Walnut Woods Metro Park, at 6723 Lithopolis Road in Groveport, Ohio, spans 1,458 acres and offers plenty of recreational options. The Tall Pines Area showcases stunning stands of pines and sweetgum trees, while the Buckeye Area is lined with old nursery trees like serviceberries, crab apples, and red maples. The park also boasts restored wetlands and vernal pools.
History
Over a century ago, Walnut Woods Metro Park was split between two farms: the Miller and Klamfoth farms. The Pin Oak tree in the park marked the central boundary of these farms, standing on the Klamfoth side.
The “Central Area” of Walnut Woods was once part of Eastside Nursery, Inc., where rows of nursery trees like serviceberry, crabapple, and red maples were grown.
The Tall Pines section was previously owned by the City of Columbus, which ran a city nursery west of Richardson Road. The pine and spruce trees there had grown too large to transplant, so Metro Parks acquired the land through a trade, exchanging a 32-acre parcel near Pickerington Ponds for approximately 247 acres of Tall Pines land.
In December 2008, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks acquired a 481-acre area south of Walnut Creek and west of Lithopolis Road in Groveport, marking the start of the park's development.
By 2010, an additional 146 acres were added, expanding the park to 1,032 acres. The Tall Pines Area of Walnut Woods Metro Park officially opened on July 25, 2011.
On February 28, 2024, an EF0 tornado struck the Tall Pines Area, causing severe damage. It uprooted and split large white pine trees, scattering limbs and branches throughout the area. The Sweetgum Trail was especially impacted, with debris blocking the path. Cleanup efforts included removing tree trunks and limbs, chipping them, and spreading wood chips along the trail.
The park is managed by Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, a regional system focused on conserving natural spaces and offering recreational activities.
Location and Directions
6723 Lithopolis Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
From I-270, take US 33 East toward Lancaster. Go about 1.3 miles then turn right on Hamilton Road/SR 317. Go 2.7 miles and turn left onto Main Street/Groveport Road.
Buckeye Area
6716 Lithopolis Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
Go 2 miles to Lithopolis Road and turn right. Entrance is 0.75 miles on left. Park office is across the road at 6723 Lithopolis Road.
Tall Pines Area
6833 Richardson Rd., Groveport, OH 43125
Go 1.4 miles to Richardson Road and turn right. Entrance is about 1.1 miles on right.
Park hours: approx. 6:30 am until dark.
For more information, you can contact the park at 614-357-9375 or visit their official website.
Hiking Trails:
Walnut Woods features several trails catering to different interests:
- Buckeye Trail: A 2-mile, easy, paved trail suitable for hiking, biking, and pets. It runs alongside Walnut Creek and loops through stands of old nursery trees.
- Kestrel Trail: A 1.3-mile, easy, grass and dirt trail suitable for hiking and pets. It runs through wetlands and joins the Monarch Trail.
- Monarch Trail: A 1.4-mile, easy, paved trail suitable for hiking, biking, and pets. It runs alongside Walnut Creek and connects with the Sweetgum Trail.
- Pin Oak Trail: A 0.4-mile, easy, grass trail suitable for hiking and pets. It runs through a stand of sweetgum trees and connects two sections of the Sweetgum Trail.
- Sweetgum Trail: A 2.6-mile, easy, paved and gravel trail suitable for hiking, biking, and pets. It loops around the Tall Pines Area and goes through stands of sweetgum, pine, and oak trees.
Other Attractions
- Dog Park:
- Buckeye Area: 3‑acre dog park for large dogs, and a 1‑acre dog park for small dogs.
- Picnic Areas: Equipped with shelters, grills, and playgrounds, offering spaces for gatherings and relaxation.
- Fishing and Canoeing/Kayaking: Opportunities available in Big Walnut Creek, accessible from the Buckeye Area.
- Shelters / Picnic Areas
- Buckeye Area: one non‑reservable shelter (seats ~50), restroom, two grills. ADA accessible.
- Tall Pines Picnic Area: smaller facility (three tables, one grill). Not ADA accessible.
- Playground in the Buckeye Area.
- Fishing, Canoeing / Kayaking
- Big Walnut Creek in Buckeye Area: two access points for canoeing/kayaking (with portage) and fishing.
- Sledding
- A small hill in the Buckeye Area provides sledding in winter for kids.
- Restrooms
- At Buckeye Area and main entrance; some temporary or smaller restroom facilities near certain trails.
- ADA accessibility
- Some trails and shelter areas in Buckeye are ADA accessible; others (e.g. Tall Pines picnic) are not.
Conclusion
I didn't really know about this metro park until I started to do some research. I was really pleasantly surprised by the park(s). I especially liked the hammocks and wooden swings at Tall Pines. The hiking trails are easy to navigate and very beautiful. I recommend that you visit this park!
