Visit Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Blacklick Woods Metro Park is owned and managed by Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks.

At Blacklick Woods, visitors can enjoy woods, fields, seasonal swamp ponds, a small prairie, and a golf course.

Activities and Facilities

With plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, Blacklick Woods is an ideal day out for all seasons.

Canopy Walk

The canopy walk is 40 feet high and loops for an eighth of a mile through the tree canopy. From the canopy, visitors will get amazing views of the surrounding beech-maple forest and parkland, and it is great for birding.

An elevator makes this boarded canopy walk ideal for wheelchairs and strollers.

Check out our article about the Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk!

Golfing

There are two challenging courses at Blacklick Woods: The Championship Course has a traditional layout with tree-lined fairways and quality putting surfaces. The Learning Course is perfect for beginners and families.

There is a state-of-the-art practice area and a full-service driving range. A 30,000 square foot practice green has three bunkers and a 3-hole practice course.

Blacklick Woods Metro Park Trails

There are six trails at this park. All are rated ‘easy’ and all are ADA-friendly.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Beech Trail

0.7 miles | Easy | Hike | Gravel
This trail passes through a beech-maple forest with displays of spring wildflowers and continues past a swamp forest area.

Buttonbush Trail

0.5 miles | Easy | Hike | Gravel
The Buttonbush Trail runs through a hardwood swamp forest.

Multipurpose Trail

2.6 miles | Easy | Hike | Bike | Gravel
This trail goes through a forest and a meadow.

Blacklick Creek Greenway

16 miles | Easy | Hike | Bike | Pets | Paved
The Greenway connects three metro parks and several small parks from Reynoldsburg to Groveport.

Maple Trail

0.9 miles | Easy | Hike | Gravel
The Maple Trail crosses a hardwood forest and a small wetland. Perfect for birding.

Walter A Tucker Trail

0.1 miles | Easy | Hike | Gravel/Boardwalk
This trail links the Buttonbush and Maple trails.

Shelters

There are five reservable and two non-reservable shelters at Blacklick Woods.

Reservable Shelters:

• Butternut: Holds 100 people, with a kitchen, electricity, charcoal grills, play area, and restrooms
• Buttonbush: Holds 100 people, with a kitchen, electricity, charcoal grills, a play area, and restrooms
• Sassafras: Holds 64 people, with grills, electricity, a water fountain, a playfield, and restrooms
• Walnut: Holds 80 people, with grills, electricity, a water fountain, a playfield, and restrooms
• Beech-Maple Lodge: Holds 72 people with heating and air conditioning, a full kitchen, a gas fireplace, a large meeting room, WiFi, and restrooms.

Non-Reservable Shelters:

• Ash Grove Picnic Area has three shelters, grills, picnic tables, a playground, a playfield, and restrooms.
• Meadows Picnic Area has eight shelters with grills, picnic tables, playground equipment, a playfield, and restrooms.

More Activities

The Nature Center features exhibits of local and natural history. There are observation windows to view the wildlife.

A 54-acre swamp preserve features wetlands and a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

A sledding hill at the golf course is available when the weather permits.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Blacklick Woods Metro Park Located?

• Address: 6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
• Website | Facebook

Location Map for Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Let’s Visit Blacklick Woods Metro Park!

Have you visited this metro park, or any others in central Ohio? Which is your favorite? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

Some more Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks that we really enjoyed are Blendon Woods (Columbus), Three Creeks Metro Park (Groveport), and Inniswood Metro Gardens (Westerville).

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There is ample parking at the Buttermilk Falls Trailhead, and the scenic overlook is a short walk across Buttermilk Falls Parkway.

The overlook is a wooded deck providing a view of the geology of North Chagrin Reservation.

The water from Buttermilk Creek travels to the Chagrin River, which flows into Lake Erie.

Nearby attractions include the North Chagrin Nature Center, Squire’s Castle, and North Chagrin Oxbow Lagoon.

The dropdown box below has the wording from the above photo.

Where is Buttermilk Falls Located?

• Address: Mayfield, Ohio 44143
• Website Trailhead | Website Scenic Overlook

Location Map for Buttermilk Falls

Let’s Visit Buttermilk Falls!

Have you visited Buttermilk Falls? We want to know what you thought! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you love to visit Ohio State Parks, Ohio Metro Parks or Ohio State Nature Preserves, be sure to check out Mt. Gilead State Park and Clifton Gorge!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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The Rocky River Nature Center has exhibits about the early inhabitants of the Rocky River Valley, including the giant fish of the Devonian sea, Dunkleosteus.

The deck overhangs the river and offers amazing views of a 360 million-year-old shale cliff.

Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about current Ohio wildlife.

HideAway Hollow is a giant oak tree where kids can play and parents can check out the Cleveland Metroparks Nature Shop.

The gardens outside lead to over five miles of trails that pass by the river’s edge, a wetland forest, ponds, hilltops, and ancient Native American earthworks.

The Nature Center hosts many free programs and events, such as nature quests, trail walks, arts & crafts, and wildlife exploration.

Free onsite parking and free admission. The parking lot can get full during school trips and on weekends.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Rocky River Nature Center Located?

• Address: 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
• Phone: 440-734-6660 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Rocky River Nature Center

More Nature Areas in Ohio

Have you visited the Rocky River Nature Center? Did you hike the trails? We’d love to know! Share your experience in the comments below.

Ohio has a huge number of metro parks, owned and managed usually by the county, and offering great activities and facilities. Some of our favorites are Clear Creek Metro Park in Hocking Hills, Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Lake County, and Metro Parks Farm in Canton.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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The Worden’s Ledges trail is an easy hike with beautiful rock formations. Nobel Stuart, who married Nettie Worden in 1951, sadly, Nettie passed away within a year of the marriage, leaving everything to Nobel, who went on to spend his time creating the rock carvings and sculptures that hikers will come across.

Look out for the trail markers that depict a raccoon’s face along the trail. A short way into the trail, hikers will come to a well-marked junction. Turning left will lead in a clockwise direction, passing the carvings and sculptures.

For horseback riders, there is an adjacent bridle path, but it does not go past the carvings. Hikers can add to their walk by taking the bridle path before or after the hiking trail.

Hinckley Reservation has many activities and amenities if you want to make a day of it or are staying in the area.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Worden’s Ledges Located?

• Address: 895 Ledge Rd, Hinckley, Ohio 44233
• Website

Location Map for Worden’s Ledges

Let’s Go to Worden’s Ledges!

Have you been to Worden’s Ledges? Were you more intrigued by the rock formations or the carvings? We’d love to know! Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Check out some more places for great hiking: Split Rocks Trail in Hocking Hills, Clifton Gorge in Yellow Springs, Cedar Cliff Falls in Cedarville, and Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk in Reynoldsburg.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Play golf and enjoy the stunning scenic views of Big Creek Reservation and the Rocky River.

The course was originally named Course #1 and was the idea of the sports director of the Cleveland Press, Rodney C. Sutton. He proposed that a ‘pay-as-you-play’ course should be built by the Cleveland Metropolitan Park Board to enable more people to be involved in the up-and-coming game of golf.

Big Met is believed to be Ohio’s most played golf course and has hosted more than six million rounds of golf since it opened in 1926.

Golf club rentals and power and hand cart rentals are available. There are also putting greens. Check for discount days and junior rates.

Visit the website for rental information and to book your tee time online.

The Big Met Grille serves burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, and more.

The Terrace is available for private rentals. See more information on the website.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available in winter, with equipment rental available at the golf course.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Big Met Golf Course Located?

• Address: 4811 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126
• Phone: 440-331-1070 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Big Met Golf Course

More Outdoor Fun in Ohio

Have you played a round or two at Big Met? Did you enjoy the surroundings? We’d love to know! Share your experience in the comments below.

Ohio has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor fun. In the same area is Rocky River Stables. If you enjoy miniature golf, you may like to visit Hocking Hills Mini Golf. Summer days on the river are always a favorite! Check out our articles about River Tubing and Canoeing in Ohio.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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This arboretum is designed to allow visitors to connect with nature, with thoughtfully arranged trees, shrubs, and plants to capture the imagination.

Cox Arboretum Features

Pollinator Gardens: Learn about pollinator-friendly plants to attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your backyard.

Specialty Gardens: Learn to make sustainable plant choices. From stonewall perennials to rock and water gardens.

Barbara Cox Center: This center for sustainable horticulture shows visitors how to improve quality of life and to effect positive change in the world through plants.

Tree Tower: Climb 81 steps up this tree tower to take you above the conifer collection and provides panoramic views of not only the arboretum, but the Miami Valley too.

Bell Children’s Maze: Parents can watch from the overlook or join in the fun as their children navigate 1,175 boxwoods to the center of the maze.

Zorniger Education Center: Programs, events, and workshops about horticulture and natural history are available here year-round.

Conservation Corner: Includes habitats such as a tall grass prairie, shrublands, wetlands, and a bird blind for viewing wildlife.

Nature Trail: The grounds of the arboretum are easy to walk. 2.5 miles of trails take visitors through woodlands and meadows. Paved paths provide another mile through the cultivated gardens.

Ruth Cummings Mead Woodland: A hardwood forest with mature trees and wildflowers in a 100-acre tract of land at the rear of the arboretum.

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome here.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Cox Arboretum Located?

• Address: 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45449

Five Rivers MetroParks:

• Phone: 937-275-7275 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cox Arboretum Foundation:

• Phone: 937-277-4839 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Cox Arboretum

More Parks in Ohio

Have you visited Cox Arboretum? Did you find it an immersive experience? We would love to know! Share your opinion with us in the comments below.

Ohio has a wonderful selection of parks and nature spaces. Here are some of our favorites: Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville, Central Ohio; Mary Jane Thurston State Park, Grand Rapids, NW Ohio; Blendon Woods, Columbus; Metro Parks Farm, Canton, NE Ohio.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Lake Newport is a manmade lake that is fed by Mill Creek via a dam. There are 60 acres of open water and 40 acres of wetlands. Boating and fishing are available on the Lake, and there is a boat launch.

The wetlands are at the southern end of the lake, and they provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. Kayakers can explore the wetlands through trails inaccessible from land.

The Albert E. Davies Wetland Trail is a boardwalk through the wetlands. There are various parking lots along the Lake and the wetlands area.

Some other attractions at Mill Creek Park are the Ford Nature Center, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek Golf Course, and Lanterman’s Mill.

There is an online map of Mill Creek Park available.

Where is Lake Newport Located?

• Address: W Newport Dr, Youngstown, Ohio 44512
• Phone: 330-788-5065 | Website

Location Map for Lake Newport

Let’s Visit Lake Newport

Have you been to Lake Newport? What was your favorite thing in Mill Creek Park? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

Ohio has some stunning nature parks, some of our favorites are Mary Jane Thurston State Park, Caesar Creek State Park, Highbanks Metro Park, Penitentiary Glen Reservation, and Lake Hope State Park.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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About Penitentiary Glen Reservation

Penitentiary Glen was named by settlers because of the deep gorge that divides the park. With a vertical 100-foot ascent, once at the bottom, it was so difficult to get out that they considered it like a prison or penitentiary!

Activities at this park include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and birding. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources designated this as a ‘Watchable Wildlife’ site.

Nature Center

The Nature Center features an interactive ‘Nature Calls’ exhibit where visitors can discover the sounds of the wildlife they may encounter in the park. There are seasonal art shows and a photography show each year. The Nature Center building may also be rented for private functions.

Nature Play is an acre of land for children to engage in nature discovery activities interactively.

Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center

Each year, this Wildlife Center rehabilitates nearly 2,000 animals. Special attention is given to animals whose populations are in decline.

Trails

There are seven trails at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, six of which can be used by bikers, and one of which can be used by horseback riders. A trail map is available online.

Miniature Steam Train Rides

Lake Shore Live Steamers are miniature steam-powered engines that take visitors through the woodlands to the rim of the gorge on selected dates. These train rides are sometimes part of the park’s special events.

More Activities and Facilities

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Penitentiary Glen Located?

• Address: 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd, Kirtland, Ohio 44094
• Phone: 440-256-1404 | Website | Facebook

Location Map for Penitentiary Glen

Let’s Visit Penitentiary Glen Reservation

Have you been to Penitentiary Glen Reservation? What was your favorite activity there? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience with us.

While you are in the area, you may like to visit Holden Arboretum, which is also in Kirtland.

If you are enjoying a visit as a couple or a group of adults, or even a solo visit, Wineries in Geneva are relaxing and enjoyable places to visit. Our suggestions include Ferrante Winery, Hundley Cellars, and M Cellars. We also have a comprehensive directory of Ohio Wineries.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Located in Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, central Ohio, the canopy walk is constructed with more than 250 telephone poles supporting the structure for its one-eighth of a mile length.

There are 72 steps on a zigzag staircase to get to the boardwalk, but there is also a tower with an elevator, making it ADA accessible. Another 27 steps will take visitors to an observation deck 55 feet above ground level.

Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk affords amazing views of beech-maple forest and parkland. Get up close to the birds, including Blue-Headed Vireo, Blackburnian Warbler, and Red-Bellied Woodpecker. Special bird feeders keep the birds interested in the area.

Let the kids play, or simply relax on the hammock-style giant cargo net that can host up to five people at a time.

There are three rope bridges for adventurous kids and adults, a fireman’s pole, and a fun treehouse to play in.

The canopy walk is open every day of the year with occasional closures for maintenance and cleaning. It is completely free to use.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk Located?

• Address: 6975 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
• Phone: 614-208-4247 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk

More Metro Parks in Ohio

There are 20 Metro Parks in central Ohio, bringing nature to the city. Some of our favorites include Battelle Darby Creek, Highbanks, Slate Run, and Rocky Fork. For more parks around the state, check out our Metro Parks category.

Check out more local gems in Ohio – Split Rocks Trail, Mad River Mountain, and Hocking Hills Welcome Center.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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About Metro Parks Farm

The Mill Creek Metro Park Farm began as a private farm that was later transitioned into an experimental farm. Until 1994, Ohio State University owned and operated it. Then an educational complex was constructed in 1996, and now students from local schools can visit the farm to learn about where our food comes from and why agriculture is important in our lives.

Activities and Facilities at Metro Parks Farm

There are many activities and educational opportunities at Metro Parks Farm.

Archery

An archery range is located behind the educational complex. Please park in the main lot. Open sunrise to sunset. Bring your own bow and arrows. Targets are set at 10, 20, and 30 yards. Children must be supervised.

Disc Golf

There are two disc golf courses –  the forest course and the field course. No rentals are available, so please bring your own equipment. 

The forest course is a challenging 18 holes. The field course is a 9-hole learn-to-play course for beginners or for anyone wanting a quick warm-up.

Cross Country

The dedicated cross-country course meets NCAA specifications. It has a 38-team starting grid and a 10-meter course width. There is a 2-mile course in addition to 1k, 2k, and 3k loops. 

Access to Metro Park Bikeway

The 11-mile paved trail is perfect for hikers, skaters, and cyclists.

Ponds

Fishing is permitted in the ponds.

Sunflower Field

The sunflower field is open August through September, when sunflowers are in bloom – weather dependent.

Adventure Barn

The seasonal barn has interactive displays, games, and activities to learn about agriculture. It is open April to May daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and June to October daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm. There are also picnic tables on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Demonstration Rain Garden

Constructed in summer 2011, the demonstration rain garden is an educational opportunity to learn how rain gardens work and to get ideas on how to construct your own.

Reservable Locations

McMahan Hall is a multi-purpose hall that has rentals available year-round. Classroom A is ideal for a party or seminar. It can accommodate up to 45 people. You can rent either of these locations by calling 330-740-7116.

Information About Metro Parks Farm

There is a printable and downloadable map available for Metro Parks Farm. Check the website for opening hours.

Where is Metro Parks Farm Located?

• Address: 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406
• Phone: 330-533-7572 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Metro Parks Farm

Let’s Visit Metro Parks Farm!

Have you visited Metro Parks Farm? We want to know what you thought! What was your favorite activity when you were there? Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you love to visit Ohio State Parks, Ohio Metro Parks or Ohio State Nature Preserves be sure to check out Hayden Falls and Caesar Creek State Park.

Ohio is also home to lots of animals. Check out our article on Bears in Ohio. Let us know if you see any while you are out there exploring. Don’t forget to keep a safe distance!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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