Winter hikes have always been a favorite around here.
This year, trails at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood will be beautifully decorated with holiday lights.
A great way to enjoy them is through the Metro Parks Winter Hikes program. Visitors can hike any trail any time from December through February as part of the series, although the holiday lights are only up through the end of December. Each month features different parks where you can take a walk, get your hike card stamped, and maybe join a group for a guided stroll.
In January and February there will be hot drinks and treats, plus a treasure hunt for collectible winter hike medallions.
Winter Hikes Kick-Off
December 1, 2025 from 5–7 p.m. at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Get things started this season by heading out to the Blacklick Woods Nature Center for hot chocolate and a walk through the park under the twinkling lights.
Twinkling Lights
Walk under the twinkling lights at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood during the month of December. The lights come on at dark and shut off at 8 p.m. Walk at any time. Or head to Chestnut Ridge for special evening lantern walks and hot chocolate on Friday, December 5, 2025 and Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 5–6:30 p.m.
Here are the Winter Hikes card basics:
- Visit the parks highlighted each month and hike any trail during the designated month.
- Have a staff member stamp your Winter Hikes card.
- Hike seven parks to earn your Metro Parks Winter Hikes patch.
- Join Metro Parks at the February celebration to receive your Winter Hikes patch.
- Visit Friends of Metro Parks to find out how to earn hike medallions and additional swag.
For those wanting to explore the twinkling winter wonderlands, you can visit the parks between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. each night throughout December.
For more information about visiting the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, visit their website here.
Featured image via Metro Parks Facebook.
