Cassell Reservation

815 Highbridge Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089

Cassell Reservation is a precious natural area with unique geologic features, mature Lake Plain Forest, native prairie openings, and rare plants; a spectacular place to take a walk. This reservation first began in 2004 with an initial donation of land by the Ken Cassell family and Cassell Enterprises, Inc. Through additional acquisitions (substantially funded by Clean Ohio grants) and a 2023 land donation from the Sommer Realty Company, Cassell Reservation now stands at nearly 290 acres.

Activities

• Hiking Trail

• Birdwatching

Hiking Trail

Cassell Reservation features an out-and-back hiking trail with a short loop at the Eastern end, totaling about 1.8 miles of total trails to explore. The park’s gravel trail is constructed of sandstone rather than limestone to eliminate any possibility it might alter the site’s pH and affect the plants that grow adjacent to it. It is the ideal site for a leisurely nature-filled stroll in the woods.

Length: 1.8 miles of total trails
Surface: Sandstone gravel

Park Features & History

Cassell’s loop trail highlights the area’s natural features. Along the trail you’ll see woodland populated with black oak, black gum, and sassafras; glacial rock strewn on the forest floor; and prairie openings ablaze with wildflowers. The park’s geology, soils, and plants set it apart from all others in our area. You won’t need to be a biologist to appreciate that.