Halfway Between Columbus And Cleveland Is Ohio's Riverfront Gem Of A Park With Wetland Trails And Fishing Spots

Many people traveling along the rolling countryside of north-central Ohio have never heard of Gilliom-Cherp Nature Park in Mansfield. The 176-acre preserve sits quietly along the banks of the winding Black Fork River, surrounded by forests, seasonal vernal pools, and grassy marshes. This riverfront park makes it easy to slow down while wandering the wetland trails or paddling on the tranquil waterway. Anglers stop by to see what fish they can catch for dinner, and locals come to enjoy a rustic nature spot away from the crowds at Ohio's popular parks. The best part? It's right off Interstate 71 when driving between Columbus and Cleveland, making it an easy place to break up your trip before heading to the cities.

A gift from the Gilliom family, with efforts by conservationists and the Division of Wildlife of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Gilliom-Cherp Nature Park preserves acres of the riverfront floodplain forest while creating a low-key recreational sanctuary for all to enjoy. The nature park is a habitat for all kinds of wildlife, with eBird recording roughly 80 species here. When you visit, listen for the whistles of sparrows and blue jays coming from the treetops, or be on the lookout for a red-tailed hawk soaring above the wetlands.

If you're hiking the riverside trails, especially in the warmer months, be sure to pack your best bug spray, as the area is known for having quite a few mosquitoes. A recent visitor stated on Google Maps, "The trails are beautiful, and relatively easy to follow. Not strenuous. One trail in particular follows alongside the river. Tip: do not forget bug spray." The park stays open from dawn until dusk, giving visitors enough time to explore the area from land or from the water — all for free.

If you're a pro hiker and looking to get your heart pumping, head to nearby Mohican-Memorial State Forest, boasting miles of rugged trails in Ohio's wilderness. On the other hand, Gilliom-Cherp Nature Park offers easy trails for casual hiking through the woodland and wetlands. From the parking lot, a network of short and long trails provides views of different sections in the park. As you make your way toward the marshes, keep your eyes open for waterfowl and frogs near the seasonal pools. Hikers especially enjoy the portion of the trail that meanders along the Black Fork River, with one Google reviewer saying it made the hike "sweeter."

Spend extra time at the shady spots near the water's edge listening to the singing birds, and you may spot wild turkeys and deer. If you have your fishing rod, cast your line in the Black Fork of the Mohican River for a chance to hook something that's biting that day. According to Onwaterapp, the river is known for several freshwater fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and carp. With your kayak or canoe, launch into the slow-moving water to fish the deeper sections, while taking in views of the grasslands and forests.

Need more time in nature? Make your way across the shared easement into the adjacent Black Fork Bottoms Park. Sitting just north of the preserve, this protected area offers even more wildlife, trails, and scenic marshes to explore. When you're ready for a change of scenery, head to Mansfield, the underrated Ohio city that blends pop culture and outdoor thrills. Fans of "The Shawshank Redemption" can take the self-guided driving tour to see iconic spots from the movie scenes, including the historic Ohio State Reformatory.