Ira Trailhead is the gateway to Beaver Marsh, an extensive wetland popular for seeing and photographing wildlife. Once a dairy farm and then an auto salvage yard, the marsh reminds us of nature’s resilience. From the trailhead, walk a quarter mile north on the Towpath Trail to the boardwalk viewing area.

People and beavers both did work to create the marsh. After the National Park Service purchased the property, volunteers cleaned up the site. Beavers moved in after a 150-year absence. They built a system of dams to hold water in the marsh. It includes a dam across the Ohio & Erie Canal, as well as walls of mud and sticks that you can see surrounding the deepest water along the Beaver Marsh boardwalk.

Today the area is popular for birdwatching, wildlife watching, bicycling, hiking, photography, and much more. The trail is often congested. Use caution by staying to the right, controlling children and pets, and watching for passing cyclists.