Secor Metropark — Attraction in Sylvania

Secor Metropark is a little farther from town than most metroparks, but it is still quite convenient via vehicle and much of the park is far enough from busy roads that noise is diminished. It is an old growth forest, so there is a lot more deadfall and aged trees than other parks. This is a good thing for those seeking nature rather than a groomed trail for jogging.

The so-called National Center for Nature Photography has very limited hours of operation and relatively few images. Call ahead for times and don’t make a special trip for it.

The bird viewing area is nicely populated, with an indoor area for humans and fenced area for wildlife. It contains several types of feeders, including hummingbird feeders. There were at least a dozen bird types on our visit, including doves, finches, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and many more.

Come here to take your time and immerse yourself in natural beauty. The nearby bike trail is more appropriate...

I saw a lovely field of native lupins that support the rare Karner blue butterfly which I saw two of them! I was dazzled by the variety of birds visiting the window on wildlife. The wildflower trail was too muddy for my shoes but I can only imagine how amazing it must be. On another trail I found a group of bear corn that must have had at least 20 inflorescences. The park is a flawless representation of nature and I appreciated that it wasn't nearly as busy as wildwood, side cut, and Pearson usually are. I cannot wait to walk the bluebird trail and the wildflower trail! I do recall coming last fall and being amazed by the amount of fall asters and the hundreds of butterflies that formed small clouds flitting between them. It was better than any butterfly house walking through a cloud of butterflies in your local park in the...

Thanks to the unseasonably warm/ wet December, the trails were a bit muddy. I still prefer the dirt trails rather than the gravel or paved trails because it keeps the trails more natural, and the impact is easier on my bones. Others might need or prefer the gravel trails. It is nice that Secor Metropark has trails for both preferences. The sections with wood walkways were slippery and made me question whether I needed to replace my trusty my hiking boots!

The American Beech tree leaves, which color with the season change but keep some of their leaves during the winter, make for a quite...