River Walk Natural Area

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Introduction

The Jerome Fork of the Mohican River is one of the unique natural treasures of Ashland County. The river flows gently through the heart of Ashland County's rich and fertile farm land.

Nestled along the river just south of the city of Ashland is the "River Walk Natural Area". This cozy little 11 acre park provides the public with an opportunity to access the river and to enjoy it's banks for over 1500 feet. The river and the park are home to diverse communities of animal and plant life. Turtles, wood ducks, herons, deer and an impressive number of insects all call this river park home. Towering buckeye and walnut trees stand silent watch over the flood plain below and wait patiently for your visit.

This park was made possible with funds from a clean Ohio grant and the sportsmen of the Ashland County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, and the Wade Alexander Family. Future plans for the park include hiking trails and a canoe launch.

Highlights

Jerome fork river

11 acres

Natural History

Diverse wildlife

Buckyeye, walnut, white, oak, and ash trees

Toadshade Trillium

Things to do

Hiking

Fishing

Hunting

Future plans for canoe launch ( at your own risk)

Hunting Area Regulations

The hunting parks will be regulated by the Ashland County Park Board and its Hunting and Safety committee. Park users will follow all regulations and seasons as designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and state and federal statutes.

· No camping

· No overnight parking

· The park will be closed daily from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise

· No fires or grills of any kind

· No cutting or trimming of trees or plant life

· No disposal of trash – remove everything you take into the park

· No motor vehicles beyond the designated parking area

· No trespassing on park neighbors property

· No building of permanent tree stands or digging goose pits

· No use of climbing spikes or damage to trees is permitted

· No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs

The park will be closed from October 1st to December 31st for all non-hunting uses, except as noted. The park will remain open for hunting, but will also open Sunday afternoons from 12:00 noon until closing for non-hunting activities such as hiking. This exception does not apply during the gun deer hunting Sundays. These Sundays will be posted at the park entrance.

The park is not a target range. No random or reckless discharge of firearms is permitted. Shooting is restricted to legitimate hunting and dog training only. Guns are restricted to legal hunting weapons, including shotguns, bows and crossbows, but excluding all rifles and handguns. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Deer Hunting – No gun deer hunting will be permitted in this park due to the small size and safety considerations. Bow hunting will be permitted daily throughout the season with the exception of gun seasons.

Waterfowl Hunting - Duck and goose hunting is permitted, including the early goose season.

Turkey Hunting – Turkey hunting will be permitted in this park.

Small and Upland Game Hunting – is permitted following ODNR State hunting regulations.

Trapping and Predator Control - The committee will regulate trapping and predator control as needed. No coon hunting is permitted. All interested applicants may apply by calling 419-606-4561 for further information.

Dog training grounds will be designated and available for use. Dog training is not permitted during deer gun seasons.

These regulations may be modified by the Ashland County Park Board and the Hunting and Safety Committee for specific special events. They will be reviewed annually.

Violators will be subject to appropriate criminal and civil prosecution.

Violations may be reported to the Ashland County Sherriff’s office 419-289-0911 or to the park committee at 419-651-4966.

Location

Rt. 250 S., right on co. rd. 1575, left on twp. rd. 1500, left into drive.
Google Maps

Ashland County Park District
Telephone: (419) 289-0000
c/o Ashland County Commissioners
110 Cottage Street
Ashland, OH 44805

For Questions about the website Please contact me at meridith@ashlandcountyparksdistrict.com