Parks & Trails
Discover the world in the place you call home
There is a Preservation Park near you. Come out and explore!
The parks and trails in the Preservation Parks system are right around the corner from where you live in Delaware County. Whether you visit Shale Hollow Park, or Deer Haven Park, or any of the 11 parks and multi-use trails, you will find natural parks that are beautiful and serene, with modern restrooms, picnic shelters, and reservable meeting spaces.
The varying habitats – woodland, prairie, meadow, stream and wetland – are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors might have a chance meeting with a barred owl, or families of deer or wild turkeys.
Hiking trails and picnic areas are located in the parks, and canoes and kayaks can be launched at River Run Park. An off-trail exploration area is located at Shale Hollow, and natural play areas or traditional playgrounds are located in several of the parks. Nature displays describe habitat restoration, pollinators, and other topics, and dozens of free nature programs are offered year round.
Gallant Farm, a reproduction of a 1930s family farm, transports visitors back to an earlier era and celebrates Delaware County’s farming legacy. And several segments of the Ohio to Erie Multiuse Trail invite bicyclists and walkers to further discover the county.
Safety Tips for the Trail
- Take a moment to stretch your arms and legs before hiking.
- Pets must remain on leash at all times and stay on pet-friendly trails. Leashed dogs are welcome in our parks with the exception of Deer Haven Park and a portion of the Overlook Trail at Shale Hollow Park.
- Remember that parks are natural areas. Watch for fallen tree branches, loose gravel and other tripping hazards on trails.
- Lock your car doors and keep windows closed while visiting the parks. Place valuables (purses, GPS, cell phones, etc.) out of sight.
- Be aware of weather conditions and advisories (storm warnings, high temperatures, air quality alerts).
- Carry a cell phone and become familiar with the park and trail names so you can accurately tell 9-1-1 operators your location in the event of an emergency. Trail names are posted at trail starting points as well as park maps and kiosks.
Hours of Operation
All parks, except those listed below
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Gallant Farm
April 1-September 30: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday); Noon-5 p.m. (Sunday)
October 1-March 31: Noon-5 p.m. (Thursday-Sunday)
Ohio to Erie Trail segments
Sandel Legacy Trail & Hoover Scenic Trail
Open during daylight hours year round
