Marion Tallgrass Trail–Holland Road Trailhead

Ohio Birding Day Hike
Marion Tallgrass Trailheads

Tips for birding Marion Tallgrass Trail Holland Road Trailhead
There are three parking areas which provide access to the Marion Tallgrass Trail in this 2-mile section of the trail.
+ Holland Road Trailhead: This trailhead is the beginning of the trail. It has ample parking, informative signs, and a portable toilet.
+ Marion Community Foundation Lake on Herr Road provides a parking lot, access to view birds on the lake, and access to the trail.
+ OH-203 Trailhead has parking and access to the trail.
From Ken Ostermiller

About Marion Tallgrass Trail
The Marion Tallgrass Trail reached the Hardin County line in late 2017, a distance of 12.44 miles from the eastern trailhead site at 2093 Holland Road West, just west of Marion. The trail follows the former Erie-Lackawanna railroad, which was abandoned in 1976.

In the first mile, visitors can find trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and a beaver lodge as the trail follows the shore of a 53-acre lake. The trail then crosses an open area before crossing OH-203 and entering the beautiful Big Island Wildlife Area.

A paved parking area is available at the trailhead, and there is also a grassy Ohio Department of Natural Resources parking lot just south of the trail on OH-203. Volunteers are working to extend a primitive hiking trail, which now goes to Agosta-Meeker Road.

Well-behaved dogs are permitted if on leashes, but we ask that you pick up their waste. The park closes at dusk (30 minutes after sunset). Horses and motor vehicles are not permitted on the trail.

The trail passes through the Big Island Wildlife Area, and the entire trail will have a delightful mix of shade and open areas.
From Marion Tallgrass Trail webpage

Restrooms, portable toilets, at Holland Road trailhead and at Decliff Road trailhead.