Discover Mud Hen Marsh in Westerville, Ohio — a small but beautiful nature preserve tucked beside Hoover Dam. Perfect for a short local hike filled with scenic marshes, wildlife, and peaceful solitude just minutes from Columbus.

Our next adventure brought us close to home — a short but stunning visit to Mud Hen Marsh. While this might have been one of our shorter hikes, it packed plenty of beauty and tranquility into its modest footprint.

Mud Hen Marsh sits right next to Hoover Dam Reservoir, one of central Ohio’s most well-known landmarks. If you’re from Columbus, chances are you’ve driven past it without realizing. To get there, head north on Sunbury Road running parallel to the dam, turn left onto Big Walnut Road, and then make an immediate left into a small gravel lot surrounded by trees. The turn comes up fast — blink and you’ll miss it.

I’ve driven by this little park countless times, so finally exploring it felt long overdue.

The Hike

Pulling into the lot, we were greeted by an unexpected sight: a giant porta-potty. And no, I’m not being sarcastic — this was a welcome surprise. Many of our adventures come with no restroom access unless you’re brave enough to “go natural,” so having a facility nearby felt like a luxury. Thankfully, we didn’t need to use it this time, but as someone who’s experienced food poisoning mid-hike, I can say this: toilet paper beats leaves every time.

From the trailhead, two short paths led into the woods. No stress over which to choose — they reconnect after a couple hundred yards. This theme continued throughout the preserve: multiple small forks that all loop back together, eventually guiding you toward the main attraction — the marshes.

As we stepped out from the trees, the landscape opened dramatically. A wide field spread before us, golden in the fall light, with a mowed path cutting through the tall grass. At the end lay a series of marshes, each with its own distinct personality.

The first was surprisingly clear for a marsh, its glassy surface rippling gently in the wind. Watching the long grass sway while sunlight shimmered across the water felt peaceful and cinematic — nature’s own slow-motion sequence.

Moving on, we reached a second marsh and spotted a fallen tree blocking a side path. Naturally, curiosity won. We climbed over and followed it until we came to a small dam with a “Danger” sign — which, given the dry conditions from Ohio’s ongoing drought, felt more like a suggestion than a warning. On the other side, we were rewarded with the sight of a large buck bounding through the open field — too quick for a photo but unforgettable nonetheless.

Back on the main trail, we reached the final marsh — larger, darker, and quieter than the rest. The dense tree cover gave the water an almost mysterious stillness. Despite being just minutes from suburban neighborhoods, the spot felt completely detached from civilization. It was hard to believe we were still in the heart of Westerville.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Mud Hen Marsh was short but memorable. The entire hike took about forty minutes, including stops for photos, detours, and quiet moments of reflection. It’s not a destination for a full-day trek, but it’s perfect for locals seeking peace, solitude, and a quick escape into nature.

If you live nearby, Mud Hen Marsh Nature Preserve is a must-visit — proof that even the smallest parks can hold big rewards for those who slow down and explore.

 Quick Tips for Visiting Mud Hen Marsh

• Location: 13901 Big Walnut Rd, Westerville, OH 43082
  
• Trail Length: ~0.5 mile round trip
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Amenities: Small gravel lot, porta-potty
  
• Best Time to Visit: Fall and early morning hours for wildlife viewing
  
• Bring: Bug spray, water, and your camera — you might spot deer or herons
  
• Fun Fact: Despite being minutes from Hoover Dam, this area feels surprisingly remote

Type in your email and subscribe to us for updates. Get directly notified when we post a new article!

Interested in adventuring more? Check out all of our articles!