Columbus Crossroads-Great Park Getaways 2024
Columbus Crossroads-Great Park Getaways 2024
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
There are many parks to have you, that special someone or the entire family to getaway for the afternoon in Metro Columbus.
Here are just a few snapshots of some here in Central Ohio
Check out our photo album on Columbus Wired's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=ColumbusWired&set=a.1022613103205335
Homestead Metro Park
Hours and Info
6:30am to dark
Phone: 614.216.8859
Reservations: 614.508.8111 (M-F 8am–4pm)
Location
www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/homestead/
This park offers 41 acres of outdoor enjoyment. A previous park by nearby townships; Columbus Metro Parks improve the grounds with more shelters, a nature center, and two playgrounds. It also features a coverage bridge, a farm area, a train station shelter house, and links to the 6.1 Heritage Rail Trail into Hillard.
Weaver Park/Hillard’s Station Historical Park
5274 Norwich St (13.56 mi)
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
www.facebook.com/hilliardohiohistoricalsociety/
Adjacent to the Franklin County Fairgrounds and the Hilliard Safety Complex, this small park and complex has many historic buildings. Construction on a new picnic pavilion was finished in May 2019. There are picnic tables near the buildings as well as recycle and trash cans to clean up after a nice picnic.
Hayden Falls/Griggs Nature Preserve
4326 Hayden Run Rd.
Dublin, OH 43017
https://columbusrecparks.com/parks/hayden-falls-nature-preserve/
Open dawn to dusk as most Columbus City Parks are; it features one of the most unique ecosystems in Columbus City Limits. A 35 foot waterfall, cascading Hayden Run into the Scioto Watershed. A wooden trail leading to the falls, two overlooks and picnic tables nearby offer a short getaway from a hectic world.
Millstone Creek Park
745 North Spring Road
Westerville, Ohio 43081
http://www.westerville.org/home/showdocument?id=261
Columbus Parent Magazine has raved about this haven for nature and families. It not only is linked to the famous Westerville Hike and Bike Trail System, but has a great wetland/creek area. It is extremely exploreable for families and nature lovers alike.
Three Creeks Metro Park
Three Creeks Metro Park
3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
(Confluence Trail Trailhead, Shelters and Picnic Areas)
This Metro Park, founded in 1998; doesn’t seem like it fits the surroundings.
Wedged in between Alum Creek Drive, I-270, and Hamilton Road.
Most Central Ohioans think of the area as industrial and commercial development.
That is why both Franklin County Metro Parks and Columbus Dept. of Parks and Recreation gained the 1,100 acre space.
Retaining the natural beauty of Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick Creek’s confluence was a big draw to protect the owls, herons, forest land and waterways.
With the large Alum Creek Greenway trail system; this vast land has everything.
This busy park has the rangers and park volunteers keep the shelters, play areas and trails very clean. (With a touch of leafs occasionally falling to the ground, of course)
This could be a day trip within itself.
One of the oldest Metro Parks; not far from Three Creeks, has a brand new element.
Blacklick Woods Metro Park
6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Hours and Info
April 1-September 30: 6:30am-10pm
October 1-March 31: 6:30am-8pm
Phone: 614-208-4247
Nature Center: 614-861-8759
April-September: 9am-8pm
October-March: 9am-6pm
Reservations: reservations@metroparks.net
The brand new Canopy Walk just opened in August 2024. It is an immersive walk above the tree line, featuring a “treehouse” play area for the kids. It also includes a rope bridge for guests to walk across. It does tend to be busy on good weather days and weekends. Plan ahead for this and many other aspects for this beautiful park on the far east end; in Reynoldsburg off Livingston Avenue.
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/#canopy-walk
Oh, by the way; this Metro Park has two great golf courses. More info on the links provided.
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/#golfing
Again, get out there. Life is an adventure!
