Chestnut Ridge Metro Park — Attraction in Bloom Township

I visited Chestnut Ridge Metro Park yesterday [8-25-2022] for my first time.

Since I am a non-driver, I only occasionally leave Franklin County [where Columbus is located]. My friend drove all the way from Sugar Grove [Ohio] to Columbus so that he would be able to pick me up in Columbus, drive me to Chestnut Ridge Metro Park and then back home, and then drive back to Sugar Grove after he had dropped me off in Columbus.

My friend had recently read the book, "Idle Weeds: The Life of an Ohio Sandstone Ridge," by David Rains Wallace, who had lived for several years exactly where Chestnut Ridge Metro Park is now located. In response to having read that book, my friend had wanted to enable me to visit that park.

Before arriving at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, we drove past the home of two older friends whose property is immediately east of the southeast corner of that park. They had not been at home at that time; however, I had wanted to be able to at least be able to see their house from the outside.

After having officially arrived at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park and after having eaten a very pleasant picnic meal together [during which my friend had read to me a small portion of "Idle Weeds: The Life of an Ohio Sandstone Ridge"], we walked on a one-mile-long "loop path" within the park.

My older friends who live near the park had previously told me that "it's all uphill" [which of course cannot be literally true since we had eventually returned to our starting location]; however, I must say that we had definitely walked up and down several steep hills on that "loop path."

According to Facebook, "Chestnut Ridge is the first ridge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains." It had been amazing to be only 25 miles southeast of my home and to see a significantly-different landscape from the mostly-flat landscape [except that the river valleys are not flat] that I am used to seeing in Columbus.

If you are looking for a beautiful park near Columbus at which to hike, I recommend Chestnut Ridge Metro Park. But be prepared to walk up and down several steep hills while you are walking on any...

Love this park!!! Been going for 12 years since we moved to area. Just a hop from main highway 33. Very well maintained. Never see trash on ground or in picnic areas. Bathrooms are port a potties but they are in a house structure so plenty of privacy and room if have kids with you. Love the kids playground! Hiking is beautiful and has photogenic scenery every time of year we go. All trails lead deep into forest so you forget you are in a developed area. The Hike is more rigorous than other metro parks which are mostly flat. This has many steep hills which get your heart pumping but each time you finish, you have a view unveil itself and usually a resting bench nearby if desired. Can Hike to right orr left, both circle around. Hike to left and you pop out into view of rolling hills and meadows, cross a bridge with a babbling brook. Continue into forest which lead to built out lookouts and even another with sitting area. Can split off early to right to see ruins of foundation of old house with storyboard telling about the home and it's early inhabitants. Or can continue straight and hike through more forests and up and down hills until you hit a long boardwalk with benches and views. Usually see dear grazing in micro-meadows carved out every so often and other woodland animals throughout They are renovating the pond area currently as of Aug2024 but when it's open, kids are allowed to fish there and it has more picnic tables. Options of trails so you can do a more intensive long hike or split off early and circle back if kids (or you) get tired early. Grass is well maintained and kept cut in all walking areas. Have never struggled with too many mosquitoes but we always pack spray in case since you are in the woods. Highly recommend visiting...

Got to spend a great afternoon here. Started out with some fishing followed by a hike through Ridge and Homesite Trails.

Fishing: Restricted to one 2-acre area with two decks to fish off of. There are plenty of bluegill. However, the pamphlet states that largemouth bass and channel catfish are also able to be fished for. Area is catch and release only.

Hiking: Trails are gravel paths with plenty of hills through the ridges. I enjoyed the placards with the history of the area as well as finding several quiet spots to just relax and listen to nature. Ridge Trail also contains a boardwalk segment. Pets are only allowed on the Milkweed Trail that is the only natural path instead of gravel. Overall, it was a great and enjoyable hike.

Other Notes: Two picnic areas with shelters, tables, and grills on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a large playground area as well as a wetland...