Ten kilometres north of Omagh in the valley of the Owenkillew river, Gortin Glen Forest Park was the first forest park established in Northern Ireland, opening in 1967. The park covers 1,534 hectares of coniferous plantation woodland on the lower slopes of the Sperrins, with five colour-coded waymarked trails ranging from easy riverside walks to longer routes that climb through the trees to viewpoints over the surrounding hills.
The forest holds a small herd of Japanese Sika deer and a managed red deer enclosure; you are likely to see deer on longer walks through the quieter sections. A visitor centre and cafe operate in season, and the park has picnic areas and basic toilet facilities. Walkers and cyclists use it throughout the year, and the trails are well-maintained even in winter. It is a good option on a wet afternoon, when the forest provides cover.