At more than 1,400 acres, The Nature Conservancy's Morgan Swamp Preserve is one of the largest privately protected forested wetlands in Ohio. The preserve is home to an abundance of wetlands including swamps, bogs, beaver ponds and vernal pools. A rich diversity of plants and animals call it home, from the beautiful white calla lily to the tiny four-toed salamander hidden among the vernal pools.  Activities include hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, river access, playground, picnic area, volunteer opportunities (contact [email protected]). 

Two separate portions of the property are accessible for public use Morgan Swamp north and Morgan Swamp south.

LOCATION:

Footville-Richmond Road

Rock Creek, OH  44084

HOURS:

Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Please note that the preserve is closed to the general public during deer hunting season.

TRAILS:

Morgan Swamp north

Length: 1.25 miles (.25 miles wheelchair accessible trail from parking lot to observation deck, 1 mile primitive trail extension to and from observation deck).

Difficulty: Primitive trail extension - MODERATE.

Morgan Swamp south

Length: 1.2 miles (.3-mile Black Field Loop, .6-mile Field Trail, .3-mile River Trail)

Difficulty: MODERATE

DIRECTIONS:

Morgan Swamp north

From the north:

From Interstate 90, travel south on State Route 534 for about 7 miles to its junction with State Route 166/Footville-Richmond Rd.  Travel east on Footville-Richmond Rd. for 3.4 miles to the Morgan Swamp parking lot.

From the south:

From U.S. Route 6, take State Route 45 north for about 3.2 miles to Footville-Richmond Rd. Travel west on Footville-Richmond for about 1.6 miles to the Morgan Swamp parking lot.

Morgan Swamp south

From the north:

From Interstate 90, travel south on State Route 534 for about 7 miles to its junction with State Route 166/Footville-Richmond Road. Travel east on Footville-Richmond Road for 2 miles to Windsor-Mechanicsville Road. Travel 1.8 miles south on Windsor-Mechanicsville Road to Callender Road. Travel 1 mile east on Callender Road to 3973 Callender Road. Driveway on north side of road before (to the west of) bridge.

From the south:

From U.S. Route 6, take State Route 45 north for about 2 miles to Callender Road. Travel west on Callender Road for about 1.5 miles to the 3973 Callender Road.  Driveway on north side of road after (to the west of) bridge.