Nature and birding hike at Legacy Point Park set for May 30

Legacy Point Park drew walkers, bird-watchers and families to a Nature & Birding Hike that put Holmes County’s newest outdoor destination on display. Robert Hershberger led the outing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 6601 Township Road 326 in Millersburg, where participants slowed down to look and listen for wildlife across the park’s trails.

Hershberger’s role made the hike more than a simple walk. He pointed out birds people saw and heard, and explained what they were eating and where they nested, giving beginners an accessible way to learn the basics of bird identification without special gear or prior experience. The format fit casual hikers as well as visitors looking for a low-cost outdoor activity in Holmes County.

The program also highlighted why Legacy Point Park has become a notable stop in the county. Holmes County Park District says the park offers more than 5 miles of primitive trails, giving visitors room to explore a large stretch of natural terrain just off State Route 241. That scale helps the park support guided programs as well as independent recreation.

Legacy Point’s appeal is tied to how it was created. The park held its grand opening on June 5, 2025, after the district acquired the property in 2020 and later developed it on the site of a former landfill. The opening introduced a 1.5-mile hiking trail along Locust Loop and an overlook known as Stairway to Heaven, where visitors can take in the Killbuck Valley. That combination of restoration and recreation has helped turn the site into a local draw instead of just another patch of green space.

The birding hike also fit a broader pattern of outdoor programming at Legacy Point. The park has hosted events such as Let’s Get Outside with local naturalist Carrie Elvey and Nature Explorers for students in grades 3-8, reinforcing its role as a place for both education and recreation. Its presence as an eBird hotspot, along with spring 2026 bird checklists, further shows that wildlife activity there is drawing steady attention from local observers.

For Holmes County, the event underscored how a park visit can become a practical weekend outing. Legacy Point Park now offers trails, overlooks, birdlife and scheduled programming in one place, making it a clear option for residents and visitors who want to spend a few hours outdoors in Millersburg.