Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Columbus, United States
1. Slate Run Metro Park - Prairie Oaks
Experience the diverse ecosystems with prairies, forests, and wetlands, ideal for birdwatching.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Offers a unique blend of prairie, forest, and wetland environments
- Birdwatching Opportunities: A great spot for bird enthusiasts to observe various species
- Accessibility: Located within the city limits of Columbus, making it easily accessible
2. Hocking Hills State Park - Old Man's Cave
Explore deep caves and cascading waterfalls in this popular state park.
- Cave Exploration: Offers the opportunity to explore multiple caves in one area
- Waterfalls: Features several beautiful cascading waterfalls within the park
- Accessible Hiking Trails: Provides trails suitable for hikers of all abilities
3. Scioto Audubon Metro Park - Griggs Reservoir
Ideal for birdwatching and wildlife photography with its scenic reservoir.
- Birdwatching Hotspot: Attracts a variety of bird species, making it popular among birdwatchers
- Scenic Reservoir: Offers beautiful views and opportunities for photography
- Educational Opportunities: Features an environmental learning center for educational programs
4. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
Hike along the scenic Blackhand Gorge with its stunning cliffs and waterfalls.
- Scenic Cliffs and Waterfalls: Features breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls along the trail
- Historical Significance: Preserves evidence of prehistoric life, including fossils and glacial erratics
- Quiet and Peaceful: Offers a serene environment for a peaceful hike away from the city
5. Highbanks Metro Park - Highbank Cliffs
Hike through diverse habitats, including cliffs, forests, and meadows.
- Diverse Habitats: Provides a variety of ecosystems to explore within the park
- Highbank Cliffs: Offers scenic views from the top of the cliffs
- Environmental Education: Features an environmental learning center for educational programs
6. Three Creeks Metro Park
Experience the diverse habitats along the three creeks: Alum, Big Walnut, and Troy's.
- Diverse Habitats: Provides a variety of ecosystems to explore within the park
- Three Interconnected Creeks: Follow the creeks as they meander through the park
- Historical Artifacts: Contains historical artifacts from the early settlers of Ohio
7. Charles F. Kauffman Nature Sanctuary
Discover diverse plant and wildlife species within this beautiful sanctuary.
- Diverse Wildlife: Supports a wide variety of plants and animals
- Peaceful Environment: Offers a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and guided walks
8. Conservancy Nature Center
Learn about local ecology while hiking through the wooded trails.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs on local ecology and wildlife
- Woodland Trails: Features various woodland trails for hiking
- Native Plant Garden: Includes a native plant garden for observation and learning
9. Scioto Trail - Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Follow the Scioto River on this scenic trail that connects several parks.
- Scenic River Views: Offers beautiful views of the Scioto River along the trail
- Connected Park System: Part of a larger connected park system for longer hikes
- Accessibility: Located within the city limits of Columbus, making it easily accessible
10. Sherwood-Huntington Reservation - Cleveland Metroparks
Explore the diverse habitats in this Cleveland Metropark, just a short drive from Columbus.
- Diverse Habitats: Provides a variety of ecosystems to explore within the park
- Nearby Location: Located just outside Columbus, making it an easily accessible day trip
- Historical Landmarks: Includes historical landmarks like the Sherwood Castle and Huntington Lodge
11. Metzger Marsh Nature Reserve - Delaware
Hike through a diverse marsh ecosystem teeming with wildlife.
- Diverse Wetland Habitat: Offers a unique wetland habitat for wildlife observation
- Wildlife Observation Opportunities: Provides opportunities to observe various species of birds and mammals
- Nearby Location: Located near Columbus, making it an easily accessible day trip
12. Hoover Reservoir Park - Delaware
Enjoy a scenic hike around the Hoover Reservoir with opportunities for fishing and boating.
- Scenic Reservoir Views: Offers beautiful views of the reservoir while hiking
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking
- Nearby Location: Located near Columbus, making it an easily accessible day trip
13. Mohican State Park - Loudonville
Experience the beauty of the Mohican River and its waterfalls in this scenic park.
- Scenic River Views: Offers stunning views of the Mohican River and its waterfalls
- Historical Landmarks: Features historical sites like the Old Stone Schoolhouse and the Little Lyons Cabin
- Accessible Hiking Trails: Provides trails suitable for hikers of all abilities
14. Zaleski State Forest - Lake White
Explore the vast wilderness of the Zaleski State Forest and its scenic lake.
- Vast Wilderness: Offers a vast wilderness area for exploration
- Scenic Lake: Features a beautiful lake for fishing and boating activities
- Accessible Hiking Trails: Provides trails suitable for hikers of all abilities
15. Malabar Farm State Park - Lucas
Walk the grounds where Louis Bromfield once resided and learn about his conservation efforts.
- Historical Significance: Preserves the former home of renowned author Louis Bromfield
- Conservation Efforts: Highlights Bromfield's conservation efforts and his impact on local agriculture
- Diverse Habitats: Offers a variety of ecosystems to explore within the park