Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve

Located within Hueston Woods State Park, this state nature preserve protects 200 acres of virgin forest! Hueston Woods is a remnant of the beech-maple forest that once stretched in a broad band from southwestern Ohio to its northeastern corner. This forest is dominated by towering beech trees along with varying proportions of sugar maple, red and white oaks, and white ash. Beech trees form nearly 44 percent of the canopy, sugar maples make up 28 percent and white ashes 19 percent. Many tulip trees here are around 100 years old. Many of the beech trees are over 200 years old and one beech tree sampled was found to be approximately 300 years old. During the spring, the forest floor is blanketed with a luxuriant display of wildflowers including dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, large-flowered and sessile trilliums, may-apple, bloodroot and several species of violets and buttercups. Rolling topography, streams, and well-maintained trails complete the delightful experience of visiting this old-growth forest. Based on the work and writings of Mary Byrd Davis (1936 - 2011), this unique parcel is estimated to be ~ 5% of all remaining old-growth in the state of Ohio.