Central Ohio provides opportunities to visit numerous nature parks in Franklin County and the city of Columbus.  Located near the community of Groveport, Walnut Woods Metro Park offers a wonderful destination for hikers, photographers, bicyclists, and dog enthusiasts.

Much of Walnut Woods is contained within a former tree nursery and sod farm.  Consisting of 1,458 acres, one finds a variety of nature’s treasures:  woodlands, wetlands, and vernal ponds.  All-weather pathways allow easy access even when rainfall or snow interrupts. 

left:  monarch trail traverses the big run (creek) with giant american sycamore tree in background.  right:  the park is an excellent place to photograph birds.  

The hiking trails are rated “easy” without any major hills to travel through.  Both dogs and bicycles are welcome to travel the park, which is bordered on the north side by Walnut Creek.  The park’s interior is bisected by a smaller creek, the Big Run.

Left:  through the thick summer vegetation, a peek at the peaceful walnut creek.  right:  fed by nearby wetlands, big run running at nearly bank full.  

Four major trails are found within the park’s vast boundaries.  The Buckeye Area follows one of the longest trails at 2 miles.  Much of its trail runs alongside Walnut Creek.  Rows of former nursery trees, including crab apple and red maples, offer an ever-changing landscape.

The Tall Pines Area is connected to the Buckeye Area by the Monarch Trail, which runs 1.4 miles.  The Tall Pines Area features the meandering Sweetgum Trail, which totals 2.6 miles.

the tall pines area features a variety of trees and settings along sweetgum trail.  Left:  quiet scene alongside the trail.  right:  a reverent passage through the tall white pines.

If a hiker wishes to walk a natural trail, the Kestrel Trail provides 1.3 miles of grass, gravel, and dirt.  This location offers passage through a pair of ponds as well as a visible Osprey nest.

Two dog parks are located in the Buckeye Area.  One is designed for larger dogs while the other is suited for smaller ones.  Both areas are equipped with nearby well-maintained restrooms and picnic areas. 

from left and moving clockwise:  foggy morning shrouds the american sycamore tree along monarch trail,  big run moves downstream from a beaver dam, sunrise view, picturesque setting of walnut creek, mushroom hiding in the tall grass, winter scene along walnut creek.