I love this park!!! It is so beautiful and so spacious. I come here for walks or runs with my…read morehusband or friends. The children's play area is very unique and fun. They have paved paths and some trails as well. The waterfall is gorgeous! It's one of those parks that you wouldn't expect in the middle of a city, but I'm so glad I visited the first time and will continue to come back

The park is located on the site of the old Marble Cliff Quarry. Aside from our favorite dog park…read morenow, the overall park includes 182-acres of hiking/walking trails, observations areas, mountain bike trail, observation areas, a waterfall, lakes, and a sport climbing area. It has been years since I have been out here and to say I was impressed was an understatement. I can't wait to come back here. You can learn more at https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/

Magnificent reclaimed wetland on an old Brownfield/giant municipal Auto Towing Lot…read more Ample wildlife has begun to appear since the park has opened. Substantial outdoor rope climbing & artificial rock climbing facilities available. Bootcamp style fitness circuit obstacle course with walls, tires monkey bars and other challenges. Magnificent view of the downtown area of Columbus. Pet friendly areas and paths.

It's pretty here but I couldn't find a good spot to watch the sunset without trees getting in the…read moreway. Overall, such a beautiful park with pretty views!

So this is a rather sweet park! You aren't quite sure why this place has so many starts as you…read moredrive in and you're like... how can this be the park to the right? The answer to this is being patient. Drive down and find the 'lower' parking lot, jump out and wander under the freeway overpass and that's when you go... 'holy cow, this is gorgeous!!' The lake is so pretty, the paths are well marked. This would be a go to spot during the fall color changes as the reflections off the lake would be pretty much what dreams are made of. Lots of space on walkway that goes all the way around the lake so you never feel crowded. Shows like 1.3miles but I'd guess closer to 2.0 miles but it's all pretty much flat and groomed. If you're ever in this area, plan a good walk with your significant other, put your phone in your pocket, hold their hands and just talk about how amazing your life is with them in it. And don't forget. Listen to what they have to say.

Nice active park off the 315 highway. It has walking trail(gravel) along the lake. Plus paved all…read morepurpose trail that leads along the highways 315 and 161. Great place for dogs and people who like to fish. I only docked a star for the restroom facilities. Leaves a lot to be desired

An Ohio State property, this area has some interesting constructed wetlands. The indoor education…read morecenter is only for students and there aren't public restrooms available. They call part of the area a constructed "billabong". It does not have any Australian wildlife, but it connects to the larger river greenway trail and it is a nice little area that is free to access.

Columbus is fortunate to have a Ramsar wetland (a wetland of international importance) right here…read morein our own backyard, and it is easily accessible from the Olentangy Greenway Trail, which runs right by it. The grounds are open to the public from dawn to dusk daily, but respect the signage because research is underway. There is an observation pavilion, which is unfortunately in need of repairs at this time. When it's open, it gives you a nice view of the wetland area and all of the wildlife that may be about. There's good signage that explains the wildlife, the natural history of the area, and how research is conducted. Regardless, there are several paths that will take you in and around the area so you can enjoy the views, and you can also walk around on the Olentangy Greenway Trail to look around, as well. We saw several deer walking near the trail. There is parking available if you're driving by, otherwise, make it a nice little stop on your greenway trail journey!

This is a very beginner friendly, short walk through a lovely trail in Dublin. Almost all shaded…read moreand on a clear trail, partially on a wooden broad walk, this is a very easy and beautiful walk to a small waterfall. This is a lovely and quiet walk, with a few look-out balconies and a nice bridge. You can park at bridge park or the parking lot provided and enter the trail from there. We love this nature walk!

Another beautiful place in Dublin to spot gorgeous waterfalls. Indian Run Falls is an unassuming…read morepark -- it's tucked in a spot right off a major street. But once you start heading onto the path, you discover that there is more to this place than you see from the parking lot. If you want to get right next to some small waterfalls, like touch them with your fingers, this is the place to visit. The waterfalls are smaller, but I liked that we could get up close to the water and experience it in a tactile way. Being right up in the water's business allowed for some really great photos, too -- the waterfall area is a great place to take photos. The hike through Indiana Run Falls is very easy, but there are some areas that require walking up and down steps, so it might not be the easiest hike for someone in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. Otherwise, this is a great place to visit, and it's a good hike for kids because it's very short and sweet.

A small park tucked between a quiet neighborhood and a river, with a short boardwalk to a beautiful…read morewaterfall. The flow of the falls will fluctuate a good bit, depending on the season or rainfall. When the water levels are low, there's not going to be much to see. But after a rain or snow melt, this waterfall becomes pretty impressive! The boardwalk can become slick in shaded areas. Keep in mind that you're directly behind people's homes & yards, so be respectful of the shared space.

This park has a very limited parking area. It is located on the side of the road and has maybe…read moreeight parking spots. Then you climb four steps, cross a small platform area and next it is 48 stairs straight down. The walk from there is a nice boardwalk to a relativity small waterfall.

Very nice and scenic park. Plenty of fishing areas to hiking areas. It's a pretty long strip and…read morehas a park. Good area and very clean.

They don't care about planting the trees we procured for them! Almost 50 trees were destroyed due…read moreto apathy! ALL of them still in bucket or. Live above ground The Paw Paw trees ( area our state fruit, the ONLY citrus to be grown in Ohio have been ignored going on 7 months now !! NO BUENO And they want us to pass a bill giving them more money?? What on earth for???

This park can be found hidden beneath the streets of Clintonville residents, down in the ravine,…read morewhere water flows and wildlife takes over. I would have never known this was here if a friend didn't live nearby and tell me all about it. On my visit I accessed the park by traveling down some steep stairs and crossing a little bridge that gets you across the small creek that runs through. I quickly discovered a handful of miniature trails that sprawl out from the center of the park and into the little crevasses of the neighborhood bordering the area. I noticed a good number of other park goers, several super happy pups, and unfortunately a ton of trash. This is obviously what caused me to dock a star from my rating, such a bummer. Clean up after yourself people, there was seriously trash everywhere. My favorite part about this park is the tunnel with the giant birds painted across it. The acoustics once you're inside are major and during my visit there was a young man playing a flute. The sound carried so beautifully, it made my day. My second favorite part was spotting an owl high up in a tree. Owls are definitely my spirit animal, so cool! I'll definitely be back to this park. Fingers crossed it's cleaned up a bit.

Glen Echo is a fun ravine to explore, nestled amongst the streets of Clintonville. You can walk…read morethere if you're in the area, or use street parking. There are a few different ways to enter the park - pay attention to signage indicating private property areas and to when some entrances are closed (i.e. during the winter, the steps may be closed if ice is a concern). There's a main path running through the park, next to which are various signs explaining the history and nature of the area, which runs into the tunnel with the beautiful bird paintings, which is, unfortunately, showing its age these days. Other paths branch off, allowing you to explore the nearby woods, and you can also go down what used to be an old street and enjoy that too. It's a nice place to explore near the city!

Turn DOWN any parks and rec bill! I have complained 3 times…read moreabout the abuse via apathy about the stewards of our parks At Duranceau park at the Mc Knight outdoor eduction center they have successfully let at least 4 dozen trees die by not ever PLANTING THEM!! Paw Paw trees in bulbs above ground since April !! And then more trees delivered in the fall meeting the same doom !! Sycamores, Tulip, and Oaks All sitting above ground !! Several months now! The staff at the park have even gone as far as hiding the trees! So it LOOKS like they are proper stewards of the park Which they are not. See examples below

This nature preserve is beautiful. At first glance, it doesn't look like much. You park in the…read moreparking lot and it looks rather urban. But when you walk down the stairs, you're suddenly transported to a peaceful spot in nature. Now, about those stairs. They are pretty steep, and there are many of them, and I'm not sure there's any other way to get down the to nature preserve without walking down the stairs. Unless there's another way to get down there that I don't know about, this isn't a wheelchair- or stroller-friendly park. Once you're down the steps, you walk down a boardwalk that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. All in all, it takes maybe less than a minute to walk from the end of the step to the waterfall -- it's really rather close. Along the way, you will see beautiful plants and trees, and as you get closer, you'll hear the sound of the water rushing until you actually reach it. It's kind of amazing to see a waterfall up close -- it's very soothing to the spirit. In the winter, I've read that the waterfall will sometimes freeze over, so you can see it in a whole new way. The boardwalk ends at the waterfall, and it's a one-way trek there and back. The trail does not loop. This is an easy and fun walk for young kids especially. I had kids with me and we were done with the walk and had seen everything in about 10 to 15 minutes. I like efficient hikes like this.

This is a perennial favorite section of the fair! It's a quieter, relaxing bit of nature within the…read morehustle and bustle of the fair, but it is packed with plenty of things to do, see, and learn. Tour the tiny nature center, which was showcasing amphibians at the time of our visit, and step inside a yurt to see what makes it a unique overnight option. If you're taller than 50 inches, you can sign up for a kayak lesson in the pond. They offer good instructions on the basics and then let you try it out. The Discovery Pavilion has a lot of information, the kayak sign-up booth, a section that showcases state parks (this year, the focus was on the upcoming Great Seal State Park). They also offer a living stream exhibit where you can see some of the critters that can be found and hold a crayfish. There's also a sand dig area. A neat addition this year was the opportunity to try putting out a virtual fire with a light up fire extinguisher. A fire tower is located near the classic giant Smokey the Bear. Unfortunately, you can't climb it, but it does set the scene nicely. Smokey, who is turning 79 this year, will chat with you if desired. There are multiple playground options - the recycling express train is a kid favorite, a wildlife themed one, and a newer gas and oil themed one that has a very neat - and popular - OHIO structure in it. There is also a prairie to explore, a display of native animals (owls, hawks, fox, skunk, and more), a wetland area, a butterfly house, a geology walk, and a number of additional hands-on activities, including archery and shooting ranges, and a fishing pond for 14 and under using cane poles. A gift shop and information booth are also available. A lot of related organizations usually host booths back here too, with additional activities, games, and plenty of information. This is always the first place I recommend when asked about the fair!

Open during the run of the fair, The Natural Resources Park is an 8 acre oasis of green where…read moreyou'll find an abundance of trees, cooling shade and scenic views. Located in the SE corner of The Ohio State Fairgrounds, you'll find this cool micro-park is a nice getaway from the overload of the sights and sounds of the nearby Midway and Kiddie-land areas. This place is packed with plenty to see and do. Be sure to check out the amphitheater there where you can relax and watch a show, visit the butterfly house to watch the little winged ones and don't miss the aviary with it's premier resident, an American Bald Eagle. Take a stroll through the wetlands and prairie areas too while you're there. People preferring something more active might want to head over to the shooting range and try their hand at archery or target shoot with an air gun. The park also has a 7200 square foot pond so you can try your hand at some kayaking. And for the kiddos, let them do some fishing at the stocked pond or have a talk about fire safety with an animatronic 14 foot tall Smokey the Bear. Natural Resources Park is an educational park and there's a lot of Ohio Department of Natural Resources folk around to answer your questions. Looking for the best places in Ohio to hike, bike, fish, camp and boat? These men and women are eager to talk with you about what The Buckeye State has to offer us. Make it a point to visit the park while you're there this year. There's something for everyone and you just might learn a little bit if you do.