The Richland County Park District is dedicated to introducing and interpreting our region's natural heritage to the citizens of Richland County. Our goal is pursued by preserving natural areas for people to experience, and by providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the rich diversity of life and habitats in our county. The Richland County Park District operates two facilities- The Gorman Nature Center and The Richland County B&O Trail.
Park Information and Maps
Gorman Nature Center
Featuring 150 acres of deciduous forests, fields, prairies, ponds and streams, Gorman Nature Center provides over five miles of public hiking trails close to the population centers of Richland County. Families and individuals are welcome on the hiking trails from dawn till dusk or in the facilities visitor center from (9am-4pm) Monday-Saturday. RCPD staff naturalists sponsor weekly programs for the public featuring a wide variety of topics ranging from naturalist led hikes, field trips, lectures, workshops, and night sky programs. In addition to public programing, the RCPD offers daily on-site or nature center programs for schools, youth groups, garden clubs, seniors citizens, service clubs, etc.



Click the map to get a full screen view.
Gorman Nature Center Map
Richland B & O Trail
Come bike or hike the historic Richland B & O Trail, part of the public trails that began back in 1983 funded by the US Congress' National Trails System Act. When CSX (formerly Chessie/ B&O)abandoned this track in 1986 the Richland County Park District obtained the right-of-way. The rest is history. Richland County became the 70th Rails to Trails project, and now provides and maintains 18 miles of scenic trail through the heart of Richland County, connecting the villages of Butler, Bellville, Lexington and the city of Mansfield.



Click the map to get a full screen view.

Park Rules and Information
Gorman Nature Center

GNC pavilion and grounds are open for use year round on a first come first served basis. If you are planning a large event at the park, we recommend calling the nature center to confirm there are no park programs taking place that day. We appreciate and encourage notification of large events at least a week in advance for our scheduling and programming purposes. Please call (419) 884-3764 to notify staff of your special event.

Our conference area is available for use to government agencies and non-profits at the availability of the room and discretion of the park director. GNC does not rent facilities for weddings, birthdays, or other private events.

Richland B & O Trail

The B&O Bike Trail is open daily from dawn to dusk for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing. Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash. If you choose to walk your dog on the trail, please pick up after your pet and make use of one of our 18 dog waste stations placed at each mile marker. Motorized vehicles and horses are not permitted on the B&O Bike Trail.

If you are planning a special event such as a fun run or bike race, please call (419) 884-3764 to notify park staff at least a week before your event.

About Our Parks

Our parks and staff are dedicated to education, enjoyment and preservation of Richland County's natural areas and inhabitants. Our goal is pursued by preserving natural areas for people to experience, and by providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the rich diversity of life and habitats in our county.

Our Location

Gorman Nature Center
2295 Lexington Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio 44907

Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Closed Sunday-Monday and Federal Holidays. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.)

419-884-FROG (3764)

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