With the COVID-19 pandemic and the State of Ohio’s stay-at-home orders, you might think that all state parks are closed.
Not so. As confirmed in the last update by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources posted on Saturday afternoon, the following list is for open areas and areas of limited access. If it isn’t listed, it is likely inaccessible to the public, including almost all inside facilities.
Public outdoor spaces at Ohio state parks, wildlife areas, forests and nature preserves remain open, including trails, dog parks, and docks with a few exceptions:
- Hocking Hills State Park is closed. This closure includes Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House and Whispering Cave. This closure also includes Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve and several areas at the Hocking State Forest (trails, rock climbing and rappelling area, fire tower area, and day use bridle areas).
- Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is closed.
- The boardwalk trail at Maumee Bay State Park is closed.
ODNR has compiled s list of beautiful hiking trails that may be new to you. If you head out, use common sense, adhere to social distancing guidance, and remember to plan ahead – restrooms and other facilities are closed at Ohio Department of Natural Resources properties statewide. Visit the Statewide Trails Website for more information.
What is limited:
- Parking. If a parking area is full or a parking lot is blocked, move on. Cars parked on roadways or grass will be ticketed.
- Fishing. Non-resident fishing and hunting license sales have temporarily been suspended. Individuals who currently possess a non-resident hunting or fishing license may hunt or fish in Ohio if they abide by ODH guidance to self-quarantine for 14 days before they do so.
- Trout stockings will continue this spring but events associated with stockings have been cancelled.
- If you wish to access Army Corps of Engineers properties, please check their websites for the latest information. Some Army Corps properties are not accessible at this time.
- Shooting Ranges. Class A shooting ranges are closed. All other shooting ranges are open at this time. In Delaware County, the Delaware Wildlife Area Class A range is closed, but the C and D ranges remain open.
