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Aullwood ̽����ѡ welcomes guests of all abilities. We continue to make progress towards better accessibility as funding allows. Outlined below are details of accessibility at our facilities and property.

Please note: trails to see the Thomas Dambo “Troll that Hatched an Egg” exhibit are not accessible by those using mobility devices such as wheelchairs, scooters or walkers; motorized wheelchairs or scooters are not permitted on trails other than Cardinal, Wood Duck or Turkey Trails.

Parking

The main parking areas at Aullwood are primarily asphalted surfaces at the Center and Farm. There is additional overflow parking areas at both sites that are on grass. There are multiple van-accessible parking spots at both sites reserved for those with a disabled placard or license plate. There are ramps from the parking lot to the sidewalks to allow access to the buildings.

Sidewalks

There are concrete sidewalks with ramps that allow access from the parking lots to the Marie S. Aull Education Center and Charity A. Krueger Farm Discovery Center.  There is also a concrete sidewalk from the Farm Discovery Center to the Farm Pavilion.

Buildings

Both the Marie S. Aull Education Center and Farm Discovery Center have electric accessble  doors. Both buildings are accessible, including offering accessible restrooms and refillable water bottle stations. Doors to access to restrooms are not electronic, please ask staff if assistance is needed. There are many chairs and benches around each of the buildings to sit and enjoy nature.

Trails

All trails begin at either the Center or Farm. They are accessed by checking in at Guest Services, who can provide directions and updates on trail conditions.  

Aullwood offers a few accessible trails; these trails are not ADA-compliant.

• Cardinal Trail (4/10 mile circular) - The Cardinal Trail, closer to the Center, is paved with asphalt and is accessible for individuals using wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. However, it does not meet full ADA compliance standards, and some users of mobility devices may find certain segments—particularly those with steeper grades—more difficult to navigate. This trail is mostly shaded through woodlands and Wiles Creek runs through it. There are two bridges that allow visitors easy and safe creek crossings, and there are many benches along the trail. This is the trail to see the Faerie House exhibit when it is displayed during the summer. In the spring, it is full of wildflowers and many species of migrating birds can be seen and heard.
• Wood Duck Trail (one way) - this boardwalk, which can be accessed from Cardinal Trail. It goes through the Wet Meadow and beside Muskrat Marsh. It is partially shaded and partly in full sun. You can view a wide range of wetland plants as well as insects and birds who rely on this habitat. This trail is one way, so you will need to turn around to come back to Cardinal Trail. There are no benches on the boardwalk, but there is a bench at the entrance where it meets Cardinal Trail.
• Turkey Trail (one way) - this trail is primarily small pea sized gravel and a wooden boardwalk. It runs along some of our livestock pastures so you may see cows, sheep and horses. Grab some dice from Guest Services when you check in to play the Migration Game, or sit on a bench at our Outdoor Classroom to read some books stored in our little library. This trail has a slight grade and may be challenging for those pushing wheelchairs or strollers.

All other trails on Aullwood’s property are dirt, grass or gravel. These are trails typically found in most nature parks and have exposed roots, rocks, dips, bumps, and grades of various levels. Additionally, depending on weather conditions, they may also be flooded, muddy, icy or snowy.

Stay Safe On the Trail
For your safety and the preservation of our nature sanctuary spaces, please stay on the trail.  Flagging, caution tape and signage can be used by conservation and maintenance crews or researchers, please respect these barriers.

Trail Closures
Best land management practices protect trails and keep them sustainable. We may close trails when they are saturated from heavy or consistent rain. We may also close trails during extreme weather conditions such as heat advisories, high winds, or icy conditions. Trail closures are utilized to prevent costly erosion from foot traffic and to avoid dangerous conditions for both visitors and our emergency responders.

We do our best to post updates if trails are closed. Please contact our main number (937) 890-7360 to verify if in doubt.  Keep in mind, our property is a managed nature sanctuary. Therefore, when our buildings are closed, our trails are also closed.