> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://hiking-ohio.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm - URL: https://hiking-ohio.com/slate-run-metro-park-and-living-historical-farm/ - Published: 2025-10-21T23:41:40.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-31T13:15:12.000Z - Description: Slate Run Metro Park & Living Historical Farm: 4-mi loop, 150 ft gain, 2 hrs. Historic 1880s farm & wooded trails in Pickaway County, OH. Trail guide & map. - Author: Lori Jordan - Tags: creeks, wildlife, Easy, Loop Trail, Year Round, dog-friendly, kid-friendly Trail FactsSlate Run Metro Park 4 miDistance EasyDifficulty 150 ftElevation 2 hrsDuration LoopType Year RoundDog-friendlyKid-friendlyWildlife Slate Run Metro Park in Pickaway County, Ohio, spans 1,705 acres and gives visitors a chance to experience 19th-century rural life at the Slate Run Living Historical Farm. The park features a mix of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, meadows, ravines, bluffs, and Slate Run Creek. The park's origins trace back to 1963, when the Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks identified the Slate Run area as a potential site for a large metropolitan park. Between 1964 and 1968, they acquired about 1,662 acres of land, much of which was former farmland. The goal was to preserve the area's natural beauty and provide educational opportunities. The name “Slate Run” originates from one of the two streams flowing through the ridge in the area. Slate Run Creek carves dramatic ravines into the ridge. Early settlers mistook the dark rock along the creek for slate, but geologically, it’s shale, formed from ancient sediment about 350 million years ago. Slate Run Metro Park, which opened in 1981, features the Living Historical Farm. In 1971, Camp Starview, a primitive day camp, was established on the land later developed into the park. Buzzard’s Roost Lake, a 14-acre lake with a picnic area and shelter, was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994\. Starting in 1999, a 156-acre wetland area was restored in partnership with state and federal conservation agencies, leading to the addition of trails, observation decks, and boardwalks. Among the acquired land, a notable 212-acre parcel purchased from the White family had been continuously farmed since 1805 and included buildings suitable for a living-historical farm. In the 1960s, Metro Parks allowed the previous owners to continue farming under lease agreements until plans were finalized, making the White family the last private owners of the site's historically agricultural core. 0:00 /1:21 1× The Gothic-Revival farmhouse on the property was originally built in 1856 by Isaac Fridley. The farmhouse was a wood-frame structure made primarily of poplar and walnut timber. By the time Metro Parks took ownership, much of the siding had deteriorated. During restoration, Metro Parks replaced the rotted siding with milled redwood siding that matched the original and rebuilt the front porch, including its decorative woodwork. Inside, the parlor had been turned into a bathroom and bedroom over time, and the fireplace was bricked up. Metro Parks restored it by removing the partition, reopening the fireplace, reconstructing the woodwork, and applying reproduction 19th-century wallpaper. ![Gravel path along a wooden fence under a large oak at Slate Run Metro Park](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740266971-GP010570.webp) ![White farmhouse with red roof and brick walkway at the Living Historical Farm](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740269417-GP010573.webp) ![Victorian parlor shelf with antique clock, oil lamp, and two cloth dolls](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740269851-GP010575.webp) ![White garden shed beside rows of vegetables and a dirt path at the farm garden](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740268852-GP010579.webp) ![Antique black sewing machine on a wooden table against patterned wallpaper](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740263278-IMG_7113.webp) ![Front porch of the farmhouse with a hand pump and hanging sign](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740262264-IMG_7131.webp) The barn, built in 1881 under Samuel Oman, the farm's fourth owner, underwent restoration by Metro Parks. They worked with architectural historians to rebuild or replace siding, doors, the roof, louver windows, animal stalls, and reattach a cupola. The barn’s original north-south passage was restored after previous owners had changed it to east-west. Additional buildings from 1880-1910, like sheds, poultry yards, hog sheds, root cellars, and smokehouses, were restored or reconstructed for an authentic 1880s farm complex. The summer kitchen, likely built with the farmhouse, was in poor condition when acquired. It featured a long roof overhang for workspace and was rebuilt in 1976 using a grant. Today, it is used for laundry, sausage-making, canning, butchery, cheese-making, and storage. The granary, which had been relocated, was moved closer to the barn and refurbished with new bins, siding, doors, roof, and ventilation slats. Metro Parks restored the farmhouse, barn, and granary to reflect a functioning 1880s farm. Operations like planting, harvesting, livestock care, and food preservation are done using 19th-century methods, with staff and volunteers in period clothing creating an immersive experience. Children can participate in chores, and heritage breeds like Merino sheep are raised on the farm. ![Interior of a timber barn loft with hay bales and wooden beams](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740405317-GP010586.webp) ![Costumed interpreter driving a horse-drawn wagon past a red barn](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740400938-GP010596.webp) ![Visitors gathered around a horse-drawn wagon in a grassy field](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740396977-Image5.webp) ![Two children holding a large white pumpkin in a fall field](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740393577-Image6.webp) ![Pumpkins and produce displayed on crates under a tree at a harvest stand](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740404545-IMG_7116.webp) ![People harvesting vegetables in raised garden beds near white farm buildings](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740403595-IMG_7130.webp) ![Costumed farm interpreter showing metalware to visitors beside a red wagon](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740396719-IMG_7134.webp) ![Horse team pulling a wagon across an open field with riders aboard](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740405209-IMG_7157 -1.webp) ![Driver on a wagon pulled by two dark horses near a red barn under blue sky](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743864054-GP010596.webp) ![Woolly bear caterpillar on a gravel path at the park](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743855788-Image29.webp) ![Horse-drawn wagon and people working in a sunny meadow](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743864296-IMG_7145 -1.webp) ![Pile of pale orange and white pumpkins on hay at harvest time](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743861731-IMG_7146 -1.webp) ![Costumed interpreter speaking with visitors near farm equipment under trees](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743862076-IMG_7161 -1.webp) ![Black draft horse harnessed to a wagon with a costumed driver](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743862514-IMG_7164 -1.webp) ![White wildflowers growing in green grass along a trail edge](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743861219-IMG_7171 -1.webp) ## **Visitor Information:** - **Address**: 1375 OH-674, Canal Winchester, OH 43110​ - **Hours**: - April 1–September 30: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. - October 1–March 31: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to sunset. - Note: From January to March, the farm grounds and barn are open, but some buildings are closed, and activities are limited. ​ - **Admission**: Free​ - **Contact**: 614-833-1880​ For more information, visit the [official Slate Run Living Historical Farm page](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run-historical-farm/?ref=hiking-ohio.com). --- ## **Educational Information:** ![Historical timeline banner of Slate Run and Ohio events from 1800 to 1950](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742925092-IMG_7183 -1.webp) ![Continuation of the history timeline banner covering 1950 to 2000](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742919958-IMG_7184 -1.webp) ![Farm exhibit sign about the circle of nature seasons with no-pets notice](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742926263-IMG_7185 -1.webp) ![Timber framing interpretive sign with a red diagram of barn construction](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742930511-IMG_7186 -1.webp) ![Changes for a Better Life farm history exhibit panel with old photos](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742929430-IMG_7187 -1.webp) ![Community Ties exhibit panel about family work and neighbors on the farm](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742929067-IMG_7188 -1.webp) ![Compare 1880s farm and family life exhibit panel with illustrations](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742929914-IMG_7189 -1.webp) ![Metro Parks and Living History exhibit panel with photos of the farm buildings](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742926254-IMG_7190 -1.webp) --- ## Covered Bridge: Blackburn Covered Bridge, originally built 1895 was moved and restored at Slate Run in 1998, and placed along the Covered Bridge Trail. ![White covered bridge with a red roof in a green field at Slate Run](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740099340-IMG_7355.webp) ![Green historical marker sign for the Blackburn Wesner covered bridge](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740095971-IMG_7357.webp) ![Interior wooden trusses and beams of a covered bridge ceiling](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740099055-IMG_7361.webp) ![Bronze plaque about the Blackburn Wesner Bridge history on a wooden wall](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740098594-IMG_7367.webp) ![View looking through the interior of the covered bridge toward trees beyond](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760740097831-IMG_7370.webp) ![Color trail map of Slate Run Metro Park showing loops and facilities](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760743290813-Screenshot 2025-10-10 122036.png) --- ## Hiking and Horseback Riding Trails: The park features over 7 miles of hiking trails, including the 2.5-mile Sassafras Trail for horseback riding, and the 2-mile Camp Starview Trail in the reservable day camp area. #### Bobolink Grassland **1.5 miles** **Easy – Hike – Grass – ADA** Winds through grassland and leads to an observation deck overlooking the wetlands. #### Camp Starview **1.7 miles** **Moderate to difficult – Hike – Grass, dirt and gravel** Goes through ravines and over steep hills. Open only to groups renting the Youth Camp. #### Covered Bridge **0.5 miles** **Easy – Hike, Pets – Gravel** Goes through a covered bridge and connects with the Shagbark Trail. #### Five Oaks **1.5 miles** **Moderate to difficult – Hike – Gravel** Goes through a steep ravine with black shale outcrops. #### Kokomo **1.5 miles** **Easy – Hike – Grass, dirt and boardwalk** Winds through the wetlands with numerous observation decks for watching wildlife. #### Lake **0.3 miles** **Easy – Hike, Pets – Paved** Leads to Buzzard’s Roost Lake #### Sassafras **2.1 miles** **Horseback riding only – Grass, dirt and gravel** Goes through forest and meadows. #### Shagbark **0.5 miles** **Easy – Hike, Pets – Gravel** A loop trail at the end of the Covered Bridge Trail. Goes through forest and meadows. #### Sugar Maple **1.3 miles** **Moderate to difficult – Hike – Gravel** Crosses Slate Run Creek and several steep hills. ![Children playground with blue slide and climbing structure under trees](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742544917-IMG_7202.webp) ![Green leafy trees and blue sky along a park trail](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742544857-IMG_7333 - Copy.webp) ![Wooden kiosk bulletin board with Nature Camp Counselors and park flyers](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742540143-IMG_7336 - Copy.webp) ![Open meadow with a young tree and forest edge under blue sky](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742546714-IMG_7343 - Copy.webp) ![Wide grassy field with distant trees at the park prairie edge](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742547086-IMG_7344 - Copy.webp) ![Buzzards Roost Est 1991 stone marker in a parking area with a blue car](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742548250-IMG_7351.webp) ![Shaded lawn with mature trees near a park picnic area](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2025/10/1760742548675-IMG_7353.webp) --- ## Conclusion: We visited this park a lot in the 1990's when our sons were small. We would run and hike the trails. At the time we were living in Canal Winchester, so this park was easy to get too. When we moved to Pataskala, we didn't get out to Slate Run Metro Park. I was really glad we made this fall. It really is a beautiful park. I have fond memories of our time spent there.