Navigating the Woods | Photo by Arden Reimer | The Wright State Guardian
The leaves are falling, and it’s a beautiful time to enjoy what Wright State University’s campus has to offer before it gets too cold. From recreation to walking trails and relaxing sights, WSU’s campus woods is a great way to enjoy the fall while not having to leave the comfort of campus.
Woods map
A map of the trails in the campus woods is below. Entrances to the trails are all around the academic campus, including in student housing, medical buildings and athletic facilities.
The 225-acre forest is home to over 110 species of birds as well as other wildlife. The forest includes sections of newer and older growth, including trees that are up to 200 years old, according to WSU Director of Environmental Sciences Dr. Don Cipollini, Jr.
The newer growth includes the areas between student housing and the roundabout, and the older growth can generally be found further to the south.
The trails in the western half of the woods are a bit more flat, whereas the trails on the eastern half alongside the river vary in altitude.
Places to visit
Campus recreation’s disc golf course takes a path through the northern section of the woods, starting from the northern end of Springwood Lane. It stretches through areas of newer growth and exits the woods to the north alongside Kauffman Avenue.
Several trails begin and end at the prairie, a strip that opens in the northeastern part of the woods. The prairie is a popular research spot that contains several species of grasses and animal life.
Rockafield Cemetery sits near the center of campus and is a great Halloween photo spot. The Anatomical Gift Cemetery directly to the west is a fitting memorial for people who donate their bodies to Boonshoft School of Medicine and is a great spot to reflect and take in the scenery.
Finally, a creek stretches through the eastern half of the woods from the north to the south, and is another relaxing trek as many trails travel alongside the flow.
For more information about campus woods and recreation opportunities, students can visit the official campus recreation page.
