We don’t always have to make a long trek to view incredible scenery. In fact, many shorter trails can lead hikers to beautiful vistas, scenic overlooks, and stunning bodies of water. The shorter trails are often easier and less strenuous, allowing more people to access the wonders of nature. Located at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Swanton, Ohio, visitors only need to take a short hike to enjoy the lovely little Mallard Lake.

Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is a 5,000-acre park, the largest Metropark in the Toledo area. It's a wonderful place to take the family and be surrounded by nature.
Danyel OHail/AllTrails
Within the preserve, visitors can take the short and sweet Mallard Lake Loop, a 0.7-mile partially paved pathway that loops around the lake. This easy trail is moderately busy, accessible, and good for all skill levels.
Amanda Diaz/AllTrails
The trail is family-friendly, so if you have kids in your family, bring them along! At some point along the hike you'll find a playground where you can let the kids play as you sit and rest if you'd like.
Amanda Diaz/AllTrails

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As this loop trail circumnavigates the lake, you'll have water views almost the entire time. Mallard Lake is a lagoon fed by a creek and there are countless opportunities to see wildlife around it.
Amanda Diaz/AllTrails
Keep your eyes open and see if you can spot any squirrels (both fox squirrels and red squirrels make this preserve their home), frogs, painted turtles, and waterbirds such as ducks, geese, and kingfishers. And if you fish, fishing is allowed at Mallard Lake.
Stephen R/AllTrails
You can also bring a picnic and enjoy your time out in nature while sitting at one of the picnic areas. There are also several open-air shelters found along the trail.
Amanda Diaz/AllTrails
But if you want to just sit and enjoy the serenity that comes with being out in nature, go ahead and find the perfect spot to do so.
David Ray/AllTrails

 

Let’s spend some time outside with a short and sweet hike around Mallard Lake at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark! To view additional photos and to look at a trail map, visit the AllTrails or the official webpage.

For more easy hikes in Ohio, you can add these trails to your outdoor bucket list.

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Mallard Lake Loop, Swanton Township, OH 43571, USA