Slate Run Metro Park isn't resting on slate rock -- settlers mistook the dark soil for 350-million year old slate. It's actually shale, a soft rock made from clay deposited by water about 350 million years ago.
Slate Run features a variety of habitats ranging from the open areas of grasslands, wetlands and meadows to the forested areas of beech, oak, hickory and sugar maple.
Red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, indigo bunting, belted kingfishers and numerous other birds and wildlife can be seen at the 156-acre wetlands. More than 70 species of birds have been spotted.
The park features Slate Run Living Historical Farm where visitors can learn about and help with chores on a working 1880s farm.
More than 13 miles of trails wind through the fields, forests, ravines and grasslands. Visitors will cross a restored 1800s covered bridge on one of the trails.
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Hiking
Pet trail
Picnicking
Nature programs |
Bridle trail
Kids fishing (age 15 and younger)
Playground equipment | 
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SLATE RUN
1375 State Route 674 N.
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
(northeastern Pickaway County)
From I-270, take U.S. 33 east toward Lancaster to the Canal Winchester/S.R. 674 exit. Turn right onto Gender Road/S.R. 674 and go about 2 miles until it dead-ends into Lithopolis Road. Turn left and go about 1/2 mile to S.R. 674. Turn right and go about 4 miles to the entrance on the right. Once inside the park, go past the ranger station and take the first road left and follow the signs to the farm. |
Slate Run Wetlands: Continue past main park entrance 1/2 mile to Marcy Road and turn right. Go 3 miles to Winchester Road and turn right. Wetlands entrance is about 2 miles on the right. |
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Two non-reservable picnic areas.
Slate Run Youth Group Camp: This primitive 55-acre camp is available by reservation only for youth groups.
Buzzard's Roost Lake: Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant as you walk the trail near this 15-acre lake. Children 15 and younger can fish off the dock.
Slate Run Wetlands: Trails through the 156-acre wetlands and observation decks make this a destination for visitors and school groups who want to explore this fragile ecosystem.
Slate Run Living Historical Farm: View map to see the layout of buildings and facilities at this 1880s working farm.
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