Last Updated on August 13, 2023 by Cindy
Slate Run Metro Park is a 1705+ acre park that features a variety of activities and wildlife. You can hike, walk, bike, visit a working farm and more!
Visit Slate Run Metro Park
Slate Run Metro Park is a 1705+ acre park that features a variety of things to see and visit. You can find open areas of grasslands, you can find wetlands and meadows as well as forested areas.
Beech, Oak, Hickory and Sugar Maple trees can be found. There is a 156 acre wetland which is home to Sandhill cranes.
It should be noted that you can enjoy the quiet here. Though you are close to the hustle and bustle of a big city, you are far enough away from the noise pollution that you can truly enjoy the quiet!
A bit of history, the park isn’t actually sitting on top of slate rock, settlers from long ago mistook the dark soil for slate. The soft rock is actually shale!
Slate Run Metro Park Trails
The metro park offers up 9 trails, with varying degrees of difficulty. You can find easy, moderate and difficult trails here.
Bobolink Grassland is a 1.5 mile, easy rated hike. Alltrails.com measures this out and back trail at 3.3 miles, so just be cautious if you are limited on time and energy. The path is marked as ADA accessible and winds through the beautiful grassland and leads to an observation deck where hikers can view the wetlands. There is not much shade offered on this trail.
Covered Bridge trail is a 0.5 mile flat, gravel trail that is rated as easy. It is a moderately trafficked trail. The hike goes through the Blackburn covered bridge and connects hikers with the Shagbark Trail.
Kokomo trail is a 1.5 mile easy hike through grass, dirt and boardwalk. This trail is great for all skill levels. The trail takes hikers through the wetlands with multiple observation decks to watch for wildlife.It is also a great trail to spot beautiful wild flowers!
Sassafras trail is a 2.5 mile horseback riding trail only. It is made up of grass, direct and gravel. The bridle trail goes through forest and meadows.
Sugar Maple is a 1.4 mile, moderate to difficult trail. It is a gravel trail that crosses Slate Run Creek and several steep hills. This trail is a great one to spot wildlife.
Shagbark Trail is a 0.5 mile easy hike on a gravel path. It is pet friendly and is a loop trail that goes through forest and meadows.
Lake trail is a 0.4 easy flat paved and boardwalk hiking trail that is pet friendly It leads to Buzzard’s Roost Lake.
Five Oaks is a 1.5 mile trail that is rated moderate to difficult. With that difficulty said, it can be just fine for all skill levels. It is a gravel trail that goes through a steep ravine with black shale outcrops. This trail features the natural play area and a river.
Camp Starview is a 2 mile, moderate to difficult hike. The trail is made up of grass, dirt and gravel. It goes through ravines and over steep hills. It is only open to groups renting the Youth Camp.
Shelters at Slate Run Metro Park
Shady Grove Picnic Area - You can find picnic tables, playground equipment for the kids, a small playfriend, restrooms and one open shelter. The shelter has electrical outlets and can seat 80.
Buzzard’s Roost Picnic Area - In this area you can find picnic tables, playfields, a drinking fountain, playground equipment, restrooms and a 14 acre lake. The lake has two children’s fishing docks (for ages 15 and younger) and lakeside boardwalk. There is 1 open shelter that has 4 small grills and electrical outlets. The shelter can seat a maximum of 200.
Both shelters at Slate Run Metro Park are free to use and are a first come first served basis.
Natural Play Area at Slate Run Metro Park
There is a 7 acre natural play area at Slate Run Metro Park. It is a wooded hillside with a creek. Families can explore and have fun in the outdoors with natural play. You can access this natural play area from the Shady Grove Picnic Area. Simply walk past the observation deck on the Five Oaks Trail and head to the bottom of the hill.
Slate Run Farm
One of the biggest draws to Slate Run Metro Park is the Slate Run Historical Farm. Visitors can be transported back in time to the 1880s era. They can see what a working historical farm looks like. The farm is staffed by volunteers.
Visitors to Slate Run Historical Farm can interact with the animals and learn about life and work on the farm. The volunteers there dress in period clothing to keep the feel of the 1880s farm.
All of the farm work, such as planting, growing, harvesting etc is done by using the same methods that were used in the 1880s.
Admission to Slate Run Farm is free. For more information, visit here.
Slate Run Farm Video
What others are saying about Slate Run Farm
Wondering what others are saying about Slate Run Farm? You can check places like Yelp and TripAdvisor to get some insider information. Here are a few quotes about Slate Run Metro Park:
“Every bird in Ohio is in this park…see dozens of species of birds.” AA (Ohio)
“Relaxing setting to go and picnic or take a long walk. It's a wildlife refuge…” CD (Ohio)
In reference to Slate Run Farm “This is a fun place to visit even as an adult…” BD
In reference to Slate Run Far “They have really done a good job in creating situational moments of how things used to be in America back in the day.” MK (Ohio)
Important Slate Run Metro Park Info
- Trails
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Natural play areas
- Pinicing
- Shade
- Open Sunny areas
- Outlooks
- easy/moderate/difficult trails
- Pet friendly
- 55 acre camp available for youth groups
Where is Slate Run Metro Park located?
Slate Run Metro Park is located at 1375 State Route 674 North, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110, Slate Run Farm is also located at this address. The Slate Run Wetlands is located at 11140 Winchester Road, Asheville, Ohio 43103.
For hours of operation and directions on how to get to Slate Run Metro Park, visit here.
Let's go to Slate Run Metro Park
Have you been to Slate Run Metro Park? We want to know what. you liked and enjoyed during your visit. Drop us a comment below to let us know!
If you love hiking or being outdoors be sure to check out our Ohio Metro Parks Category where you can learn about all the central Ohio metro parks, including the beautiful Prairie Oaks Metro Park. If you are ever in Yellow Springs, be sure to check out our Yellow Springs Hiking Guide!
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