Trails - Defiance, OH

Hike, Bike, & Paddle

Whether you traverse by foot or by paddle, the trails around Defiance County offer a glimpse into the unspoiled beauty of the Northwest Ohio outdoors. From paved pathways to flowing streams, plot a course for your next outdoor adventure and marvel in the pristine natural areas that define our home.

Buckeye Trail

Listing Title

Buckeye Trail

Website

http://buckeyetrail.org

The Buckeye Trail is a 1,444-mile hiking and long-distance trail that loops around the state of Ohio. The Buckeye Trail Association maintains and develops the trail. In 2017, the Buckeye Trail Association named Defiance an official Buckeye Trail Town.

Defiance Reservoir Walk & Nature Trail

Listing Title

Defiance Reservoir Walk & Nature Trail

Address

1261 Precision Way, Defiance 43512

Phone

419.784.2745

Website

https://cityofdefiance.com/216/Parks-Recreation

The Reservoir Nature Trail is an 8-foot wide, multi-use trail extending from the Defiance Reservoir parking lot through approximately 2,500 feet of natural wooded area. It connects to the “lower” pathway around the municipal reservoir. This walkway offers opportunities for bird watching, leaf-peeping, or just enjoying quiet walks through nature. The “upper” trail is a 1.25-mile stone walkway around the […]

Independence Dam State Park

Listing Title

Independence Dam State Park

Address

27722 State Route 424, Defiance 43512

Phone

419.237.2593

Website

http://parks.ohiodnr.gov

Independence Dam State Park covers 591-acres situated along the banks of the beautiful Maumee River. This park is located approximately 3 miles east of Defiance on St. Rt. 424 and offers recreational opportunities including boating access, hiking trails, camping, fishing, scenic drives, and picnic areas. A hiking trail, once the towpath for the Miami/Wabash/Erie Canal, meanders between the old canal […]

Maumee Water Trail

Listing Title

Maumee Water Trail

Website

https://metroparkstoledo.com/media/3621/maumee-waterway-brochure-031318-web.pdf

The Maumee River travels through woodland, farmland, and the heart of Defiance in route to Maumee Bay in Lake Erie. Boat, canoe, or kayak from Fort Wayne to Toledo.

North Country Trail

Listing Title

North Country Trail

Website

http://northcountrytrail.org

The longest in the National Trails System, the North Country National Scenic Trail stretches 4,600 miles across eight states. From North Dakota, the trail continues eastward and joins the Buckeye Trail through parts of Ohio (including Defiance) and continues to Vermont.

Oxbow Lake & Wildlife Area

Listing Title

Oxbow Lake & Wildlife Area

Address

9 Schick Road, Defiance 43512

Phone

419.424.5000

Website

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov

Oxbow Lake lies 5 miles northwest of the city of Defiance and can be accessed from State Route 15 at Schick Road. Fish of Interest for Anglers include largemouth bass, bluegill, green sunfish and bullhead. The operation of watercraft with any motor is permitted but at idle speed only without creating a wake. There is a small boat launch located […]

Penney Nature Center

Listing Title

Penney Nature Center

Address

08855 Ashpacher Road, Defiance 43512

Phone

419.782.1794

Website

https://www.defianceswcd.org/penney-nature-center.html

If you like to get outdoors and walk rustic natural trails, you are more than welcome to enjoy the Penney Nature Center (PNC). Open from dawn to dusk, PNC is composed of 78 acres and consists of several wetlands, woodlands, and prairie land. 78 acres – 5 trails – 3.5 miles of trails – Pavillion with picnic tables – Several […]

Thoreau Wildlife Reserve

Listing Title

Thoreau Wildlife Reserve

Address

10485 Haller Road, Defiance 43512

Website

https://www.thoreauwildlifereserve.org/

Thoreau Wildlife Reserve is now open to the public for the enjoyment of Nature with it’s 4 nature trails that highlight meadows, woodlands, wetlands and old growth forest. The Reserve is located at 10485 Haller Road and covers approx. 250 acres with 2 miles of trails. Thoreau Wildlife Reserve is working with the Audubon Sanctuary Program to encourage blue birds, […]