Sharon Woods Metro Park

Sharon Woods Metro Park is a 761-acre metro park featuring an 11-acre lake, plenty of hiking trails, and the Edward Thomas Nature Preserve.

Visit Sharon Woods Metro Park

Sharon Woods Metro Park is a 761-acre park featuring an 11-acre lake, plenty of hiking trails, and the Edward Thomas Nature Preserve. This metro park is located in Westerville, just off of Interstate 270. 

One unique tidbit about this metro park is that it is surrounded by the city, unlike many of the other Metro Parks in the area. Though it is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Interstate 270 on one side and Westerville on the other, you can literally transport yourself out of the hectic fast-paced world for a quick hike! 

There are activities for everybody at Sharon Woods Metro Park. You can walk, hike, bike, fish, picnic, sled in the winter, walk your dog, participate in the fitness station, and more. 

Whether you are looking for an adventurous day in the forest, a quick hike through nature, or a family picnic in the park, Sharon Woods Metro Park is the place for you! 

Sharon Woods Metro Park Video

Sharon Woods Metro Park Trails

There are six trails of various lengths.  Three of the trails are considered main trails, and the other three are ‘connector’ type trails. The trails have a variety of scenery.

The trails are used, so expect to see a few people along the way, but do not be turned away if the parking lots and picnic areas are crowded. Most people tend to stay in the picnic area, versus the trails. 

The Edward S Thomas Trail

The Edward S Thomas Trail is a 1.1-mile easy trail. The trail is ADA-accessible with a gravel path.  The trail takes about 30+ minutes to complete. 

The hike goes through the state nature preserve and past very sizable oak trees and an observation deck. Pets are NOT allowed on this trail, only the Spring Creek Trail. 

The Multipurpose Trail

The Multipurpose Trail is 3.8 miles long and rated as a moderate hiking trail. It is also ADA-accessible and good for hiking and biking.  This trial will take about an hour and 40 minutes to walk.  

The multi-purpose trail is paved (with some uneven places) and is at least 8 feet wide in most spots.  The trail loops around the park and passes through fields and woods! You can expect to experience gently small rolling hills as well as some meadow views.

You can expect to see some people on this trail, but you can also expect to enjoy some peace and quiet on the trail. While this trail is open year-round, the best time to hike it is March through November. Pets are not allowed on this trail, but they are allowed on the Spring Creek Trail.

The Spring Creek Trail (Pet-Friendly)

The Spring Creek Trail is a 1.8-mile long trail, which takes about 40+ minutes to complete. This easy-to-moderate trail is perfect for hiking and it is pet-friendly.  Make sure your pet is on a leash no less than 6 feet long.

This trail has a gravel and dirt surface. The trail is usually NOT crowded, you may encounter a couple of people along the way.  This is my personal favorite at this metro park!  Be sure to watch for wild turkeys! 

It runs alongside Spring Creek and goes through a beautiful forest! You will also cross over two steep hills!

Connector Trails

The Lake trail is a 0.4-mile easy trail. It is paved and pet-friendly.  Just like the name indicates, the trail goes around the southern half of Schrock Lake. It is also a connector between Spring Creek Trail and the Edward S Thomas Trail.

The Oak Openings trail is an easy, 0.2-mile, ADA-accessible trail. It is a gravel path that goes through a forest and fields and connects with the longer Edward S Thomas Trail.

The Connector Trail is a 0.3-mile trail.  While shorter, this trail is labeled as moderate. It is a grass path and connects the Spring Creek Trail and the Edward S Thomas trails. 

Sharon Woods Metro Park Shelters

This metro park has a reservable shelter and three non-reservable shelters.  The shelters and picnic areas are extremely popular and oftentimes busy. Keep this in mind if you are planning on using a shelter or picnic space. You may have to arrive a little earlier than you first intended. 

Reservable Shelter

The reservable shelter is called Spring Hallow Lodge. This is large. It can hold up to 64 people.  

Spring Hallow Lodge has:

Non-Reservable Shelters

There are three non-reservable shelters. There is the Schrock Lake Picnic Area, which has 4 shelters. Two of those shelters are open and each seats 64 people and has grills. The other two shelters are enclosed on three sides, seat 16 people, and have grills. In the Schrock Lake Picnic Area, there are plenty of picnic tables, grills, a large playfield, a playground, a horseshoe pit, restrooms, as well as a drinking fountain. 

In the Apple Ridge Picnic Area, there is 1 open shelter that seats 64 people and has grills.  Also in that area are other picnic tables, more grills, play fields, a playground, horseshoe pits, restrooms, and a drinking fountain. 

In the Maple Grove Picnic Area, there is 1 open shelter that seats 64 people and has grills.  Also in that area are other picnic tables, more grills, play fields, a playground, horseshoe pits, restrooms, and a drinking fountain. 

Fishing

When fishing all Ohio fishing regulations apply. You will need a valid Ohio fishing license (16 and older). You can expect to see bass, bluegill, and catfish. Schrock Lake remains stocked with fish. 

Natural Play Areas

The 7.5-acre natural play area is a huge draw at Sharon Woods Metro Park. The natural play area is located on a wooded hillside with a creek. Families can wander off-trail and explore all nature has to offer! 

Kids, as well as adults, can enjoy climbing trees, playing in the creek or mug, and just experiencing nature. To find the Natural Play Area, go to the Apple Ridge Picnic Area and you should spot an entry sign on the right of the lot. 

Nature Preserve

Quietly tucked inside Sharon Woods Metro Park is the 320-acre Edward S Thomas State Nature Preserve. Unique to this preserve are eight different species of oak trees. Some of those oak trees are more than 250 years old!

You will also see large hickory trees, maple trees, and beech trees.  There are chinquapin oak trees reaching more than 100 feet high that you can spot on the northern loop of the preserve trail. 

Pets at Sharon Woods Metro Park

Sharon Woods Metro Park is pet-friendly to domesticated dogs and cats.  Dogs and cats must be on a leash that is less than 6 feet in length. The animals are welcome in picnic areas, parking lots, and on roadways in addition to the Spring Creek Trail. You have just under 2 miles of trail that you can share with your leashed pet!

Sledding

There are two sledding hills at Sharon Woods Metro Park. One of the hills is smaller and considered a bunny hill. This smaller bunny hill is great for young children. You can find these sledding hills a short distance from the main park entrance!

Where is Sharon Woods Metro Park located?

• Address: 6911 Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, Ohio 43081
• Phone: 614-315-5520 | Website | Facebook

Let’s Go to Sharon Woods Metro Park

Have you been to Sharon Woods Metro Park for a hike or a picnic? Chances are you have driven past it on Interstate 270  and did not even know it! If you have been, we would love to hear what activity you enjoyed!  Drop us a comment below!

If you want to learn more about

Metro Parks visit Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Scioto Grove Metro Park, Three Creeks Metro Park, Rocky Fork Metro Park, and Blendon Woods!