There are several Columbus Metroparks in and around the city. Most of the parks have hiking trails, playgrounds, and the typical things you’d expect to find.
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Most of these have so much more to offer and are open year round for different seasonal activities. You’ll find information for 15 of the parks below.
Battelle Darby Creek
Battelle Darby Creek has over 6,600 acres of forests, prairie, and fields, and it stretches more than 14 miles along the Little and Big Darby Creeks. There are over 11 miles of trails which include hiking trails and pet trails.
Other available activities are picnicking, cross country skiing, canoeing, fishing, hunting, sledding, ice skating, and playgrounds. There are also nature programs and environmental study sites available.
The Indian Ridge picnic area is one mile south of the park at 2705 Darby Creek Drive. Osprey Lake is a 14 acre pond stocked with bluegill, catfish, and large-mouth bass. They also have one lodge and two shelters that can be reserved.
Location: 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, Ohio in southwestern Franklin County.
Hours Open: 6:30AM-10PM April through September; 6:30AM-8PM October through March.
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Blacklick Woods
Blacklick Woods has over 640 acres with a swamp forest hosting white oak, white ash, pin oak, red maple, butternut hickory and red elm trees. It also has 100 acres of beech maple forest and over six miles of hiking, jogging, and biking trails.
You’ll find the Walter A. Tucker State Nature Preserve which is a 55 acre swamp preserve. A two acre pond, Ashton Pond, is just south of the Beech Maple Lodge, and is filled with lilies, fish, and turtles.
Other available activities include golfing, playfields, playgrounds, nature center and programs, picnicking areas and shelters, rollerblading, cross country skiing, and birding. Blacklick Woods Golf Course features two courses. It’s located at 7309 E. Livingston Avenue.
Location: 6975 E. Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg, Ohio in Eastern Franklin and Northwest Fairfield counties.
Hours Open: 6:30AM-10PM April through September; 6:30AM-8PM October through March.
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Blendon Woods
Blendon Woods has over 650 acres with stream-cut ravines and surrounded by beautiful forests. The 118 acre Walden Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary to birds and wildlife and the 11 acre Thoreau Lake is part of the refuge. The refuge has observation shelters and it’s open year round.
There are over 5 miles of hiking trails. Other available activities are the nature center and programs, picnicking, disc golf, ice skating, cross country skiing, and playgrounds. The Disc Golf Course is an 18 hole course open year round. Camp Sugarbush offers rental to youth groups.
Location: 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road, Westerville, Ohio in northeast Franklin County.
Hours Open: 6:30AM-10PM April through September; 6:30AM-8PM October through March.
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Chestnut Ridge
Chestnut Ridge has over 480 acres and the ridge rises over 150 feet. It is 1,050 feet above sea level and it’s 4,500 feet long. The Columbus Skyline (approximately 20 miles away), can be seen from the Ridge Trail’s observation deck.
Located away from the city, it’s a nice quiet spot and offers a two acre pond, hiking trails, picnicking, playgrounds, nature programs, shelters, and fishing for kids 15 and under. The program area is one of the favorite spots with limestone seating.
Location: 8445 Winchester Road N.W., Carroll, Ohio in West Fairfield County.
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Clear Creek Valley
Clear Creek Valley has over 5,250 acres of unspoiled, secluded areas in Ohio. You’ll find beautiful rugged rock formations and cliffs overlooking the creek, as well as over 800 varieties of plants and 150 types of birds.
It offers over 15 miles of trails, and don’t be surprised if you see deer, coyote, turkey, or grouse. Even traces of bobcat have been found along the trails.
Clear Creek offers hiking trails, pet trails, nature programs, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing. The State Nature preserve is over 4,700 acres and Clear Creek offers fishing for trout and bass.
Location: 185 Clear reek Road, Rockbridge, Ohio in southern Fairfield and northern Hockey Counties.
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Glacier Ridge
Glacier Ridge was named for the Wisconsin Glacier which left behind moraine over 12,000 years ago. Glacier Ridge is over 1,000 acres
and has a restored 250 acre wetland area with a boardwalk area and an observation tower that is 25′ high.
There are over 11 miles of trails winding through the park and it also offers nature programs, picnicking, playgrounds, hiking trails, biking trails, and bridle trail. The bridle trail is 5 miles and is provided for horse back riding only and is complete with a horse trailer parking area.
The Honda Wetlands Education area features blue herons, turtles, wood ducks, and other wildlife in the wetland and is
located at 7825 Hyland Croy Road, 1 mile north of the park. There is also an 18 hole disc golf course which is free and open every day.
Location: 9801 Hyland Croy Road, Plain City, Ohio in Union County (just west of Dublin)
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Heritage Trail
Heritage Trail is over 85 acres with a 6.1 mile trail that was converted from an abandoned right-of-way in Madison and Franklin Counties. There is also a 3 mile trail for horse back riding, and a parking area for cars and horse trailers as well as a corral for horses.
It features trails for biking, hiking, and rollerblading.
Approximately 2 1/2 miles northwest of Hilliard you’ll find The Homestead Park along the trail which is operated by Washington Township. It offers a playground with a water fort, basketball and sand volleyball, and toddler play areas.
Location: 7262 Hayden Run Road, Hilliard, Ohio in Franklin County.
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Highbanks
Highbanks has over 1,150 acres and it’s named for the 100 foot high shale bluffs towering over the Olentangy. You’ll find Native American history here including prehistoric earthwork and two Adena Indian burial mounds.
Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve is a 206 acre scenic reserve with prehistoric Cole earthworks. The Streamside Study area allows free exploration of the river’s aquatic life with naturalist. Also featured is the Dragonfly Day Camp which can be reserved for youth groups.
Other available activities include hiking trails, bike trails, pet trails, picnicking, sledding hill, nature center and programs, cross country skiing, canoeing, and fishing.
Location: 9466 Columbus Pike (US Route 23 North), Lewis Center, Ohio
Hours Open: 6:30AM-10PM April through September; 6:30AM-8PM October through March.
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Inniswood Metro Gardens
Inniswood Metro Gardens has over 120 acres of streams and woodlands filled with wildflowers and wildlife. You’ll find over 2,000 varieties of plants including some special hostas, daylilies and more.
The featured gardens are beautiful and include The Memorial Garden, The Rock Garden, The Conifer Garden, The Sister’s Garden, and The Rose Garden.
It also offers walking trails, pet trails, horticultural programs and the Inniswood Garden Society.
Location: 940 South Hempstead Road, Westerville, Ohio
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Pickerington Ponds
The Audubon Ohio has designated Pickerington Ponds as one of Ohio’s Important Birding areas. More than 250 species of birds can be found at the seasonal ponds, wetlands, and woodlands. The Blue Heron Rookery is located on the southeast side of Ellis Pond.
Over 400 acres are dedicated as the State Nature preserve that house beaver, white tailed deer, red fox, and other wildlife. There are 5 observations areas in the park for viewing wildlife.
Activities include hiking, biking, and rollerblading trails, picnicking, birding, and nature programs.
Location: 7680 Wright Road, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Prairie Oaks
Prairie Oaks has over 1,630 acres and features about 400 acres of lush grasslands and prairies. The Big Darby State and National Scenic River flows through the park and the Sycamore Plains Trail treks along beside it.
You’ll find hiking trails, pet trails, biking and rollerblading trails, a bridle trail, nature programs, canoeing, fishing, cross country skiing and more.
Darby Bend Lakes is a new recreational area offering 3 beautiful lakes for trails, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, non-motor boats, and picnicking.
Location: 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson, Ohio located in Northeast Madison County and West Franklin County.
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Scioto Audubon
Check out the new Scioto Audubon Columbus Metro Park
Sharon Woods
Sharon Woods has over 760 acres with a 14 acre lake (Schrock Lake) which provides the setting for fishing, picnicking, and bird watching. You’ll find forests and open fields with towering oaks, beech trees, and hickory trees.
There are 4 miles of paved trails for joggers, hikers, and bicyclists. If you’re looking for a quiet place to walk, you’ll enjoy the 3 miles of nature trails in the wetlands.
Other activities include playgrounds, nature programs, fishing for kids 15 and under, senior fishing, rollerblading, and sledding.
The Spring Hollow Lodge is a rustic lodge and can be used for meetings or family events. The main entrance to the lodge is 1069 W. Main Street, Westerville, Ohio.
Location: 6911 Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, Ohio
Hours Open: 6:30AM-10PM April through September; 6:30AM-8PM October through March.
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Slate Run
Slate Run has over 1,700 acres and features open areas of grasslands, meadows, wetlands, and forests. The park has over 13 miles of trails and one of the trails crosses over a restored 1800s covered bridge.
Other activities include hiking trails, pet trails, a bridle trail, picnicking, nature programs, playgrounds, and fishing for kids 15 and under.
The Slate Run Living Historical Farm is a working farm that you can visit and learn what life was like on a farm 100 years ago, and help with the chores.
Location: 1375 State Route 674 North, Canal Winchester, Ohio in Northeastern Pickaway County.
Hours Open: 6:30AM to Dusk
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
Three Creeks
Three Creeks has over 1,050 acres and it’s a major hub in the Franklin County Greenways Program, an interconnected system of trails along the seven major streams in Central Ohio.
It’s named from the coming together of the Big Walnut, Blacklick, and Alum Creeks. More than 100 species of birds have been sighted including owls and blue herons. Wildlife such as coyote, deer, beaver and mink can be seen.
Activities include hiking, biking, rollerblading, and jogger’s trails, pet trail, nature trails, picnicking, fishing, nature programs, and canoeing.
There is an athletic field for baseball, soccer and field hockey. They also feature a 42 passenger tram that will take you along the trails.
Location: 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, Ohio
Hours Open: 6:30AM-10PM April through September; 6:30AM-8PM October through March.
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
The Columbus Metroparks are well taken care of and preserved. I hope you enjoy the beauty of nature and can get out and see the metroparks.
For more information on the Columbus Metroparks such as event schedules, reservations and more, you can visit the Metro Parks Web site at metroparks.net.
