Possum Creek MetroPark
Possum Creek MetroPark Map
About Possum Creek MetroPark in Dayton
Possum Creek MetroPark is a 556-acre park located in Dayton, Ohio. The park consists largely of former farmland that is undergoing natural succession. It features significant natural areas including bottomland hardwood forests along Possum Creek, two mature beech woodlots, and numerous created ponds and wetlands.
One of the park's notable features is its prairie areas. More than 100 acres of degraded farmland and dumps have been cleared and planted with native Ohio prairie species. This prairie, which took years to establish, is now one of the largest and most diverse planted prairies in Ohio.
The park offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing in Argonne Lake and other stocked ponds throughout the park. There are 5.5 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park's diverse landscapes, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. For equestrians, there is a 4.5-mile bridle trail.
Possum Creek MetroPark also includes a working farm, which serves as an educational resource for visitors. The farm features a variety of animals including goats, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. Near the farm, there are approximately 90 community garden plots available for public use.
The park preserves remnants of the Argonne Forest Park, an amusement park that operated in the area during the 1930s and early 1940s. Visitors can explore these historical elements along the Argonne Forest Trail.
For those interested in overnight stays, the park offers camping facilities with a permit. Additionally, there are picnic areas equipped with tables and some with charcoal grills and shelters.