Five Trails to Explore this Spring at Metro Parks

LIZ CHRISTIAN
Marketing and Social Media Specialist

Bluebell Trail

The Bluebell Trail at Three Creeks Metro Park offers the perfect view of the blooming bluebells in spring. This 1-mile trail is considered a moderate hike that runs alongside Blacklick Creek, and has views of the confluence of Blacklick, Big Walnut and Alum creeks. Access this trail from the Confluence Area parking lots.

The Bluebell Trail is glorious during the spring wildflower season, and provides an excellent view of the confluence of the creeks at Three Creeks Metro Park. Photo Chuck Hughes

Boardwalk and Ironweed trails

Start at the Honda Wetland area of Glacier Ridge Metro Park and walk the Boardwalk and Ironweed trails around the wetlands. Listen and watch for frogs, birds and other wildlife and climb the observation tower to get a better view. The Boardwalk Trail is an easy 0.2-mile trail. The Ironweed Trail is an easy, paved 2.8 miles, and connects the Honda Wetland area to the main area of Glacier Ridge.

Sun sets behind the observation tower at Glacier Ridge wetlands
Sun sets behind the observation tower at Glacier Ridge wetlands. Photo Kelli Bergheimer

Wetland trails at Battelle Darby Creek

The Harrier Loop, Rail Way and Teal trails at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park offer perfect spots to watch spring bird migration, find interesting waterfowl and spot other wetland creatures. These trails combine for a moderate 2.7 miles of prairie and wetlands hiking, but they can also be broken up into smaller loops.

Mallards over wet prairie
Mallards over wet prairie. Photo Kim Graham

Killdeer Trail

This easy 1.1-mile trail at Pickerington Ponds Metro Park goes around Blue Wing Pond and leads to an observation deck overlooking Pintail Marsh. Look for birds and other wildlife along the way, and check out the observation decks at both ends of the trail to get a better look out over the ponds and marshes. Park and start at the Wood Duck Picnic Area.

Foggy morning on Blue Wing Pond at Pickerington Ponds Metro Park
Foggy morning on Blue Wing Pond at Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. Photo Terrence Peck

Any trail at Inniswood Metro Gardens

Take a stroll through the gardens at Inniswood as flowers start to bloom. Listen for frogs and look for turtles, or bring your binoculars to bird watch. Inniswood has more than 2,000 species of plants, specialty collections and several theme gardens.

Tulips in bloom at Inniswood Metro Gardens
Tulips in bloom at Inniswood. Photo Megan Fleischer

Of course, any trail in the spring is going to be beautiful – trees are starting to bud, wildflowers can be found along the way, and it’s finally starting to warm up!

2 thoughts on “Five Trails to Explore this Spring at Metro Parks

  1. all the metro parks have wild flowers, just stop!! look? it is 100 % better if you walk the paved trails. riding a bike is alot of fun, but you miss soooo much more, alot of times when i ride any of the metro parks. ? i walk my bike, you can see so much more, and if ? something catches your eyes? STOP!!! if you like wild flowers, you will love the view, people are in too much of a hurry today. RELAXE!! i spend 6 to 8 hrs walking, riding, and taking in of of nature. take a little snack with you. plenty of cold water,? and enjoy ALL THE PARK HAS!!! AND THE BEST PART?? ITS FREE, COME AND ENJOY OUR PARKS, THERE MADE JUST FOR US!!!

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