Scioto Grove Metro Park
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Scioto Grove Metro Park is a 620+ acre metro park along the Scioto River. The metro park is composed of mature forests and scenic bluffs that overlook the river.
Visit Scioto Grove Metro Park
Scioto Grove Metro Park is a 620+ acre park along the Scioto River. The metro park is composed of mature forests and scenic bluffs that overlook the river.
The park has several miles of trail, picnic areas, shelters, grills, play areas for kids, and overlook decks. The park often attacks hikers, bikers, kayakers, and more. In the winter, the park also features a sledding hill.
The entire Scioto Grove park is pet-friendly. Leashed pets (no longer than a 6-foot leash) are welcome in all areas of the park.
The park has about 4 miles of riverfront, which is a huge attraction for canoeists and kayakers. The canoeing access can be found at the north and south ends of the park. (see printable map at the end of the post)
Be sure to print the trail guide before you go. Oftentimes, Metro Parks do NOT have printed maps on site. This metro park, in particular, has been known to have some confusing trails; it is best to have a map on hand, especially when trying to navigate to the Rope Bridge.
Scioto Grove Metro Park is probably the most famous in the area because of its unique rope bridge, which you can find on the REI trail. The rope bridge is fun to walk on, and it crosses Grant Run Creek. Below the rope bridge are perfectly placed stones that you can hop across to get back to the other side of the creek!
Scioto Grove Metro Park Video
Trails
This metro park has over 7 miles of trails. There are eight total trails in this metro park. All trails are rated as easy.
Arrowhead Trail
0.7 miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs | Dirt
The Arrowhead trail is an easy one-way trail passing through woods and fields. Dogs are welcome, and you can expect this hike to take around 20 minutes.
Mingo
2.5 miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs | Dirt
This is an easy 2.5-mile loop trail along the outside of the park. Dogs are welcome, and you should expect this trail to take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
Overlook
1.2 miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs | Dirt
The Overlook Trail is an easy out-and-back trail that runs along the Scioto River. Dogs are welcome, and you can expect this hike to take around 50 minutes.
Multipurpose Trail
2 miles | Easy | Hike | Bike | Dogs | Paved
This trail is 1.2 miles one-way, to make the loop hike, head north at the end of the trail, passing through fields along a dirt road to get back to the parking lot. Dogs are welcome on this trail. The one-way portion should take around 40 minutes to complete.
REI River
1.8 miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs | Dirt
The REI River trail is a one-way trail from the north of the park to the southeast corner. Dogs are welcome, and this trail should take around 1 hour to complete.
Connector
0.2 miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs | Dirt
This short trail connects the Overlook and Multipurpose trails.
Ridge Top Course
0.3 miles | Easy | Dirt
This trail is for the use of archers only. It runs through forest to the Ridge Top portion of the archery course.
Woodland Course
0.3 miles | Easy | Dirt
This is another trail that is only for the use of archers. This trail runs through the Woodland portion of the archery course.
Backpacking
When visiting the park and starting along the trails, we immediately noticed the backpacking areas. They are labeled and provide a picnic table, a gravel-boxed area for your tent, and a grill.
What is neat about the backpacking and camping areas of Scioto Grove Metro Park is that it is perfect for beginners and perfect for those experts who might not want to travel far and have a quick, fun overnight stay! This area along the REI trail is open for reservations online from mid-April through October, weekends only.
Staying at the backpacking camps is free. Many hikers consider this a beautiful, spacious spot to rest overnight. Others said it is a perfect place to test out your hiking gear.
Playgrounds
The playgrounds are unique and also a big drawing point for families. This is not your typical playground. The modern playground is made up of climbing structures and slides. It is perfect for older, more independent kids versus toddlers.
Kids seem to love the unique challenges of the playground at Scioto Grove Metro Park. If you have younger children, there are swings as well.
Archery
Scioto Grove Metro Park offers a 3D archery course. It has 12 form animal targets that archers can practice their skills with. There is a traditional archery range as well. When it comes to bows, all kinds can be used; however, broadhead arrows are not allowed at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Shelters at Scioto Grove Metro Park
The newest shelter at Scioto Grove Metro Park is called The Grove. It is an indoor facility with a large meeting room and lots of windows. It has a kitchenette, bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, and an outdoor patio.
In addition to the reservable Grove shelter, there are two other shelter areas which are non-reservable. They are Arrowhead Picnic Area, which has three shelters with grills, and Hickory Picnic Area, which has two shelters with grills.
Sledding
During the snowy winter months, there is a sledding hill available for winter fun and sledding. This Ohio sledding hill is located by Backpacking Site #2 at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Park Map
If you are heading to Scioto Grove Metro Park, we suggest that you save the Scioto Grove Metro Park map to your phone or print it out to carry with you. This will help you figure out what trails you are on and where you would like to go.
Scioto Grove Metro Park Quick Facts
- Trails
- Archery
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Pets
- Picnicking
- Shelters
- Sledding
Important Park Links for Scioto Grove Metro Park
There are many great walk paths, a canoe put in, and shelters for get togethers. Wear your walking shoes and enjoy the pathways. Binoculars may be a good idea too. There are many bird watching locations here.
Ronald W (TripAdvisor)
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!
I’m a fan of the diversity that Scioto Grove Metro Park provides. It offers a range of experiences, from trails running alongside the river to primitive camping sites and a fantastic playground for the kids. Personally, my favorite aspect is the trails. I enjoy the breathtaking views they offer.
Where is Scioto Grove Metro Park Located?
- Address: 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, Ohio 43123
- Phone: 614-949-1078 | Website | Facebook
Have you been to Scioto Grove Metro Park?
If you have been to Scioto Grove Metro Park? We want to know what you thought! What was your favorite activity when you were there? If you love to visit Ohio State Parks, Ohio Metro Parks, or Ohio State Nature Preserves, be sure to check out those categories on this website!!
You may particularly enjoy learning about Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Clear Creek Metro Park, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve.
