Fall in central Ohio is striking!
The bright colored leaves, stunning sunsets, and endless stars to view on clear nights.
Let’s talk about where you should go to see the sights and hear the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet!
Personally, I avoid the Hocking Hills area in the fall. There are too many people around for me. If you’re looking for a less-busy option opt for Mohican, north of Mount Vernon!
I’ll go more in depth in future posts for more year-round adventures!
I’m splitting this up into quadrants.
If you’re familiar with Columbus, the whole area fans out from the circle of 270.
Northeast = Sunbury, Westerville, New Albany.
Northwest = Delaware, Powell, Dublin, Plain City.
Southwest = Hilliard, Grove City.
Southeast = Canal Winchester, Pickerington, Pataskala.
Starting with the Northeast!
Hogback Ridge Preservation Park (Kilbourne) | A few trails that total around 1.5mi. Kid and Dog friendly! 1 trail that would be ADA accessible. Enjoy a beverage at Henmick Farm Brewery after.
Char Mar Preservation Park (Westerville) | A 1.7mi loop that’s good in every season! Birding is prevalent, it’s kid and dog friendly.
Blendon Woods (Westerville) | The trees are gorgeous here! Driving in will immediately transport you into another world. Personally, I enjoy the Sugarbush trail, which is about 2 miles. Can add more miles with additions of Goldenrod and Lake. The loop is too heavily trafficked for my liking.
Inniswood (Westerville) | Beautiful this time of year, but prettier in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. Easy quick trails around are ADA compliant and not strenuous. The Children’s Garden towards the back left is one of the kid’s favorites. Add in the Johnston-McVey Park just up the street if you have kids who like to climb + chill in a hammock.
Northwest
(If you’re wanting to get the biggest “bang” for a short distance away, this is it!)
Deer Haven Preservation Park (Delaware) | Small but mighty! It’s simply amazing. Yellow trees make my heart happy. Looking about a mile total. Note that they did close the Primitive trail (tears…). Kids would love the aviary and the giant stick teepee.
Highbanks Metro (Powell) | It wouldn’t be a list without this one! This park is by far the closest to 270 with something for everyone. Trails, a wonderful nature center, big + nature playground in the back, etc. You can’t go wrong with any of the trails here and you can make it what you want! I’d recommend the Dripping Rock (big loop) it’s 2.5mi and beautiful.
Blues Creek (Ostrander) | Worth the drive! Tip: Park in the first parking lot and start the trail walking from there! Our kids liked all the loops even in the dead of winter.
Indian Run Falls (Dublin) | An urban park with a pretty waterfall. You can’t get close (or in to) the falls anymore (sadly…) but it’s a nice 1 mile-ish walk with views of the falls. After you’re done, treat yourself to a beverage or meal at one of the many options in the area (our favorites are North High Brewing, Coast Wine House, and Getaway)
Southwest
Battelle Darby Creek (Galloway) | Pretty cool to see bison in Central Ohio! Tons of great hike options with views and crunch.
Quarry Trails (Columbus/Grandview) | The newest metro park made from the old Quarry. The playground is great and the Millikin Falls is pretty to see!
And finally, Southeast!
Heading towards Lancaster, but not quite THAT far has some stunning places!
Jacobs Ladder + Christmas Rocks (Amanda) | I’ll admit this is still on my list to do but I bet it’s spectacular right now! A challenging 4.5mi incline to a view. I can’t wait to do it and let me know (if you’ve done it) what you think!
Walnut Woods (Groveport) | Need Christmas family pictures taken? The tall pines section is perfect for that! All of the hikes are great here- you can’t go wrong!
Further out but worth the drive. Clear Creek (Lancaster) | It’s simply one of my go-to’s around here. The park usually isn’t terribly busy. Just trust- it’s spectacular. My favorite trails are Fern, Hemlock, and Benua Loop trail (counter-clockwise)
As always, get out there enjoy the sights, smells, and fauna, but leave no trace and leave nature as undisturbed as possible. Take caution and care of yourself and always practice smart safety (avoid being alone, don’t leave anything in your car of value, take what you need in and out, have a first aid kit and cellphone handy, etc.)
Happy explorin’!
Simply Tamed 