Germantown MetroPark contains the largest contiguous tract of mature hardwood forest in Montgomery County. Because of the varying topography, slope exposures, and soils the park contains a diversity of forest types including mixed mesophytic, beech-maple, oak-hickory, and bottomland hardwood.

Forests in the park tend to have larger age classes of trees, intact understory/herb layers, and fewer invasive species than most forest remnants in the MetroParks system. These natural assets are present because the core of the park has been protected in public ownership since 1921 when the Miami Conservancy District purchased it for flood control purposes and subsequently created Germantown Reserve, and because much of the park contains steep terrain that did not lend itself to agriculture, intensive logging, or intensive grazing of livestock.

Germantown MetroPark is home to 75 different species of nesting birds, and is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by National Audubon Society. While enjoying the trails and scenic views keep your eyes open for signs or deer, bobcat, or wild turkey.