Blendon Woods contains spectacular stream-cut ravines with exposed ripple rock sandstone and open fields surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests. The 653-acre park is a great place to see a variety of songbirds, waterfowl and other wildlife, especially the flock of wild turkeys meandering about in search of food.
This Metro Park is located at:
4265 E Dublin Granville Rd., Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 620-1861
The first 229 acres of the future Blendon Woods Metro Park was purchased in the early months of 1949. The park opened Labor Day 1951.
1979 Aerial Photograph
This 1979 aerial view of Blendon Woods Metro Park off East Dublin Granville Road, facing east, shows the wooded park surrounded by farmland, a stark contrast to the residential areas surrounding the park today.
History and Land Ownership
The land that is now Blendon Woods Metro Park was originally inhabited by Native American tribes and later settled by European Americans in the 19th century.
In the mid-20th century, the area was designated as a metro park to preserve its natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities to the public. The park is managed by Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, which oversees its conservation and development.
The Hulet Family Legacy
The park preserves the legacy of the Hulet family, early settlers in the area. The daffodils blooming at the Hulet Homestead site each spring are a testament to their enduring presence and the deep connection between the land and its stewards.
The Hulet family, originally from New England, settled in Nelson Township, Portage County, Ohio, in the early 19th century.
Sylvanus Hulet, a Revolutionary War veteran, and his descendants established homesteads in the Blendon Woods region. In the 1830s, many members of the Hulet family converted to the Mormon faith and relocated to Missouri.
However, their Ohio homesteads remained, and over time, the land became part of what is now Blendon Woods Metro Park. The remnants of their homesteads, including the daffodils, serve as living monuments to their legacy.
The daffodils at the Hulet Homestead site are believed to be descendants of those planted by the Hulet family over a century ago.
To experience the legacy of the Hulet family firsthand, visitors can explore the Hulet Homestead site within Blendon Woods Metro Park. The best time to witness the daffodils in full bloom is typically in early to mid-spring, around April.
Thoreau Pond (Lake) Walden Waterfowl Refuge
The 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge with its 11-acre Thoreau Lake provides a sanctuary for hundreds of birds, ducks and other wildlife. Open year-round, it features two elevated observation shelters with spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl.
The pond is accessible via the Lake Trail, a 0.5-mile paved path leading from the Nature Center to Thoreau Pond. This trail offers an easy walk suitable for families and provides opportunities for wildlife observation along the way.
While the exact date of Thoreau Pond's creation remains unspecified, its establishment reflects the Metro Parks' commitment to preserving natural habitats and providing recreational spaces.
Metro Parks chose to honor the legacy of Thoreau, one of the great American naturalists, by naming their new 118-acre refuge as the Walden Wildlife Refuge, and by naming the 11-acre lake at its core as Thoreau Pond. In time, these names were changed to the Walden Waterfowl Refuge, and to Thoreau Lake.
Hiking Trails
Brookside
0.8 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel
Passes through woods, crosses Ripple Rock Creek and connects with the Hickory Ridge and Ripple Rock trails.
Butterfly
0.2 miles
Easy – Hike, Pets – Grass
Goes through fields and along the edge of a wood.
Goldenrod
0.9 miles
Easy – Hike, Pets – Grass
Passes through meadows that are filled with wildflowers in spring.
Hickory Ridge
0.2 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel
Wooded trail that connects the Brookside, Overlook and Ripple Rock trails.
Lake
0.4 miles
Easy – Hike – Paved
Leads to the Walden Waterfowl Refuge and Thoreau Lake.
Overlook
0.6 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel
Passes through woods, crosses Ripple Rock Creek and connects with the Hickory Ridge and Ripple Rock trails.
Ripple Rock
0.4 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel
It is a steep trail, goes through woods and connects the Brookside, Hickory and Overlook trails.
Sugarbush
1.2 miles
Moderate to difficult – Hike, Cross-country skiing – Grass
Passes through a wood that. The 1.2-mile Sugarbush Trail is reserved for use as a cross-country ski trail when conditions are suitable. opens onto a meadow. Heavily populated with many different species of birds
Nature Center
Discover nature through displays and look through the nature center’s windows to see wildlife at the features and stream.
Hours Open:
April to September: 9am to 8pm
October to March: 9am to 6pm
Various Other Amenities
- Inclusive Playground: Opened in April 2025, this $1.5 million playground is designed for children of all abilities. It includes sensory areas, musical instruments, accessible play structures, and facilities such as a universal changing table and hoist.
- Camp Sugarbush: Scout Troops can reserve this 45-acre Day Camp for day camping or overnight camping. Organized and sponsored youth and church groups can reserve it for day camping only. Call (614) 508-8111 (M-F, 8am to 4pm)
- Natural Play Area: A 10-acre space where children can engage in unstructured play, featuring elements like a zipline, teeter-totter, basket swing, and cargo climbing net.
- Ice Skating Pond: A 0.4-acre pond open seasonally for ice skating during colder months.
- Goldenrod Trail: A 1.3-mile pet-friendly trail that meanders through meadows, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
- Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole, 3,500-foot course open year-round for disc golf enthusiasts. Please bring your own discs.
100 Acre Wood
The 100 Acre Wood is one of the most dramatic and scenic woodland ravines in the entire park system. The bluffs overlooking Big Walnut Creek are higher than 100 feet in places.
There are no trails at 100 Acre Wood, and visitors are invited to create their own adventure.
Visitors can use a small pull off or park on the street close to the 100 Acre Wood address at 5220 Cambria Way, Westerville. The area is managed by staff from the nearby Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Please Note: It has no entry road, parking lot, developed trails, restrooms or recreational facilities.
Metro Parks acquired a 99-acre parcel in January 2017, and an adjacent 52-acre parcel five months later, utilizing grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
Conclusion:
Blendon Woods Metro Park, located in northeastern Franklin County, Ohio, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. So, if you are ever in the area, stop at Blendon Woods Metro Park. You won't regret it!
