Spring offers an invitation to leave home in order to enjoy a walk at one of two nearby Metro Parks, which are located minutes from Canal Winchester, Ohio.  Chestnut Ridge is well-known as the furthest west outcropping of the Appalachian range of mountains.  Walnut Woods shares a wooded landscape, much of which used to be a commercial tree farm.

One of the precious locations at Walnut Woods Metro Park is the enormous American sycamore tree, which is located along the Monarch Trail.  On the left, an early spring look at the developing canopy of leafy branches.  On the right, the girth of the tree’s truck fills up the camera lens.

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers a moderate to difficult series of trails, but always be sure to bring a camera.  The park is maintained in its natural state so fallen branches and trees are allowed to rest peacefully on the ground away from the trails.  On the left, a growth of moss surrounds much of a hollowed out tree stump.  On the right, a hilltop garden witnesses the early arrival of daffodils, which proves spring is well on its way.

Returning to Walnut Woods later in the spring, one can immediately witness the maturity displayed in the park.  On the left, an opening in the green vegetation offers a camera view of Walnut Creek, which meanders through a portion of the park.  On the right, a tranquil spot is found along the trail in the Tall Pines area of the park.

The final pair of photos come from Chestnut Ridge.  On the left, the gentle hillside is framed by numerous trees with a delightful meadow below.  On the right, a typical trail begins the ascent up the hillside.  Notice the natural surface of trail, which found throughout the park.

Back in January, 2025, autumn and winter Ohio photos were shared.  Readers are encouraged to access the gallery through this link:  Buckeye Photo Gallery #1.