One thing that’s fun to do, whether you are keeping your distance in the wake of COVID-19 or just want to get out and enjoy the weather, is visit Columbus’s plethora of fantastic metro parks. It’s safe, has health benefits, and will fight away the feeling of being “cooped up” you (or your pets) may have. I could write a whole post on each one, but here is a rundown of some of the best metro parks Cbus has to offer.
Alright so to be completely honest, when hiking I often forget I even own a camera (I’m sure I’m not alone here?). Escaping into nature is relaxing, and it’s even better with a loved one. Here are some of our favorite parks to hike, and the pictures I remembered to take when we did!
Highbanks
Highbanks Metro Park is quite possibly at the top of the list. If you are looking to get out of the way and into nature, this is one of the parks that definitely feels large. You can enjoy paths through the forest with gorgeous overlook views plunging into ravines and down to creeks, almost making your hike feel like you went camping. Tucked in between routes 315 and 23, it is located in Lewis Center, making it easily accessible and a favorite among those from Powell and Worthington.
The park takes all comers: hikers, bikers, runners, and pets, with a variety of different trail surfaces. It is also home to the largest collection of prehistoric earthworks and Indian mounds in the metro parks. Other activities include fishing and canoeing, and sledding!
If you could use a cup of joe or a cold one on your park trip, there is perhaps the best two for one stop in the area right next to the park: Olentangy River Brewing Company (with Roosevelt Coffee House inside).
Battelle Darby
Batelle Darby is a sprawling park along Big Darby Creek (though I assure you, this creek is the size of a river), southwest of Columbus. This park has a little of everything: overlook trails, routes along the water, paved bike paths and dirt trails, even sledding when there’s snow on the ground. You can take in some awesome animal sightings if you know where to look – in warmer parts of the year, we have seen many turtles basking and our share of tadpoles and frogs.
This park is one of those for people who want to get away from the sounds of the city. Although there are bike paths that travel along the road, we didn’t notice any road noise from within the park. Speaking of the bike path, it meets right up with the Ohio to Erie trail that links Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland.
We are more into hiking, and this park has some picturesque trails, though be warned – like most metro parks, not all paths allow pets if you’re planning on bringing your furry companions. Some of our favorite sights include the majestic old railway bridge you pass under (a relic that used to link Columbus to New York!), the Fort Ancient (reconstructed) Indian Mound, and the bison pastures (yes, you read that right, bison in Ohio).
Perk up on your way out on Route 40 by stopping at Third Way Cafe. If you want something refreshing after some time in nature, head east to Grove City Brewing Company.
Glacier Ridge
Glacier Ridge is a fun option for those in Northwest Columbus. You’ll notice most of the pictures above are of the disc golf course, which is our favorite reason to visit. However, Glacier Ridge also has a dog park, paved and dirt trails, a wetlands boardwalk, and an observation tower. A couple unique features of this park are the challenge course and a horseback riding trail. One of the things we enjoy most about this trail is the diversity of the landscape – you can hike in the woods, the meadows, and wetlands all in one park.
Need to caffienate before getting out? How about sample some suds on a sunny day? Stop off in nearby Powell for either at Espresso 22, Nocterra Brewing, or Ill Mannered Brewing.
Blendon Woods
Blendon Woods in Northeast Columbus has a lot to offer. Scenic hikes through the woods ring with the sounds of songbirds, and if you come across them, a close up with wild turkeys. We recommend traveling to the observation areas at Thoreau Lake for sunny views across the water. This park also boasts distinctive features in a disc golf course and an ice skating rink.
Blendon is situated between Westerville and Gahanna, so for brews (of both sorts), you have options. Head north to Westerville for Java Central and Temperance Row Brewing Co. Head south to Gahanna for Upper Cup Coffee Co and Nostalgia Brewing.
Three Creeks
Three Creeks is a good choice for those in Southeast Columbus, south of Bexley. It has paved and dirt paths for hiking, biking, and pets (most paths do allow pets here). The park also boasts outdoor pastimes with its own sports fields, fishing, and canoe/kayaking access. Those who enjoy paths that travel in-and-out-of the woods will like this park.
If you’re looking for a cup of coffee, head up to Bexley to Kittie’s Cafe. For a beer, try stopping by Parson’s North Brewing Company.
Blacklick Woods
Blacklick Woods is a must see for those in the Reynoldsburg area. To me, the defining feature of this park is that it is a swamp (at least seasonally). Before you go thinking that means you’re (or more likely your pets or kids) are going to have a mess on your hands, there are lovely elevated boardwalks through the area providing views of the stellar forest rising out of the waters.
Blacklick is one of the Columbus metro parks that boasts a golf course, but also has a couple outdoor fitness areas for those looking to add some bodyweight activities to an outdoor workout! Trails include those for biking, hiking, and pets. If you find yourself with a snow day on your hands, bring everyone out to go sledding.
If you’re coming from Pickerington or have time to take a small trip south, check out Porter’s Coffee House and Bakery or Combustion Brewing for some “brews”. If you’re headed back toward Columbus, take a look at 2 Tones Brewing Co or Bexley Coffee Shop.
Sharon Woods
Sharon Woods was a sort of “hidden gem” from us before the onset of the stay-at-home order from COVID-19. Settled between HIghbanks and Blendon Woods in northeastern Columbus, it is no surprise that Sharon Woods sports some ravine-esque views as well as quaint bridges. The trails are great for hiking, but the park also sports biking, fishing, and bodyweight workouts at a fitness station stop-off.
The park includes gravel, grass, and paved paths for bikers, pets, and hikers. Sledding is a good option here in the winter months.
To imbibe after seeing Sharon Woods, take a short trip over to Zaftig Brewing Co. Ride a little further south into Worthington to snag some coffee at Highline.
Scioto Grove
Scioto Grove is south of Columbus, between Grove City and Obetz. Its paved, gravel, and dirt trails allow hiking, biking, and pets. Scioto Grove has so much more to offer than that though – it is home to the lesser known past times: fishing, canoeing, disc golf, backpacking, and distinguishing amongst the metro parks, archery. It also has a wonderful indoor shelter that can be reserved.
This is another sledding stop for the kids if you’re in the area!
You can meet up with 71 North and travel straight to Franklinton, where we’d recommend the new One Line Coffee for a pick-me-up or Land Grant Brewing if you want to hang out on the patio.
Bonus - Tiny Hidden Area! Sawmill State Wildlife Education Area
A hidden gem in Dublin, the Sawmill State Wildlife Education Area is a small park behind the shopping complex housing Whole Foods. It is a small urban escape to a wetlands boardwalk. Though it is a small area, it hosts an array of wildlife – during our trip, we saw a large hawk on the hunt and a mother duck with cute ducklings in tow. This wildlife area could be a few minutes of escape in the middle of your next shopping trip.
For more Metro Parks information, visit them at metroparks.net or follow them on Instagram (@cbusmetroparks).