Knox County Park District

Knox County Park District Our purpose is to acquire, conserve, protect, and manage Knox County's natural & historical resources while preserving the rural character of the county. Mt.
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Knox County Park District protects, manages and maintains over 1,000 acres of land throughout the county including seven natural park areas (Wolf Run, Hellbender Preserve, Honey Run Waterfall, Honey Run Highlands, Indianfield Bluffs, Thayer Ridge and Bat Nest Road), several access points along the beautiful Kokosing and Mohican rivers, the Mount Vernon access to the Kokosing Gap Trail and numerous

scenic hiking trails. In addition, there are several area bike trails, and the Park District offers free educational and recreational opportunities during the year to delight your senses and rekindle your spirit. Travel the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway along US 62 and SR 514 as you visit our parks and trails. Be sure to check periodically for upcoming events. Park Etiquette:
All natural features - plants, wildlife, geologic specimens and historic artifacts belong to the citizens of Knox County and are not to be collected, distrubed, harmed, or defaced in any manner. Camping is not permitted; vehicles (including ATV's and UV's) and bicycles are permitted only in parking areas; Dogs or other pets must be leashed at all times (except at the dog park) and must be under owner control. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets; Use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited! Park/Access addresses:

*Wolf Run Regional Park…..17621 Yauger Rd. Vernon, Ohio 43050

*Hellbender Preserve…..23316 Coshocton Rd. Howard, Ohio 43028

*Honey Run Waterfall…..10855 Hazel Dell Rd. Howard, Ohio 43028

*Honey Run Highlands…..10816 Millersburg Rd. Howard, Ohio 43028

*Idianfield Bluffs Park…..10855 Sapp Rd. Howard, Ohio 43028

*Thayer Ridge Park…..7077 Thayer Rd. Vernon, Ohio 43050

*Bat Nest Road Area/Riley Chapel Road Access…..10300 Riley Chapel Rd. Walhonding, Ohio 43843

*Pipesville Road Access…..12059 Pipesville Rd. Howard, Ohio 43028

*Millwood Access…..11640 Bridge St. Howard, Ohio 43028

*Greer Landing Access…..20389 Brinkhaven Rd. Glenmont, Ohio 20389

*Big Run Road Access…..8921 Big Run Rd. Gambier, Ohio 43022

*Kokosing Gap Canoe Access…..17812 Lower Gambier Rd. Vernon, Ohio 43050

Kokosing Gap Trail Access Areas:

-500 Mount Vernon Ave. Vernon, Ohio 43050

-9943 Laymon Rd. Gambier, Ohio 43022

-297 Duff St. Gambier, Ohio 43022

-22500 Stull Rd. Gambier, Ohio 43022

-10921 Killduff Rd. Gambier, Ohio 43022

-23316 Coshocton Rd. Howard, Ohio 43028

-715 Trail Dr. Danville, Ohio 43014

Mohican Valley Trail Access Areas:

-402 East St. Danville, Ohio 43014

-27825 Buckeye Rd. Danville, Ohio 43014

-15700 Tiger Valley Rd. Danville, Ohio 43014

*Mohican Valley Trail & Water Trail…..16606 Hunter Rd. Brinkhaven, Ohio 43006

Heart of Ohio Trail Access Areas:

-7760 Thayer Rd. Vernon, Ohio 43050

-7180 Simmons Church Rd. Centerburg, Ohio 43011

-59 Johnsville Rd. Centerburg, Ohio 43011

*Kokosing Water Trail (BFEC)…..10115 Laymon Rd. Gambier, Ohio 43022

ONAPA - Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association joined Park District staff yesterday at The Woodlands, filling 25 l...
06/17/2026

ONAPA - Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association joined Park District staff yesterday at The Woodlands, filling 25 large trash bags with Garlic Mustard! WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE GOOD FOLKS AT ONAPA fOR THEIR HELP AND HARD WORK! Great job, everyone!

The Thayer Ridge equestrian trail is in better shape than it was before Kathy Shoemaker and Cindy Cossin arrived on the ...
06/16/2026

The Thayer Ridge equestrian trail is in better shape than it was before Kathy Shoemaker and Cindy Cossin arrived on the scene! Many thanks to these hardworking ladies, members of the Knox County Chapter - Ohio Horseman's Council, for clearing some of the fallen trees from the muddy trail. Their diligence is exemplary!

A HUGE SHOUT OUT to Aiden Yoder who assisted our staff today in clearing multiple trees from the Mohican Valley Trail af...
06/15/2026

A HUGE SHOUT OUT to Aiden Yoder who assisted our staff today in clearing multiple trees from the Mohican Valley Trail after yesterday's storm!

Will we soon see more black bears in Knox County? According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, "Black Bear sightings are ...
06/15/2026

Will we soon see more black bears in Knox County? According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, "Black Bear sightings are on the rise. On average, over the past 10 years, our agency has received 239 black bear sighting reports per year. In 2023, 260 sightings were reported in 49 counties. In 2024 we received 370 sightings in 55 counties. Sightings were the highest on record in 2025 with 537 sightings in 69 counties.

"Since 1993, 80% to 98% of confirmed sightings each year were in eastern Ohio (Division of Wildlife Districts Three and Four). This region is near growing black bear populations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and large areas of forest in this region provide suitable bear habitat that have the potential to support reproducing populations of black bears." https://shorturl.at/kTtzE

New additions at The Woodlands!
06/10/2026

New additions at The Woodlands!

A hearty THANK YOU to the Friends of the Woods group who faithfully work each week to eradicate the non-native invasives...
06/09/2026

A hearty THANK YOU to the Friends of the Woods group who faithfully work each week to eradicate the non-native invasives from our parks! Recently, garlic mustard has been their focus and they are achieving no small level of success. Just look at the multitude of bags filled with this prolific threat to healthy ecosystems! Their efforts are greatly appreciated!

If you would like to volunteer with Friends of the Woods, please contact Brandon Schroepfer at [email protected]. or call the Park District at 740-392-7275.

Many of our parks and multi-use trails were adversely affected by the storm this past weekend. We are short-staffed at ...
06/08/2026

Many of our parks and multi-use trails were adversely affected by the storm this past weekend. We are short-staffed at present and appreciate your patience as we diligently work to clear the downed trees from the paths. Due to the high winds that accompanied the storm, please use extra caution when utilizing the trails as there could be widowmakers that could fall at inopportune times.

Looking for a venue for your summer celebrations?
06/04/2026

Looking for a venue for your summer celebrations?

Today is WORLD BICYCLE DAY and GLOBAL RUNNING DAY! With 35 contiguous miles of beautiful scenery on 3 multi-use trails ...
06/03/2026

Today is WORLD BICYCLE DAY and GLOBAL RUNNING DAY! With 35 contiguous miles of beautiful scenery on 3 multi-use trails in Knox County, we want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the sunshine and fresh air! By participating in outdoor exercise, you can enjoy the many health benefits that may be elicited for both the mind and the body as it prevents obesity, improves heart health, strengthens muscles, supports brain health, reduces stress, and improves sleep! Do yourself a favor and choose to MOVE toward a healthier future!

Address

117 East High Street, Suite 253
Mount Vernon, OH
43050

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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