Blendon Woods Metro Park
Westerville, Ohio
Cross Country Ski and Hike
Spectacular stream cut ravines surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests highlight this 653-acre Metro Park. The 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge with its 11-acre Thoreau Lake provides a sanctuary for hundreds of birds and other wildlife. The refuge is open year-round and features two elevated observation shelters with spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl. More than 220 species of birds have been sighted at the park. Explore the beautiful outcroppings of exposed bedrock as you hike more than 5 miles of trails.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Westerville, Ohio
- Head west on E College Ave toward S Vine St (0.1 mi)
- Turn left onto OH-3 S/S State St (1.8 mi)
- Take the ramp to Interstate 270 S/Wheeling (0.4 mi)
- Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-270 S and merge onto I-270 S (1.1 mi)
- Take exit 30 for OH-161 E toward New Albany (2.1 mi)
- Keep right, follow signs for Little Turtle Way (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Little Turtle Way W (138 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Cherry Bottom Rd/E Dublin Granville Rd (0.4 mi)
- Turn left (43 ft)
From I-270, take State Route 161 exit (30B) toward New Albany onto E. Dublin-Granville Road. Go 1.6 miles then take the Little Turtle Way exit and turn right. Go to Old State Route 161 and turn right. Entrance is 1/2 mile on left.
Other Hiking Trails and Cross Country Ski Trails Nearby
Highbanks Metro Park
Lewis Center, Ohio
8.7 miles NWHighbanks is appropriately named for its massive 100-foot high shale bluffs that tower over the Olentangy State Scenic River. Tributary streams cutting across the bluff have created a number of...
Cross-country Ski, HikeBlacklick Woods
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
10.1 miles SEOpened in 1948, Blacklick Woods is the oldest and one of the busiest Metro Parks. The forest areas of this 643-acre park are laced with trails that wind through a swamp forest with white oak, pin...
Cross-country SkiAlum Creek State Park
Delaware, Ohio
12.5 miles NWAlum Creek Reservoir - A 3,300-acre U.S. Corp of Engineers managed Lake. The northern section is restricted to paddling, the southern section is great for all kinds of boats and water skiing....
Camp, Cross-country Ski, Mountain BikeGlacier Ridge Metro Park
Plain City, Ohio
16.3 miles WNamed for the end moraine that was left behind when the Wisconsin Glacier retreated some 12,000 to 17,000 years ago, much of this Metro Park was once covered with farm lands. In late summer and...
Hike, HorsebackHeritage Trail Park
Hilliard, Ohio
16.5 miles WThe Heritage Park includes a 4-acre dog park in which dogs can go off-leash. There are separate fenced areas for large and for small dogs, with tunnels and hills for dog agility, plus a dog sprinkle...
Cross-country Ski, Hike, HorsebackPrairie Oaks Metro Park
Hilliard, Ohio
19.8 miles WPrairie Oaks features nearly 500 acres of lush prairies and grasslands. In late summer and early fall, visitors can see fields of beautifully flowering ashy sunflower, royal catchfly and purple...
Cross-country Ski, Hike, HorsebackChestnut Ridge
Carroll, Ohio
19.9 miles SThe ridge at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park rises more than 150 feet—reaching an elevation above sea level of 1,116 feet—and is 4,500 feet long. It is considered the first ridge in the...
Cross-country SkiBattelle Darby Creek
Grove City, Ohio
21.9 miles SWBattelle Darby Creek is the largest Metro Park with more than 7,000 acres of prairies, fields and forests, and more than 20 miles of riparian forest along the Big and Little Darby Creeks. The Darby...
Cross-country Ski, HikeSlate Run Metro Park
Ashville, Ohio
22.5 miles SSlate Run Metro Park isn't resting on slate rock -- settlers mistook the dark soil for 350-million year old slate. It's actually shale, a soft rock made from clay deposited by water about...
Hike, HorsebackDelaware State Park
Delaware, Ohio
23.1 miles NWDense woodlands, expansive meadows and a shimmering 1,300-acre reservoir blend to create Delaware State Park. Once home to the Delaware Indians, this 1,686-acre recreational area offers camping,...
Camp, Cross-country Ski, HikeSugar Maple Hiking Trail Madison Lake State Park
London, Ohio
29.9 miles SWLying within the vast Darby Plains of Ohio, Madison Lake is small and peaceful. The lake attracts anglers and offers excellent sailing, rowing and canoeing opportunities.There is a half mile hiking...
HikeDeer Creek State Park
Mount Sterling, Ohio
36.7 miles SWDeer Creek State Park is a 2,337-acre resort park which provides a multitude of activities! The park features 232 campsites, a lodge, cottages, 7 miles of hiking trails, a golf course, disc golf,...
Camp, Disc Golf, Hike, Mountain Bike, Sled, SwimHocking Hills State Park
Logan, Ohio
48.6 miles SLocated in the picturesque sandstone region of Southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park encompasses some of the most scenic areas in the entire state. Rock outcrops, deep cool gorges, and...
Camp, Hike, Mountain BikeMohican State Park
Perrysville, Ohio
49.0 miles NEMohican State Park and the adjacent State Forest are located in the heart of Mohican Country...Ohio's great vacation region. The park is comprised of 1,110 acres with 5 miles of the scenic...
Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain BikeNearby Campsites
Berkshire Lake Campgrounds
Galena, Ohio
10.1 miles NBERKSHIRE LAKE CAMPGROUND is located 10 miles north of Columbus. Full Hook-up with City Water, Sewer, and 50 amp Service. Mature trees on every lot. Swimming pool, camp store, playground, shelter...
CampCross Creek Camping Resort
Delaware, Ohio
11.8 miles NWCross Creek Camping Resort is the premier camping destination in Ohio! We are a family oriented camping resort offering beautiful surroundings, activities, and themed weekends! Highly rated by...
CampAlum Creek State Park
Delaware, Ohio
12.5 miles NWAlum Creek Reservoir - A 3,300-acre U.S. Corp of Engineers managed Lake. The northern section is restricted to paddling, the southern section is great for all kinds of boats and water skiing....
Camp, Cross-country Ski, Mountain BikeDelaware State Park
Delaware, Ohio
23.1 miles NWDense woodlands, expansive meadows and a shimmering 1,300-acre reservoir blend to create Delaware State Park. Once home to the Delaware Indians, this 1,686-acre recreational area offers camping,...
Camp, Cross-country Ski, HikeDeer Creek State Park
Mount Sterling, Ohio
36.7 miles SWDeer Creek State Park is a 2,337-acre resort park which provides a multitude of activities! The park features 232 campsites, a lodge, cottages, 7 miles of hiking trails, a golf course, disc golf,...
Camp, Disc Golf, Hike, Mountain Bike, Sled, SwimBuck Creek State Park Campground
Springfield, Ohio
45.1 miles WBuck Creek State Park lies in a fertile agricultural area, rich in Ohio’s history. The park’s recreational facilities center around the 2,120-acre lake, offering endless water-related...
Camp, SwimHocking Hills State Park
Logan, Ohio
48.6 miles SLocated in the picturesque sandstone region of Southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park encompasses some of the most scenic areas in the entire state. Rock outcrops, deep cool gorges, and...
Camp, Hike, Mountain BikeMohican State Park
Perrysville, Ohio
49.0 miles NEMohican State Park and the adjacent State Forest are located in the heart of Mohican Country...Ohio's great vacation region. The park is comprised of 1,110 acres with 5 miles of the scenic...
Camp, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike