their ODNR pages (named-area or activity permits may still apply).
Our calculation: straight-line miles from the ZIP code's Census centroid to the centre of the preserve's mapped land, not driving distance or the trailhead. Trail miles and the accessibility marker are from ODNR's printed guide; the guide's note for the marker is A portion of the trail system is accessible.
Our take written by Nature Awed
Nature Awed covers Ohio's state nature preserves from ODNR's own pages: 157 preserves and natural areas in its GIS layer, 95 with a page here that quotes what ODNR says each one protects, its trails and its visitor notes. 115 show no whole-preserve permit requirement in ODNR's permit table or in their ODNR pages as quoted here, though some of them need a permit for a named part or an activity.
ODNR describes the preserves as sanctuaries, not parks. The rules page quotes the restrictions and their exceptions for pets, picnics, drones and leaving trails, and the seasons page gathers what ODNR's preserve pages say about wildflower and migration seasons.
Our introduction to the pages linked here; each one quotes ODNR or the Ohio Administrative Code.
State nature preserves are not like parks; they are permanently protected sanctuaries for rare plants, animals, unique geologic features, and fragile ecosystems.
Preserves are best suited for low-impact outdoor pursuits like hiking, bird watching, nature study, and photography.
All preserves
The full table by county, with mapped acres, guide trail miles, permit status and a CSV.
Can I…?
Dogs, drones, picnics, paddling: the rule's own text for each.
Seasons
What ODNR's pages say about spring wildflowers, summer prairies and fall migration.