What is Old Woman Creek?

It is a 573-acre National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) and State Nature Preserve (SNP). It is one of Ohio’s best remaining examples of a natural estuary, where two different bodies of water meet.

The estuary serves as a field laboratory where scientists can study this naturally functioning system.  It has several miles of trails in a unique variety of habitats, from the creek, to upland forests and prairie. There’s a visitor center at 2514 Cleveland Rd. East with interactive displays and some animals. Across the road is a barrier beach to walk.

As a State Nature Preserve, no swimming or fishing are allowed and no pets, alcohol, or bicycles are permitted on the trails. Canoeing/kayaking and off-trail access are only permitted by obtaining an access permit from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.