Ohio is full of hidden gems just waiting for nature lovers to discover. Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton is home to the state’s rarest ecosystem and a mesmerizing pine forest you have to see to believe. Part of the Toledo Metroparks system, this underrated park is worthy of your outdoor bucket list.

Here’s why you’ll want to visit this beautiful piece of Ohio nature:

Hiding in one of Ohio's most unique metro parks in the Toledo area is a grove of red pine trees—and it's downright magical.
ExploringNWO/Trip Advisor
Address: 4139 Girdham Road, Swanton, OH, 43558
The park covers a total of 5,000 acres and features more than 30 miles of well-marked hiking trails. To view a map of the trails, click here.
Greg Stawicki/Flickr
Looking up at the trees is mesmerizing. It's something you'll definitely want to bring your camera for.

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Oak Openings is Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony.
Benny Mazur/Flickr
You''ll likely see some plants and other wildlife you've never seen before here. (Pictured is a Brown Hooded Owlet Caterpillar.)
Take your time and enjoy the scenery here. The pine forest is one of the most peaceful places to relax in a hammock.
Metroparks Toledo/Facebook
Oak Openings often makes visitors feel as if they've temporarily traveled to another state or different part of the world.
No matter the season, this enchanting forest will leave you speechless. It's worthy of your Ohio bucket list.
ExploringNWO/Trip Advisor
Oak Openings is also located on the main path for seasonal bird migration and bird watching is a popular activity here.

Have you ever been to Oak Openings before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like. Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!

For more beautiful forests to explore in Ohio, check out our previous article: You’ll Be Blown Away By These 10 Amazing State Forests In Ohio.

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