Hours and Info
April 1-September 30: 6:30am-10pm
October 1-March 31: 6:30am-8pm
Phone: 614-906-3149
Nature Center: 614-846-9962
April-September: 9am-8pm
October-March: 9am-6pm
Reservations: reservations@metroparks.net
Photo: Craig Biegler
Trails
Big Meadows Path
1 mile
Easy – Hike, Bike, Pets – Paved
Goes through meadows and playfields.
Coyote Run
3.5 miles
Moderate – Hike, Pets, Cross-country ski – Grass and dirt
Goes through woods and fields. Reserved for cross-country skiing when conditions are suitable.
Dripping Rock
2.5 miles
Moderate to difficult – Hike – Gravel
Goes through forest and passes steep ravines
Multi-Use
2.3 miles
Easy – Hike, Bike, Pets – Paved
Goes through woods and fields.
Oak Coves Path
0.4 miles
Easy – Hike, Bike, Pets – Paved
Passes meadows and playfields.
Overlook
2.3 miles
Moderate to difficult – Hike – Gravel
Goes through a state nature preserve to an observation deck 100 feet above the Olentangy River.
Scenic River
0.6 miles
Easy – Hike, Pets – Gravel – ADA
Goes through forest and alongside the Olentangy River.
Sycamore
0.9 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel – ADA
Winds through a forest of sycamore, buckeye and cottonwood and alongside the river.
Wetland Spur
0.4 miles
Easy to moderate – Hike – Grass and dirt
Goes through forest to a wetland with an observation deck.
Shelters
Reservable Shelters
Mansion
Shelter holds 100 people (80 under cover), has one trisected grill with an outdoor kitchenette, including sink, electricity, stone fireplace, a drinking fountain, play area and outdoor firepit. Shares restrooms with the Northern Shelter (restrooms open April 15 to Nov 1). Available All Day only.
Northern
Shelter holds 120 people, has two grills, electricity, stone fireplace and wood burning stove, sink, small counter, playground equipment, large playfield, volleyball posts and net, a brick patio and an outdoor firepit. Shares restrooms with the Mansion Shelter (restrooms open April 15 to Nov 1). Parking for 86 cars. Available All Day only.
Nature Center Multipurpose Room
The meeting room is available for rental on an All-Day basis only, any day, Monday through Friday. Capacity 99 max.
ADA accessible.
Non-Reservable Shelters
Oak Coves Picnic Area
Picnic tables, grills, large playfields and playground equipment, and ADA accessible restrooms.
Two shelters: Seating 64 each, two large grills (plus two smaller shelters)
Big Meadows Picnic Area
Area has picnic tables, grills, large playfields, playground equipment and ADA accessible restrooms.
Seven small shelters: Enclosed on three sides, seating approximately 16 each, grills
Two open shelters: Seating approximately 64 each, two large grills
Activities
Multiuse Trail: 1.25 miles
Oak Coves Path: 0.4 miles
Along the Olentangy River.
The Coyote Run Trail (3.5 miles) and the Scenic River Trail (0.6 miles) are reserved for use as cross-country ski trails when conditions are suitable.
Scout Troops can reserve the Dragonfly Day Camp for day camping or overnight camping. Organized and sponsored youth and church groups can reserve it for day camping only. Call 614-508-8111.
Fishing allowed along the Olentangy River.
Explore the 15-acre area with a forest and path to the Olentangy River, where kids and caregivers can safely roam and enjoy unstructured play in nature by climbing trees, playing in the dirt and other fun adventures. Turn left at the intersection in the Big Meadows Picnic Area and stop at the first parking lot. Entrance on left.
Discover nature and cultural history at the many displays and see wildlife at the feeders through the nature center’s windows.
NATURE CENTER HOURS
April to September: 9am to 8pm
October to March: 9am to 6pm
The 206-acre nature preserve is named in honor of former Director of Metro Parks, Edward F Hutchins. No off-trail activity is permitted in the nature preserve.
PET TRAILS
Big Meadows Path: 1 mile
Coyote Run Trail: 3.5 miles
Multiuse Trail: 1.25 miles
Oak Coves Path: 0.4 miles
Scenic River Trail: 0.6 miles
Two enclosed shelters and two open shelters at Oak Coves Picnic Area, and seven enclosed shelters and two open shelters at Big Meadows Picnic Area. All the shelters have grills, picnic tables, a play area and ADA accessible restrooms. Available to use free on a first come-first served basis.
Two sledding hills in the Big Meadows Picnic Area, one for children age 10 and younger.