There’s something so refreshing about taking a sunrise walk, when the dew is still hanging onto the blooms and the sky is all lit up. Of course, no one’s saying you have to get up in time for sunrise. Sunset is equally as gorgeous. But no matter when you choose to get out and explore, it will definitely leave you feeling lighter.

Nature is good for you. That’s a proven fact. So get out there and enjoy this spring weather, Columbus. You never know when it will randomly get freezing cold again and we’ll be stuck dreaming of warmer days.

Schiller Park

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Scioto Mile

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. Taking a walk along the Scioto Mile is always a good idea. You get fantastic views of the city and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of some birds along the Scioto River.
Where: 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Scioto Mile

Columbus Park of Roses

I adore the Park of Roses. Although the Formal Rose Garden doesn’t reach peak bloom until late spring/early summer, the heritage garden will be in full bloom by mid-spring. If you’re looking for a place to chill out and relax after your walk, the Park of Roses has plenty of shady spots where you can relax with a good book and get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
Where: 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Columbus Park of Roses

Franklin Park Conservatory

Battelle Darby Metro Park

Stroll through fields of wildflowers, take in scenic views of the creek, and admire the majesty of bison when you visit Battelle Darby Metro Park. The park is huge, with a variety of trails and trail difficulties. One of the best things about a visit to this park is that after you’ve worn yourself out exploring, you can head over to the hammock nook and have a relaxing swing in the trees.
Where: 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
Website: Battelle Darby Metro Park

If you’d like to learn about the types of wildflowers blooming in parks across the state, you can visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website here.

The post 6 Columbus Parks & Gardens Perfect For A Spring Stroll appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

As winter fades away, Ohio’s woodlands, meadows, and wetlands explode with color thanks to an incredible variety of wildflowers. Sure, trillium — our official state wildflower — gets most of the attention. But it’s just one of many stunning blooms worth seeking out this time of year.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just looking for a good excuse to hit the trails, here’s where you can catch some of Ohio’s most spectacular wildflower displays this spring.

Trillium: The Star of the Show

Where to Find Them:

• Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) – In peak season, white trilliums can blanket the forest floor.
• Hocking Hills State Park (Hocking County) – Check trails near Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls for some especially beautiful displays.
• Goll Woods State Nature Preserve (Fulton County) – One of Ohio’s best old-growth forests and a dream spot for spring wildflower lovers.

More Must-See Wildflowers in Ohio

Wildflower season usually begins in southern Ohio in late March and slowly works its way north through mid-May. If you want to see more than just trilliums (and you definitely do), keep an eye out for these colorful beauties along the trail.

Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

Tiny but mighty, Spring Beauty is often one of the first flowers to pop up each year. Its soft white petals streaked with pink almost look hand-painted. Once you start spotting them, you’ll see them everywhere.

• Goll Woods State Nature Preserve (Fulton County)
• Shawnee State Forest (Scioto County)

Sharp-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba)

One of the earliest bloomers of the season, sharp-lobed hepatica adds pops of purple, pink, and even white to the forest floor. They’re small, but their bright color makes them stand out against early spring’s brown landscape.

• Caesar Creek State Park (Waynesville)
• Lake Hope State Park (McArthur)

Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)

If you’re heading out later in the season, keep an eye out for Prairie Ironweed. These tall, vibrant purple flowers thrive in prairies and wetlands and are a favorite for pollinators.

• Sycamore State Park (Trotwood)
• Paint Creek State Park (Bainbridge) – Milkweed Meadow Nature Trail

Wildflower Hikes and Events

Want to take your wildflower spotting to the next level? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) hosts guided hikes throughout the season, led by experts who can help you identify what’s blooming and when. These events are perfect for beginners and longtime plant enthusiasts alike.

• March 14, 2026– Wildflower Extravaganza at Whipple State Nature Preserve
• April 10, 2026 – Wildflowers, Wildlife and Wellness Walk at Cowan Lake
• April 17, 2026 Wildflowers, Wildlife and Wellness Walk and Talk – Caesar Creek

Get Involved!

If you find yourself falling in love with Ohio’s spring blooms, you can track your sightings using ODNR’s Wildflower Checklist. And if you’ve got kids along for the hike, download Ohio’s Spring Wildflower Activity Book for a fun way to turn your outing into a mini adventure.

From forest floors to botanical gardens, Ohio’s wildflowers are a stunning reminder of nature’s beauty. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to chase the bloom this spring!

The post A Guide to Ohio’s Wildflowers: Where to See These Stunning Spring Blooms appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources launched the Heritage of Freedom Project back in 2024, an initiative that brings the history of the Underground Railroad into Ohio’s public lands through interpretive trails and community partnerships. The goal is simple and meaningful: to connect the landscapes we enjoy today with the stories of courage and resilience that unfolded there generations ago.

Walking In The Footsteps Of Freedom Seekers

The first Heritage of Freedom Trail opened in November 2024 at Alum Creek State Park near the Galena Boat Ramp. The natural surface loop stretches just under three-quarters of a mile and is designed for visitors of all ages. Along the route, interpretive signs invite walkers to look closely at their surroundings while learning how freedom seekers navigated Ohio’s wilderness.

Visitors learn about the 19th-century free Black community in Africa, Ohio, and about how enslaved people used the natural world to survive and move north. The stars in the night sky, dense forests, and remote waterways were not just scenery. They were tools, guides, and sometimes safe havens.

In October 2025, a second trail opened at East Fork State Park in Clermont County. This half-mile interpretive path explores both Ohio’s statewide role in the Underground Railroad and stories rooted in the local landscape. Signage highlights how natural markers helped with navigation and how isolated areas provided cover for those seeking freedom and for the conductors who assisted them.

A third trail is now open at Portage Lakes State Park near Akron, with additional locations and programming planned.

More Than Recreation

Ohio’s 76 state parks are often described as places for outdoor fun, but ODNR leaders have emphasized that they are also living classrooms. By weaving Underground Railroad history into these spaces, the Heritage of Freedom Project adds a deeper layer to the experience of being outdoors.

The timing is notable. In 2025, Ohio’s state park system received the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, recognizing it as the top state park system in the country. The Heritage of Freedom Trails reflect that broader mission of balancing conservation, recreation, and education.

Built With Community

The project has been shaped by collaboration. Partners include the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Westerville Historical Society, WeRISE for Greater Westerville, the Ohio Poetry Association, B the Keeper, and local leaders and historians. Community members and educators have worked alongside ODNR to ensure the stories shared on the trails are accurate, respectful, and grounded in place.

That connection to place is central to the project. The Heritage of Freedom Project reminds visitors that the land itself holds memory. The forests, fields, and waterways that draw people out for fresh air today once offered refuge, direction, and hope.

A Different Kind Of Trail Experience

You can still go to Alum Creek to boat or fish. You can still camp at East Fork or paddle through Portage Lakes. But now, as you walk those trails, you may find yourself pausing a little longer at a sign, looking up at the night sky differently, or imagining what it meant to move through these same landscapes under entirely different circumstances.

The Heritage of Freedom Project does not replace the recreational side of Ohio’s parks. It expands it. It invites reflection alongside exploration and encourages visitors to see familiar spaces through a wider lens.

More sites and stories are on the way. For now, three parks offer a chance to experience Ohio history not inside a museum, but under open sky.

The post Ohio’s State Parks Are Telling A Deeper Story With The Heritage of Freedom Project appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Tucked away in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, the park is located within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With two lakes and easy access to the Ohio River, the park is full of boating and fishing activities. But it’s also a gorgeous place to hike.

The park itself is 1,095 acres and has been called “Ohio’s Little Smokies” and it’s the perfect place to spend a day of adventure and exploration.

Ohio’s Little Smokies

Although the area doesn’t include any mountains, the ridges of the hills rise into the distance, mimicking the look of the Smoky Mountains. The massive forest adds moisture to the air, which gives the region a blue haze similar to the soft colors produced in the Smoky Mountains.

The forest surrounding the park is full of hardwood trees, wildflowers, rare orchids, and wildlife. From common animal sightings like white-tailed deer and wild turkey to rare sightings like bobcats and blackberry, the whole region is teeming with wildlife.

Shawnee State Park origins

Shawnee State Park is named after the indigenous people who used to call this region home. One of the largest Shawnee villages, Lower Town, was located where the Ohio and Scioto rivers meet, providing access to the heart of the Shawnee country in central and southern Ohio.

Although the area lost much of its natural beauty through years of colonialism and industry, steady efforts to reforest the region have paid off.

Now, the park is open to all, offering so much to see and do. Here are the best things to do when visiting Shawnee State Park.

Backpacking

Swimming

Hunting

Mountain Biking

Birdwatching

Horseback Riding

Boating

Disc Golf & Archery

Fishing

Camping

Copperhead Fire Tower

Accommodations

FAQ

Does the park cost money to visit?
Like all state parks in Ohio, Shawnee State Park is free and open to the public at no cost.

Is the park open year round?
Yes! The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information, or to start planning your trip to Shawnee State Park, please visit ohiodnr.gov.

The post The 11 Best Things To Do At Shawnee State Park appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Spring is officially right around the corner, and Ohio’s deep-freeze approach to winter makes it easy to daydream about sunnier, warmer, more beautiful days ahead. Columbus has amazing parks, we all know that. But do you know about all of our beautiful gardens?

From greenhouses to acres of roses, we’ve got it pretty good here in the capital city. Before you know it, these beautiful outdoor spaces will be filled with color and the welcoming sounds of birds chirping. Here are the gardens around Columbus that have to be on your “must-visit” list this spring.

The Biological Sciences Greenhouse at OSU

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by David and Emily (@osu_bioscigreenhouse)

About: The Biological Sciences Greenhouse at the Ohio State University is the perfect place to spend a rainy day in Columbus. Tours of the facility are available to classes and groups, but also individuals. All you have to do is call and set it up. The greenhouse is home to tropical and desert plants, with over 1,200 specimens!
Admission: Prices are donation based
Location Biological Sciences Building, 484 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
Website: The Biological Sciences Greenhouse at OSU

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

About: Chadwick Arboretum is a 60+ acre urban reserve located in the heart of OSU’s main campus. The arboretum features exciting places to explore, including the learning garden, and a labyrinth offering a place to “relax, reflect, and rejuvenate your spirit.”
Admission: Free
Location 152 Howlett Hall 2021, Fyffe Rd, Columbus, OH 43210
Website: Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Columbus Park of Roses

About: One of Columbus’ most iconic parks, the Park of Roses is also one of the most beautiful. The park is 13 acres of sheer beauty, and if the season is right, you can see over 12,000 roses (Typically in May/June). If we had “Wonders of Columbus”, the Park of Roses would definitely make the list.
Admission: Free
Location 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Columbus Park of Roses

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

About: Franklin Park Conservatory is one of my favorite places in Columbus. With its beautiful Victorian-style Palm House, expansive grounds, and impressive children’s garden, FPC knows how to show garden-goers a good time. The conservatory offers fun events for visitors of all ages and both permanent and rotating exhibits.
Admission: $24 for adults, memberships available
Location 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Website: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Inniswood Metro Gardens

About: Yearning for a visit to somewhere totally magical? Inniswood Metro Gardens is an absolute dream. The park is full of cozy nooks and crannies where you can enjoy nature in all its glory. Inniswood is 123 acres with over 2,000 species of plants.
Admission: Free
Location 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Website: Inniswood Metro Gardens

Topiary Park

About: The Topiary Park is truly one-of-a-kind. The park is a living sculptural interpretation of Georges Seurat’s Post-Impressionist painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte. It was created in 1992 and features small vignettes created out of hedges. Stop into the nearby Columbus Metropolitan Library for a day full of fun, both indoors and out.
Admission: Free
Location 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Topiary Park

Special Mention: Dawes Arboretum

About: We can’t talk about beautiful gardens and not mention Dawes Arboretum, even if it is a mini road trip. The arboretum was founded in 1929 and has several gardens within its 2,000 acres of paradise. The best spot in the park has to be the Japanese garden, where a full afternoon of relaxation is totally achievable.
Admission: $5-$10
Location: 7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH 43056
Website: Dawes Arboretum

The post 7 Beautiful Public Gardens In Columbus You Need To Visit This Spring appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

But scattered across the state are pockets of forest that predate all of it. Trees that were already standing before railroads cut through the Midwest. Before Columbus was a city. Before Ohio was even a state.

Ohio is home to more old-growth forests than any other state in the country. And most people have no idea they’re here.

What “Old Growth” Actually Means

Old-growth forests are not just “really old trees.” They’re complex ecosystems that have developed over long periods of time without major disturbance. That means no clear-cutting, no heavy logging, no large-scale development.

In an old-growth forest, you’ll see massive trunks, uneven canopies, fallen logs returning to the soil, and a layered understory that feels wild in a way modern woods rarely do. These forests operate on their own timeline.

Before European settlement, old-growth forests covered most of Ohio. By the early 1900s, nearly all of it had been cleared for farming, timber, and growing towns. What remains today are fragments. Small but powerful reminders of what once stretched across the entire state.

Famous Old-Growth Forests Across The U.S.

Nationally, the most famous old-growth forests tend to get the spotlight.

Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, with its moss-covered Sitka spruce and dripping green canopy, feels almost otherworldly. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects some of the largest tracts of old growth in the eastern United States. These places draw millions of visitors every year.

But Ohio quietly outpaces them in one important way: the sheer number of preserved old-growth sites. They just aren’t always as dramatic or widely advertised.

Ohio’s Old-Growth Standouts

Ohio’s old-growth forests are scattered from the Appalachian foothills to the northern counties. Some are large preserves. Others are smaller sanctuaries tucked into unexpected corners.

Davey Woods Nature Preserve (Portage County)
At 445 acres, Davey Woods is one of the largest old-growth preserves in the state. Massive oaks, maples, and beeches rise above wetlands and coldwater streams. It feels expansive and deeply rooted, like the forest has settled in for good.

Rock Stalls Natural Sanctuary (Hocking County)
Near Hocking Hills, Rock Stalls is defined by towering hemlocks and hardwoods that block out much of the sun. The air feels cooler. Quieter. It is the kind of place where sound seems to travel differently.

Shoemaker State Nature Preserve (Adams County)
Here you’ll find impressive stands of tulip poplar and other mature hardwoods that give a sense of scale that younger forests simply can’t replicate.

Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve (Pickaway County)
Just outside Columbus, Stage’s Pond is one of central Ohio’s most accessible old-growth experiences. The preserve spans about 31 acres, dominated by mature white oaks that have stood for generations. It is not flashy. It is steady. And it offers a rare chance to stand among trees that have quietly outlived entire chapters of Ohio history.

Lindy Roosenburg Preserve (Athens County)
Part of the Old-Growth Forest Network, this 70-acre preserve near Athens includes forest stands estimated to be more than 120 years old. It’s another reminder that some of Ohio’s most significant natural spaces are hiding in plain sight.

You’ll also find old-growth sections in Vinton County and within parts of Wayne National Forest.

Why These Forests Matter

Old-growth forests are biodiversity anchors. They provide habitat for species that cannot survive in younger or heavily managed woods. They store significant amounts of carbon in massive trunks and deep soils. They protect watersheds and stabilize ecosystems.

But beyond the science, they offer something harder to quantify. Perspective.

Standing in an old-growth forest forces you to slow down. The scale shifts. The noise fades. The timeline stretches. You begin to understand that Ohio is older and wilder than it first appears.

These forests survived waves of logging, industrial expansion, highway construction, and suburban growth. They are here because someone chose to protect them. And they will only remain if that protection continues.

Ohio’s old-growth forests are not theme parks. They are living archives. If you visit, stay on trails, follow preserve rules, and treat them with the respect they deserve. Because once a forest like this is gone, it doesn’t come back in our lifetime. And in Ohio, we’re fortunate to still have them.

To learn more about Old Growth Forests in the U.S., you can visit oldgrowthforest.net.

The post Ohio Is Home To The Most Old-Growth Forests In The U.S. appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Although it can be tempting to snuggle up in a blanket and rewatch your favorite tv show for the 100th time, it’s important to remember that Ohio is actually freaking beautiful in the winter.

If you stay tucked away inside, you’ll miss out on all of the frozen majesty that the Buckeye State has to offer. Grab your hiking boots and your sense of adventure, folks! We have a lot to see!

Blue Hen Falls

2001 Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bilal Taftaf (@billy8thekid)

Distance from Columbus: 2 hours
About the hike: You’ll be in the car longer than you will be hiking back to the falls, but that’s okay because they’re totally worth it. This is a shorter hike over hilly terrain, but the payoff is a beautiful, frozen waterfall. When the water is flowing, the falls are the result of Spring Creek dropping 15 feet onto the rocks below. This trail is perfect for families.
More info: Blue Hen Falls

Hocking Hills State Park

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

Distance from Columbus: 1 hour
About the hike: Everywhere in Hocking Hills is gorgeous when covered with snow. From Ash Caves to Cedar Falls, the beautiful ice formations will be the exact Instagrammable moment you’ve been searching for. The hikes range in difficulty, so be sure to visit the park website before setting out.
More info: Hocking Hills State Park

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231

Distance from Columbus: 2 hours 40 minutes
About the hike: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is one of our state’s best-kept secrets. The park is carry-in/carry-out, which means there are no on-site trash cans, so don’t take anything in you don’t plan on taking back out with you when you leave! There are 4 trails at the park, from easy-difficult. Notable attractions at the park include Devil’s Icebox, Indian Pass and Old Maid’s Kitchen!
More info: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Mohican State Park

3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842

Distance from Columbus: 1.5 hours
About the hike: If wilderness is what you’re searching for, you’ll find it at Mohican State Park. The park is massive, with 1,110 acres dedicated to the park itself and 4,525 acres of state forest nearby. There is literally nothing more enchanting than the Mohican Forest in winter!
More info: Mohican State Park

Lake Hope State Park

27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ohio Dept of Natural Resources (@ohiodnr)

Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 15 minutes
About the hike: The forests surrounding Lake Hope are full of Oak and hickory trees, making the perfect backdrop for a winter hike. The lake itself is even more beautiful in the snow. The park has 7 trails, which vary in length and difficulty.
More info: Lake Hope State Park

Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

2340 Meister Rd SW, Lancaster, OH 43130

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Britany Wanderland (@britanyinwanderland)

Distance from Columbus: 40 minutes
About the hike: Looking for a little perspective? If you head to the top of Jacob’s Ladder at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve, you’ll get it. The view overlooks the valley of Arney Run, 250 feet below. The trail is about 3 miles long and it can be difficult at times, so be sure you’re adequately prepared!
More info: Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

Clear Creek Metro Park

Clear Creek Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149

Distance from Columbus: 42 minutes
About the hike: Forests, Black Hand sandstone cliffs, ravines, and creeks are all waiting for you at Clear Creek Metro Park! The park is home to Ohio’s largest nature preserve, where you’ll find over 2,200 species of plants and animals. And this may seem self-explanatory, but the creek really is so freakin’ clear! Absolutely stunning.
More info: Clear Creek Metro Park

Walnut Woods Metro Park

6723 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH 43125

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Columbus Photographer (@mitch_geiser)

Distance from Columbus: 25 minutes
About the hike: The woodlands and fields of Walnut Woods Metro Park are beautiful. But the most stunning part of the whole park is the Tall Pines area. It’s magical any time of year, but there’s something about these pines being covered in snow that transforms it to something incredibly magical. The trails are all described as easy by the park and they vary in length.
More info: Walnut Woods Metro Park

Bedford Reservation

Overlook Ln, Walton Hills, OH 44146

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cleveland Metroparks (@clevemetroparks)

Distance from Columbus: 2 hours 15 minutes
About the hike: A deep gorge, carved by Tinker’s Creek, is the highlight of any trip to Bedford Reservation. The gorge itself was named a National Natural Landmark, but the surrounding area is just as beautiful. There are trails that overlook the gorge, as well as trails that take you down near Tinker’s Creek. The trails range in length from a little under a half a mile to nearly 10 miles long, so you can pick the length that works best for you!
More info: Bedford Reservation

Caesar Creek State Park

8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeremy Mudd (@muddjeremy)

Distance from Columbus: 1 hour 20 minutes
About the hike: The park offers 10 hiking trails, but the most beautiful trail to trek during the winter is the one that leads to Horseshoe Falls. The trail is moderate-difficult and it’s about .7 miles long. The park sits in the heart of Ohio’s Ancient Earthworks and the area was home to the regions most important indigenous civilizations from 300 BCE until around 1600 CE.
More info: Caesar Creek State Park

The post The Most Breathtaking Winter Hikes In Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

If it’s snowed recently, the snow helps dampen the sounds of the world and being out in the great outdoors can be such a rejuvenating experience. Even if there hasn’t been a recent dusting, the sunsets can be gorgeous.

The air is crisp and it’s a great time to get outside. If you’ve never gone hiking in the winter, Metro Parks offers an awesome Winter Hikes series that are great for beginners.

But if you’re looking to set out into the wild winter on your own, you won’t want to miss out on these gorgeous hikes.

Tall Pines at Walnut Woods Metro Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks (@cbusmetroparks)

This park will probably make every season hiking roundup because it’s literally always beautiful. But Walnut Woods is never as magical as it is with a little snow on the ground. The Tall Pines area will provide plenty of jaw-dropping scenery during your hike. The Sweetgum trail will take you through the area. It’s 2.6 miles long and classified as easy.

More info: Tall Pines at Walnut Woods Metro Park

Clear Creek Metro Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks (@cbusmetroparks)

Clear Creek Metro Park has some challenging hikes, but since it’s winter, we’ll recommend an easier (but still incredibly beautiful) trail. The Creekside Meadows trail follows the banks of Clear Creek through open fields for 1.7 miles, perfect for a quick jaunt in the picturesque, frozen landscape!

More info:Clear Creek Metro Park

Glacier Ridge Metro Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KLOS (@klosterdog)

Is there a better winter hiking destination than one that’s named after a glacier? I think not. Glacier Ridge is stunning in the winter, and the paved path on the Ironweed Trail is a great place to get in a few steps. The trail is 2.8 miles long and weaves through woods and fields, plus there’s a good chance you’ll see some incredible wildlife along the way.

More info: Glacier Ridge Metro Park

Battelle Darby Metro Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks (@cbusmetroparks)

Battelle Darby is such a gorgeous park. Curling alongside Big Darby Creek and out into fields and woods, there are a variety of trails you can take to satisfy your winter hiking itch. But no matter which trail you take, leave room to stop by and visit the herd of bison living at the park. They’re stunning.

More info: Battelle Darby Metro Park

Inniswood Metro Garden

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by kelsey rose (@kunoichirose)

At Inniswood, it would be criminal to only recommend one trail. There is so much beauty at the park. And although the gardens may not be in full bloom, the park is just as pretty when it’s covered in snow! All of the paths at Inniswood are rated easy, so it’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely hike.

More info: Inniswood Metro Garden

Want to spend some more time exploring the Metro Parks this winter?

Be sure to check out the Metro Parks Winter Hike Series, which runs through the end of February. For more info, visit metroparks.net/winter-hikes.

The post 5 Columbus Winter Hikes That Feel Totally Magical appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Ash Cave is one of the main tourist destinations in Hocking Hills. Not only is it a highlight of the park, but it’s also the largest recess cave in the state of Ohio.

Ash Cave is absolutely massive, measuring 700 feet from end to end and 100 feet from the rear cave wall to the front edge. It’s over 90 feet high, and a tributary of the East Fork of Queer Creek falls over the edge of the cave into a pool below.

Early settlers found huge piles of ashes in the cave, some as long as 100 feet and three feet deep. Although the source of the ash piles is unknown, it’s believed to be from campfires built up over hundreds of years by the indigenous people of the region.

Visiting this natural landmark is fun any time of year, but visiting around the holidays is especially beautiful. Bundle up and enjoy a lighted hike to Ash Cave, complete with fun holiday activities, an old-fashioned Santa, and warm refreshments.

Christmas at Ash Cave will kick off on December 13 at 5 p.m. After a self-guided walk illuminated by lanterns, you’ll arrive at the cave where you can enjoy warm refreshments around the fire. You can listen to holiday music, visit with an old-fashioned Santa, or help decorate the Christmas tree for wildlife.

The event is free for all to attend, and families with kids of all ages are welcome. Additionally, well-behaved pets are allowed, as long as they remain leashed.

Christmas at Ash Cave will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more info, or to plan your visit to Christmas at Ash Cave, please click here.

Featured image via Facebook.

The post A Magical Woodland Christmas Experience Awaits At Ash Cave appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

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.

The post These Metro Parks Are Twinkling With The Glow Of Charming Holiday Light Displays appeared first on Columbus Navigator.