Glen Helen Nature Preserve Loop

Glen Helen is located just next to downtown Yellow Springs, a small but well-known town popular for its eclectic and artistic community. This preserve was set to close permanently in 2020 due to lack of funding, but the former owner Antioch College sold the preserve to the Glen Helen Association who reopened it to the public and reinvigorated a new wave of donations to save the preserve. There are many educational programs offered year round, a museum and nature shop, and even a raptor center for injured bird rehabilitation! 

Several important things to note: this is a nature preserve, so some rules are more strict than usual hiking areas. For instance, visitors are not allowed to picnic or enter the water, and you must follow the paths and not deviate from them even if they are muddy. Pets are allowed so long as they are leashed and within 6 feet of you. Finally, there is a parking fee for all non-member visitors of $5 to help support the preserve and upkeep its facilities and programs.

For a local craft beer after your hike, head to one of the two breweries located nearby, Yellow Springs Brewery or newly formed Trail Town Brewing.