Nature weaves a tapestry of tranquil landscapes and vibrant ecosystems in Ohio, in several spots presented thoughtfully through the winding allure of boardwalk trails. These sinuous paths are more than wooden structures; they serve as threads connecting the past with the present, inviting modern explorers into a wilderness that once dominated our Buckeye State. Come along on our walk through the boardwalk loops at Maumee Bay State Park, Cedar Bog, and Fowler Woods to experience the diverse natural beauty of an immersive journey through time and space.
The Maumee Bay State Park features a 2.3-mile boardwalk that winds through wetlands teeming with diverse wildlife and lush vegetation.
Summer at Maumee Bay State Park
On the northern cusp of Ohio near the town of Oregon, Maumee Bay State Park is one of Lake Erie’s playful attractions. The park features a 2.3-mile boardwalk that winds through wetlands teeming with diverse wildlife and lush vegetation. I stumbled upon this path a few years ago during a family stay at Maumee Bay Lodge. The highlight of our exploration was the array of wildlife we encountered — from playful frogs to a family of ducks navigating the marshy waters.
This boardwalk was constructed in 1993 and was partially rebuilt with eco-friendly materials after a storm in 2023. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, as more than 300 avian species live in or migrate through the area at one time or another through the year. The interactive exhibits at the park’s Trautman Nature Center paint a vivid picture of the region’s natural and human history, including the journey of migrating birds and the tale of the Great Black Swamp’s early settlers.
Spring at Cedar Bog Nature Preserve
Cedar Bog Nature Preserve in Urbana presents an altogether different aspect of Ohio’s natural heritage. A National Natural Landmark managed by the Ohio Historical Society, the preserve features a 1.5-mile boardwalk that arcs through a fen — a wetland that drains water left behind by retreating glaciers. My husband, Mike, and I took a springtime walk here, surrounded by the sounds of life as hidden birds sang from bushes and frogs peeped from a pond.
Visiting Cedar Bog not only offers a glimpse into glacial history but also provides an intimate look at some of Ohio’s most rare and beautiful plant and animal species. Carnivorous plants and rarities such as the showy lady’s slipper thrive at Cedar Bog alongside towering red maples and black ash trees. The fen’s varied landscape transitions from swamp to prairie, each area blossoming with an explosion of wildflowers.
Fall at Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve
Farther northeast near Greenwich, Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve offers a distinctly different seasonal spectacle. An autumn visit with my sister, Amy, and niece, Jenna, was punctuated by a palette of changing leaves, from vivid yellow to deep brown, which created a crunchy carpet underfoot. The preserve’s 1.24-mile wheelchair-accessible trail circles through mature beech and maple forests and across buttonbush swamps.
The secluded boardwalk is a sanctuary for both flora and fauna. Tall trees and vibrant undergrowth provide food and shelter to a variety of birds. The trilling calls of the veery echo through the trees, adding an auditory layer to the visual splendor of the preserve.
