Here in Ohio, our old growth forests are slowly (and sadly) disappearing. Fortunately, however, one of the state’s largest old growth forests is well-preserved — and many of the trees are more than 400-years-old. Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve in Marshallville, Ohio is home to the oldest forest in Ohio, and a hidden gem only the most ambitious Ohio explorers know about. If you know where to look, you can still find some of Ohio’s most beautiful and ancient forests.

Tucked away in Wayne County, you'll find more than 200 acres of some of the oldest trees in Ohio at Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
It's located at 13240 Fox Lake Rd., Marshallville, OH 44645.
The all boardwalk trail system makes the preserve easy to explore. You can either take the Short Loop or Long Loop.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Please note: The preserve closes at dusk.
Some of the trees have grown to be 120 feet tall with a diameter of four to five feet. Most of them are 400 years old.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Additionally, many of the trees grow to a towering height of 40-50 feet before the first limbs extend.

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Although these trees began growing before the pilgrims came to America on the Mayflower, they've continued to flourish for centuries.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Over the years, the site has been referred to as Graber Woods and "Big Woods." Today, it's named after the Johnson family. Mrs. Clela Johnson gifted the woods in memory of her late husband, Andrew C. Johnson, to the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.
The largest trees in the forest are white oaks, red oaks, and hickories. During your walk, you'll notice that many of the trees are labeled.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Although the oldest trees are dying, they're being replaced with shade-tolerant trees, such as sugar maple and American beech.
A walk through this old-growth forest is serene, inspiring and downright magical. You'll want to sit and stay awhile.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
As an added bonus, the wildflowers that bloom here in the spring are absolutely stunning.

Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve is located at 13240 Fox Lake Rd., Marshallville, OH 44645. Have you ever explored this forest before? If so, share your photos and experiences with us!

For more nature sites to explore in Ohio, take these 5 best hikes in Ohio, and be sure to check out the Ohio Nature Lovers Facebook group.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Forests In Ohio

Meghan Byers | December 16, 2022

What are some other old-growth forests in Ohio?

Some other locations with notable old-growth forests in Ohio include:

  • Dysart Woods in Belmont
  • Rowe Woods in Milford
  • A.B. Williams Memorial Woods in Mayfield
  • Hammon Woods in Richland County
  • Gross Memorial Woods State Nature Preserve in Shelby County

What is the biggest forest in Ohio?

Wayne National Forest, while not a continuous block but rather a patchwork of public land, is technically the largest forest in Ohio at 244,000 acres. It covers the area of the Appalachian foothills in southeastern Ohio and has over 300 miles of hiking trails to explore.

Shawnee State Forest is the biggest continuous block of forest in Ohio, at over 60,000 acres. Sometimes called “Ohio’s Little Smokies,” the forest is a popular location for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and camping. Almost 8,000 acres of Shawnee State Forest are designated as a protected wilderness area.

Where is the oldest tree in Ohio?

The oldest tree in Ohio is located within Sugarcreek Metropark in Bellbrook, Greene County. The ancient white oak, planted in 1440 and therefore almost 600 years old,  has been dubbed “the Big Sister” and was once one of three locally famous trees referred to as “the Three Sisters.” One of these trees was struck by lightning in 2008. The remaining tree is in the process of dying, but is still an awe-inspiring sight.

Another ancient tree in Ohio is The Signal Tree, located in Cascade Valley Metro Park in Akron. This historic landmark is approximately 300-350 years old and was used as a means of navigation by Native Americans and settlers, hence its name. The Signal Tree is 85 feet tall and towers over the clearing in which it stands.

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13240 Fox Lake Rd, Marshallville, OH 44645, USA