Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Columbus, Ohio, United States
1. Slate Run Metro Park
Enjoy a peaceful hike with diverse landscapes including wetlands, prairies, and wooded areas. Spot wildlife such as deer, foxes, and beavers.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat
- Diverse Landscapes: Experience different terrains within the same park
- Nature Education: Educational programs and events for nature lovers
2. Highbanks Metro Park
Climb to the top of the Highbanks Overlook for a panoramic view of the Columbus skyline and Alum Creek Valley. Explore wooded trails with diverse plant life.
- Scenic Overlook: Breathtaking views from the highest point in Franklin County
- Naturalistic Gardens: Beautiful gardens showcasing native plant species and wildlife
- Trail Difficulty Levels: Trails suitable for all skill levels, including challenging hikes
3. Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Hike through rolling prairies and wooded hills with scenic overlooks of the Olentangy River Valley. Observe various bird species in the park's many birdhouses.
- Birdwatching: Plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of birds
- Prairie Restoration Project: Contribute to the preservation and restoration of native prairies
- Scenic Overlooks: Enjoy picturesque views from several vantage points within the park
4. Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Explore the Scioto River banks and enjoy scenic views of downtown Columbus. The park offers various recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, and picnicking.
- River Access: Opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking along the Scioto River
- Urban Setting: Unique combination of urban and natural experiences
- Historical Landmarks: Nearby historical sites such as the Historic Scioto Mile
5. Blacklick Metro Park
Hike through diverse landscapes including woods, meadows, and wetlands. The park also offers a lake for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
- Lake Activities: Activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on Blacklick Lake
- Diverse Landscapes: Variety of terrains for a more enriching hiking experience
- Nature Play Area: A children's nature play area for family-friendly exploration
6. Three Creeks Metro Park
Hike through scenic wooded trails and explore the three creeks that give the park its name. The park also features a historic covered bridge.
- Historic Covered Bridge: Explore an old-fashioned covered bridge and learn about its history
- Scenic Trails: Beautiful woodland trails with three picturesque creeks
- Nature Programs: Educational programs and events for the whole family
7. Sherwood-Harmon Metro Park
Hike through scenic woodlands and meadows, and visit the restored Sherwood-Harmon farmstead. The park also offers a fishing pond.
- Historic Farmstead: Learn about local history at the restored farmstead
- Fishing Pond: Opportunities for fishing in the park's pond
- Nature Education: Educational programs and events focusing on local ecosystems
8. Two Creeks Park
Hike through wooded trails alongside two creeks and explore the park's historic barn. The park also features a fishing pond.
- Historic Barn: Explore an old-fashioned barn and learn about its history
- Scenic Trails: Beautiful woodland trails with two picturesque creeks
- Fishing Pond: Opportunities for fishing in the park's pond
9. Slate Run Living Historical Farm
Step back in time and learn about rural life in the early 20th century at this working farm. Participate in demonstrations and interact with costumed interpreters.
- Historical Interpretation: Immerse yourself in life on a 1900s-era farm
- Demonstrations and Activities: Join demonstrations of traditional farming skills and activities
- Nature Trails: Explore the surrounding wooded trails for a more complete experience
10. Homestead Metro Park
Hike through wooded trails and explore the historic Homestead Farmstead. The park also features a fishing pond and picnic areas.
- Historic Farmstead: Learn about life on an 1800s-era farm
- Fishing Pond: Opportunities for fishing in the park's pond
- Nature Education: Educational programs and events focusing on local ecosystems
11. Hilltop Park
Enjoy scenic views of the Olentangy River Valley while hiking through wooded trails. The park also features picnic areas and a playground.
- Scenic Overlooks: Picturesque views of the Olentangy River Valley
- Nature Trails: Explore wooded trails for a more enriching hiking experience
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Picnic areas and playground for family activities
12. Walnut Woods Metro Park
Hike through diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park also features a pond for fishing and birdwatching.
- Diverse Landscapes: Variety of terrains for a more enriching hiking experience
- Fishing and Birdwatching: Opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and nature observation
- Nature Education: Educational programs and events focusing on local ecosystems
13. Hayden Run Metro Park
Enjoy scenic views of the Olentangy River while hiking through diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park also features a pond for fishing.
- Scenic Overlooks: Picturesque views of the Olentangy River
- Diverse Landscapes: Variety of terrains for a more enriching hiking experience
- Fishing Opportunities: Opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and nature observation
14. Darby Metro Park
Hike through diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park also features a pond for fishing.
- Diverse Landscapes: Variety of terrains for a more enriching hiking experience
- Fishing Opportunities: Opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and nature observation
- Nature Education: Educational programs and events focusing on local ecosystems
15. Windchime Prairie Preserve
Explore a restored prairie filled with native grasses and wildflowers. Learn about the importance of prairies in local ecosystems.
- Prairie Restoration: Contribute to the preservation and restoration of native prairies
- Nature Education: Educational programs and events focusing on local ecosystems
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to observe various wildlife in their natural habitat