No matter how you traverse — by pedal, foot, or paddle — the trails systems of Defiance County, OH, offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of Northwestern Ohio. From a 1.25-mile loop trail around the city’s reservoir to a 4,600-mile trail stretching from the Great Plains to New England, with natural or paved paths, each trail varies in sights and experiences, yet collectively provides the ideal way to explore the great outdoors. Learn more about Defiance County trails and take a breath of fresh air as you log some miles outside.
Hit the Trails
Bike it, hike it, or row it — the trails of Defiance County immerse travelers in the grandeur of Northwestern Ohio however they choose to experience it. Trails around Defiance County include:
- Defiance Reservoir & Walking Trail — This 8-foot-wide loop trail encircling Defiance Reservoir features two paved, multi-use paths, the lower passing through roughly 2,500 square feet of natural, wooded area and connecting to the statewide Buckeye Trail along Canal Road. The upper path is a 1.25-mile stone walkway that provides unparalleled views of the reservoir and waterfowl that stop there.
- Thoreau Wildlife Reserve — Covering approximately 250 acres across 2 miles of trails, Thoreau Wildlife Reserve — named for naturalist, philosopher, and poet Henry David Thoreau — features four nature trails that pass through a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, wetlands, and old growth forest. Visitors can also find signs emblazoned with reflections by the park’s namesake.
- Oxbow Lake & Wildlife Area — Located in the glaciated lake plain of Ohio, the 435-acre Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area features slightly rolling topography with some steep land near Mud Creek, which bisects the area. A top spot for birders, Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area is home to many migrating songbirds and shorebirds in spring and fall.
- Maumee Water Trail — Running from Riverside Park in Antwerp, OH, and running northeast across the state and into Lake Erie in Toledo, the Maumee Water Trail carries kayakers and canoers on twisting, winding paddling expeditions that can last days at a time. Several put ins are available around Defiance County, including the Bend (south of Sherwood at Mile 75.8), the Dey Bridge Launch (west of Defiance at Mile 65.4), Pontiac Park in Defiance (Mile 63.6), and three at Independence Dam State Park (east of Defiance at miles 60.1, 59.5, and 57.5).
- Independence Dam State Park — Located just 3 miles east of Defiance, the 591-acre Independence Dam State Park features a 3-mile hiking trail that previously served as the towpath for the Miami-Erie and Wabash-Erie canals. This path meanders along the old canal and river and ends in Florida, OH, giving hikers a firsthand glimpse of Ohio’s storied canal days.
- Buckeye Trail — The Buckeye Trail is a 1,444-mile loop trail beginning in Cleveland, running south along the eastern border of the state, then west to Cincinnati, north to Defiance, and then east to Cleveland. Defiance was named an official Buckeye Trail Town in 2017; the trail enters Defiance at Defiance Reservoir, travels along the south end of town and downtown, across the Old Fort Grounds, and the river into Pontiac Park. The Buckeye Trail is marked by the Blue Blazes, markings on trees and poles that signify the shape and direction of the trail.
- North Country National Scenic Trail — The longest trail in the National Trails System, the North Country National Scenic Trail runs 4,600 miles from North Dakota to Vermont, joining the Buckeye Trail through portions of Ohio.
- Hicksville Nature Trail — Maintained by the Hicksville Trail Association, the Hicksville Nature Trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail featuring a meadow of wildflowers and wooded portions throughout — the perfect place for a relaxing stroll and serene photo ops.
- Penney Nature Center — Gifted to Defiance County by the Penney family, Penney Nature Center features five rustic trails that twist and wind through 78 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. Guests will enjoy a covered bridge, a walking bridge, and trail signs and markers, each enhancing the guest experience and making this rugged, outdoor space a little more hospitable.
Unforgettable outdoor experiences are in our nature. Learn more about the parks, wildlife areas, and waterways of Defiance County and plan a memorable getaway to Northwestern Ohio.
