Great Hikes

Take advantage of the warm weather and tackle a trail at one of these nearby parks

Three Creeks

Alum Creek Greenway, 3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport

At 7.3 miles, the Alum Creek Greenway is easily one of the longest hikes in any of the Franklin County Metro Parks. The paved trails make it incredibly versatile; perfect for walks, jogs or a day of rollerskating. With the addition of other, shorter trails that branch off from the main Greenway, the park boasts a grand total of 15 miles of trails.

PhotobyMindiMcConnell

Battelle Darby Creek

Darby Creek Greenway, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway

Setting this 4.7-mile, gravel-surface trail apart is the herd of six bison that call Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park home. Park at the Cedar Ridge Area parking lot and walk approximately a mile north to spot these majestic creatures, or search the creeks for more than 100 species of fish and 44 species of freshwater mussels.

Highbanks

Overlook and Dripping Rock Trails, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center

This incredibly scenic 5.8-mile trail offers one of the best views of the Olentangy River that Ohio has to offer. Pass steep ravines and shale outcroppings while hiking this moderately difficult path and learn about Native American history at the park’s two Adena Indian burial mounds.

7800 Walton Pkwy. New Albany, OH www.cvgrp.com

Continually Supporting Greater New Albany

Scioto Audubon

Scioto Greenway, 400 W. Whittier St., Columbus

Set in the middle of downtown Columbus, this two-mile trail offers countless features in addition to hiking to give residents an escape from city living. The Scioto Audubon has something for everyone: sand volleyball courts, a two-acre dog park, an outdoor climbing wall and even an interactive electronic game structure.

Inniswood Metro Gardens

940 S. Hemptstead Rd., Westerville

Enjoy the short but beautiful trails of Inniswood Metro Gardens. Housing more than 2,000 species of plants, the park’s many landscaped gardens blend brilliantly with the majestic natural scenes of the area’s creeks and woodlands.