Woodman Fen

Woodman Fen

2490 Newcastle Drive Dayton, Ohio 45420

Official Website
Woodman Fen map

Also, see all the hotspots at:
Dayton Southeast Birding Drive

About this Location

This 33-acre natural area contains a rare groundwater-fed wetland known as a fen. Fens contain thick deposits of peat and support many rare and usual plants. Restoring the fen has included planting over 100 types of native wetland plants.

The 1,800-foot ADA-accessible boardwalk snakes around the wetland and keeps your feet dry. It is the longest boardwalk in the MetroParks system and includes three small observation decks where visitors are able to view this stunning wetland. The boardwalk also includes a signage system that marks points of interest and provides educational information regarding the plant and animal species that can be observed in this rare ecosystem.

The majority of Woodman Fen is covered by up to six feet of black muck and peat. Because peat is a soft and easily compressible substrate, dirt or gravel walking trails are not practical access routes through the wetland.

That said, there is a .6-mile loop nature trail. Be aware, that the loop is messy! However, it offers an up-close look at some of the best birding in the region.

The 7-mile-long Iron Horse Trail connects Centerville’s Iron Horse Park to the South with Creekside Trail to the north using a combination of trail, shared roadway, and a wide sidewalk. Along the way, the trail passes by the northern border of Woodman Fen near the Woodman Drive intersection. Exit the trail at Woodbine Ave to reach the park entrance.

Notable Trails

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Woodman Fen .

Features

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Restrooms on site

Content from Official Website