Ottawa Diversion Channel Trail Now Open
(From the Ottawa Police Department)
DID YOU KNOW OTTAWA HAS MORE NATURE TRAILS THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN PUTNAM COUNTY?
One of those hidden gems is now open and waiting to be explored…
The Ottawa Diversion Channel Trail!
Here’s how to find it:
-Turn onto the stone road between Putnam County Job & Family Services and the Ottawa-Glandorf Sports Complex on OG Road.
-Follow the stone road back and take a right just before the power substation.
-Continue down the winding road until you reach the Diversion Channel.
What’s the Diversion Channel?
The Ottawa Diversion Channel was built to help protect our community from flooding by providing an alternate route for excess water from the Blanchard River during heavy rain events. It quietly does an important job while surrounding visitors with some of Ottawa’s most beautiful scenery.
As you arrive, the adventure begins!
-Just past the storage shed road, look immediately to your right for a peaceful path through a meadow along the river.
-On your left, you’ll find two trails winding through beautiful wildflowers that are in full bloom.
Ready for even more?
Continue to the Diversion Channel where you’ll find a concrete crossing that takes you down into and across the channel. Please use caution and cross at your own risk. The concrete can be slippery and is steep so watch your footing.
Once across, you’ll discover a 2+ mile nature trail winding through a wetland preserve designed to naturally filter stormwater before it returns to the river.
Along the trail you may see:
-Deer
-Hawks
-Bald Eagles
-Countless species of birds
-Fantastic fishing spots
-Beautiful views of the Blanchard River
Don’t forget:
-Water
-Bug spray
-Your camera
Did You Know?
Ottawa is home to nearly 10 miles of trails spread throughout five incredible trail systems:
-Diversion Channel Trail
-Closson’s Bottom Nature Trail
-Arrowhead Park Trail
-Memorial Park Walking Path
-Reservoir Trail
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, a challenging hike, wildlife photography, birdwatching, fishing, or simply a place to unwind, there’s a trail waiting for you right here in Ottawa.
So get outside, explore your community, and discover why Ottawa is one of Northwest Ohio’s best places to live.
Just remember…
-Stay on the trails.
-Leave only footprints.
-Pack out what you pack in.
-And if you run into Bigfoot… tell him Ottawa has nearly 10 miles of trails now, so he has plenty of places to hide.