There is a paved road to this location which is not on Google Maps, but is at the intersection of Brown Road and Main Loop Road. It can be seen on the park’s trail map.

The upper parking area has a trail that leads to a creek where many birds, including Louisiana Waterthrush, can be found in the spring. The lower lot, by the fishing pier, has plenty of parking and a restroom. The lake runs North-South and there is a trail that runs along the west shore both ways. Thrushes, warblers, vireos, woodpeckers, and more can be found.

Take the north (left) path, and it runs the water’s edge and will run into the Beach trail network. Take it south (right), and it also runs close to the water and up to the Acton Dam, with another trail that leads up to the Blue Heron Parking lot, and further to the Big Woods Parking lot.

In the fall and winter, the fishing pier and lower parking area is a great place to use your binoculars or scope to see waterfowl in the lake.

Note this area is part of the preserve and no pets or hunting is permitted.

A favorite spot among both birders and anglers, the fishing pier is located next to the Sugar Shack in the Nature Preserve along the west shore of Acton Lake. It is wheelchair accessible and parking available. From the fishing pier there are great views of the lake and the lodge. You may also see other wildlife in this area.

The rich soils of the area are part of the glacial till plains of western Ohio. Early settlers cleared the dense woodlands to farm the fertile soil. Nearly all of Ohio’s original forest has since vanished. However, one unique stand of virgin timber remains at Hueston Woods. Over 200 acres have been protected and provide visitors with a glimpse of Ohio’s primeval forest. Stately beech and sugar maple tower above the abundance of ferns, wildflowers, and other woodland species. In 1967, the 200-acre forest was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

Hueston Woods State Park located in southwest Ohio has an enormous wealth of natural resources. The limestone bedrock of the area is evidence of an ancient shallow sea that once covered Ohio. Much of the limestone is the magnesium-bearing type called dolomite. Fossilized remains of ancient marine animals are so abundant that people from all over the world come to Hueston Woods to collect them.

West Shore Trail – 1.5 Miles – Moderate
Sugar Bush Trail – 0.8 Miles – Moderate
Blue Heron Trail – .6 Miles – Moderate
Big Woods Trail – 1.1 Miles – Moderate