Glen Helen Nature Preserve

Glen Helen Nature Preserve is immediately east of Yellow Springs, Ohio. It is the largest private nature preserve in the region. As well as being stunningly beautiful, there is a lot to do at Glen Helen. The ‘Yellow Spring‘ that gives the town its name can be found here.

About Glen Helen Nature Preserve

Glen Helen Nature Preserve is adjacent to the main Antioch College campus. Hugh Taylor Birch donated the initial 700-acre area to Antioch College in memory of his daughter Helen Birch Bartlet in 1929.

It is the largest private nature preserve in the region, being just over 1,000 acres in area, and it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965.

The beautiful Yellow Springs Creek gives the town its name, and the Creek can be viewed from many of the trails.

Hiking at Glen Helen Nature Preserve

With over 20 miles of eastern deciduous forest, Glen Helen is full of rustic trails as well as stone steps and wooden boardwalks that pass by streams and dense forests.

Depending on which trail you choose to tackle, you could expect to pass by the historic Yellow Springs, The Cascades waterfalls, The Grotto, Pine Forest, Covered Bridge, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Hopewell Indian Mound.

The trails are rated in difficulty. Some are suitable for children, and you can also take your dog on a leash on some of them.

Trails

We list some of the more popular trails at Glen Helen here.

Inman Trail at just over a mile long, is a moderately challenging loop trail that takes around 28 minutes to complete. Dogs on leashes are allowed and it is also kid-friendly, can be muddy and you will encounter lots of wildlife.

Glen Helen Loop Trail is 2½ miles of moderately challenging loop trail, this one takes just over an hour to complete. You can bring your dog on a leash, although it is probably a bit much for kids. You will pass by a lot of wildlife and nature.

Upper Birch Creek Trail is 1½ miles and winds above the banks of Yellow Springs Creek as well as crossing several springs. Spring water is available along the trail, although it is untreated, so drink it at your own risk! No dogs on this trail. Of course, you will encounter plenty of nature and wildlife along the way.

Fire Road Trail is 2 miles long and passes by the Pine Forest and Horace Mann Monument. Dogs on a leash are allowed, and of course, there will be the expected nature and wildlife throughout the trail.

A Glen Helen Trails Map is available for download

Facilities at Glen Helen Nature Preserve

There is a lot to do at Glen Helen, other than hiking. There are some education centers for both kids and adults, and the focus of this preserve is very much on raptors along with the ecological systems of Ohio.

The Trailside Museum is the weekend welcome center for Glen Helen. The displays and exhibits allow visitors to get an understanding of, as well as a closeness to nature. Here is where you can also pick up trail maps and gear.

The Glen Helen Raptor Center

The Raptor Center is a rehabilitation center for injured birds. The center has the goal of not only healing them but also releasing them back into the wild. Visitors can view the Ohio native birds of prey species kept in outdoor enclosures.

You can hike to the Raptor Center, following one of the trails, or drive straight there. The center is open in winter from 9 am to 5 pm, in spring and fall from 9 am to 6 pm, and in summer from 9 am to 7 pm. Find more information from the Glen Helen Official Site

Fun and Educational Seasonal Programs

Glen Helen Nature Preserve has a lot of programs throughout the year, including, but not limited to, guided trails, bird-watching, etc. Some examples of the programs you may find at any given time are Spring Beauty Saunter: Wildflower Walks. Native Plant Swap: you are invited to offer plants you have to donate or swap! Prairie and River Walk: look out for the native birds! To discover what is on offer when you are planning to visit, go to the Glen Helen Program Calendar

Glen Helen Nature Preserve Quick Facts

• Opening times are ‘from dawn until dusk’
• There is a fee for parking
• Hiking
• Raptor Center
• Outdoor Education Center
• Riding Center
• Program Calendar

Where is Glen Helen Nature Preserve Located?

Where is Glen Helen Nature Preserve

• Address: 405 Corry Street, Yellow Springs, Ohio 4538
• Phone: 937-769-1902 | Website

Location Map for Glen Helen Nature Preserve

The map below shows the locations of Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Glen Helen Raptor Center, and the Yellow Spring.

Let’s Go to Glen Helen Nature Preserve!

Have you been to Glen Helen Nature Preserve? Which was your favorite trail? Did you visit the Raptor Center or any of the other facilities? We would love to know. Leave a comment below telling us about your visit!

Would you like more things to explore in Yellow Springs? You might like our round-up of Things To Do In Yellow Springs Ohio as well as our Yellow Springs Hiking feature. A couple of lovely time-fillers in Hocking Hills are Clifton Mill and Clifton Gorge. Other Reserves include Indian Mound Reserve, a great day out for the whole family!