Wildlife encounters and habitats - trails and preserves featuring native animals including deer, birds, and woodland creatures
Columbus is home to one of Ohio’s best urban park systems, featuring hundreds of parks, miles of scenic trails, and dozens of nature preserves to discover.
Lori Jordan
Rocky Fork Metro Park in Pickaway County, OH: 2.5-mi easy loop, 150 ft gain, 1.5 hrs. Dog-friendly wooded trails near Columbus. Full hiking guide & trail map.
Lori Jordan
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.
Lori Jordan
Glacier Ridge Metro Park: 3.2-mi easy loop, 100 ft gain, 1.5 hrs. Dog-friendly prairie & wetland trails in Union County near Columbus, OH. Full trail guide.
Lori Jordan
Highbanks Metro Park: 4.2-mi loop, 250 ft gain, 2 hrs. Scenic bluff trails above the Olentangy River near Columbus, OH. Dog-friendly. Full trail guide & map.
Lori Jordan
Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve: 2.5-mi moderate, 300 ft gain, 1.5 hrs. Scenic wildflowers & wildlife in Hocking County, OH. Full trail guide & map.
Lori Jordan
Squirrel spotting on Ohio hiking trails! Explore the many species in Ohio's parks — tree squirrels, chipmunks, flying squirrels & more. Wildlife video inside.
Lori Jordan
Pickerington Ponds Metro Park: 3-mi easy loop, 40 ft gain, 1.2 hrs. Premier birding & wildlife wetlands near Columbus in Fairfield County, OH. Full trail guide.
Lori Jordan
Scioto Grove Metro Park, Grove City OH: 3.5-mi easy loop, 100 ft gain, 1.5 hrs. Dog-friendly Scioto River trails in Franklin County. Full hiking guide & map.
Lori Jordan
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve: 4.3-mi out-and-back, 150 ft gain, 2 hrs. Scenic gorge & wildlife near Newark, OH. Full hiking guide & trail map.
Lori Jordan
Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Columbus OH: 3-mi easy loop, 50 ft gain, 1.2 hrs. Premier birding & Scioto River views in Franklin County. Full hiking guide & map.
Lori Jordan
Sharon Woods Metro Park near Cincinnati, OH: 3.8-mi loop, 120 ft gain, 1.8 hrs. Scenic gorge trails in Hamilton County. Full hiking guide & trail map.
Lori Jordan