Wooster Memorial Park Info and Trail Map
 
FOR A PRINTABLE PDF OF A PARK MAP, CLICK HERE.

Known for its steep, wooded ravines and scenic Rathburn Run, this park has been designated by the City of Wooster as an area that will remain natural. The Rathburn Run, a tributary of the Little Killbuck Creek, bisects the park. Native woodland wildflowers are abundant in April and May, and the many trees provide picturesque autumn colors. Mr. Paul Spangler (1900-1986), a Wooster native and high school teacher, began a series of land donations to the City of Wooster in 1961, and requested that the area be named Wooster Memorial Park. In addition to Mr. Spangler’s donations, the park includes the 121-acre Becker Farm purchased by the City in 1968 through local foundations, and the 64-acre Strock and 6-acre Monitor Bank properties purchased in 2007 and 2008, respectively, using Clean Ohio funds and local donations.

EDUCATION LOOP (yellow) - The Education Trail has a gentle grade and is one of the easiest in the park. A portion of the trail follows a beautiful side ravine. (0.9 miles) Difficulty: Easy.

OLD FIELD TRAIL (white) – These gentle trails cross historic farm fields and provide a connection to the Spangler Trail, the Sassafras Trail, and the Outer Trail. (0.5 miles) Difficulty: Easy.

STROCK TRAIL (light purple) – This new trail on the Strock property traverses upland woods and parallels the Outer Trail, but is a safe distance from the steep ravine slopes. The trail traverses mature forests of native hardwoods and hemlocks. (0.4 miles) Difficulty: Easy.

TRILLIUM TRAIL (green) - This trail follows the southeast valley bottom and a steep hemlock ridge. In spring, masses of trillium wildflowers cover the hillside. (0.9 miles) Difficulty: Easy/Moderate due to steep slopes.

SASSAFRAS TRAIL (orange) – This wooded trail connects the Old Field Trail with the Outer Trail, and crosses one of the park’s western side ravines. (0.6 miles) Difficulty: Easy/Moderate due to slope of trail approaches to bridge; slippery when wet.

SPANGLER TRAIL (blue) - Named after park donor, Paul Spangler, this wooded trail follows the valley floor, then rises to the valley ridges where it passes the ledges, the edge of the farm fields, and crosses Rathburn Run twice (no bridges). (1.5 miles) Difficulty: Moderate due to steep slopes.

SADDLEBACK TRAIL (purple) – This new trail on the Strock property overlooks the Little Killbuck Creek, and traverses upland and floodplain forests and the ridges and valleys of two ravines. (1.3 miles) Difficulty: Moderate due to steep slopes.

OUTER TRAIL (red) - This is one of the most challenging trails, which traverses the valley, ridges, and side ravines of the park's Rathburn Run. (2.2 Miles) Difficulty: Difficult due to steep slopes, narrowness of trail, and tricky footing in parts.

SAFETY NOTE: Since Wooster Memorial Park trails are primitive earthen foot trails, trail conditions are constantly changing. Trail conditions can vary with the season, weather, and maintenance status. Hillsides erode, trees fall, and signage changes. Please remember, the map is only a guide. No matter how descriptive the map or text are, not every feature, root, rock, or rut can be described. This is a primitive and remote park, and these conditions should be respected and anticipated when you plan to use the park.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Each person has his or her own limits and capabilities. We cannot anticipate every hazard or know your abilities and limitations. When you enter the park, you assume responsibility for your own safety. It is your responsibility to be aware of trail conditions, weather, terrain, wildlife, and the limits of your abilities and those of your companions.

PLEASE RESPECT AND HELP CARE FOR OUR UNIQUE, NATURE PARK! To retain the natural character of the park and to be considerate of others, please cooperate with the following:

• When hiking, please stay on the trails.
• Trails are for foot traffic only. Bicycles, horses, and motorized vehicles are not permitted in the park.
• Do NOT pick wildflowers, remove any plants or animals, or cut trees.
• Alcohol, firearms, and hunting are not permitted within the park.
• Dogs must be controlled. Please use a leash.
• Open fires are PROHIBITED!
• NO loitering or soliciting permitted in the park. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.

The Friends of Wooster Memorial Park is a volunteer group of area citizens who are helping the City of Wooster care for and retain the natural character of this park. Contact Information for the Friends group can be obtained from FWMP Board President Shelley Schrier, 330-262-9307, or FWMP Director at Large John Abt, 330-464-7715.