Outdoors: Ropchan Wildlife Refuge Nature Preserve

Wetland Click to Enlarge Puncheon Trail Click to Enlarge Toad Click to Enlarge Iris Click to Enlarge Introduction Ropchan Wildlife Refuge Nature Preserve has a kettle lake, a stream, marshy areas, old fields, several kames, and upland forest. Indeed, the preserve seems to have a bit of nearly every habitat found in this region. Cemetery Lake and its associated cemetery occupy much of the middle of the preserve, and a prominent stream or ditch that both feeds and drains the lake divides the property into roughly equal north and south halves. Interstate 80 borders the southern edge of the preserve and the resulting noise can be continuous and annoying, while large and visually obtrusive buildings press against the northern boundary. This preserve certainly isn’t my favorite in the region, but size and habitat variety make up for its shortcomings. Trails The sprawling and complex trail system is at least three miles long. Color-coded posts mark various paths, and though it likely won’t be apparent to you when you visit, the general layout is something like a large loop that circles the lake and cemetery, albeit with numerous side loops. My best advice is to wander around, take your time, and see what you find. While potentially confusing, the trail system is well-maintained and you shouldn’t get lost for long. Facilities None. Directions View Larger Map Steuben County. From Fremont, go south on State Road 827 for about a mile to a parking area on the east side of the road. North 41 42.958 West 84 56.205 DeLorme 23:A10 Nearby Natural Areas Beechwood Nature Preserve McClue Nature Preserve Pokagon State Park Wing Haven Nature Preserve References ACRES Land Trust Habeck: Wild Indiana; Page 48 Indiana Department of Natural Resources McPherson: Indiana Best Hikes; Page 14