Davey Woods State Nature Preserve

Davey Woods is a protected nature preserve in Champaign County featuring large tulip trees, sugar maples, ashes, and oaks within a mixed hardwood forest. The forest canopy and understory create layers of growth that reflect the typical woodland structure of this region.

The preserve was established under protection in 1989 through a joint effort by The Nature Conservancy and Davey Tree Expert Company. This action secured one of the remaining examples of old-growth forest ecosystem in the area.

The Pence family cemetery remains within the boundaries of the preserve, connecting present-day visitors with early Ohio settlers.

The preserve can be reached via Lonesome Road in St. Paris and offers two connected walking trails that are easy to navigate. The paths work well for a casual half-day outing without requiring special equipment or experience.

Several tulip trees on the site have been growing for more than a century and rank among the oldest specimens in the forest. These ancient trees are living witnesses to the deep natural history of this woodland.

Location: Ohio

GPS coordinates: 40.13800,-83.90800

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:01