Clear Creek Metro Park — Attraction in Lancaster

I ❤️ Clear Creek. If you don't have time to go down into Hocking Hills, then this is your spot. Bentley and I love the dog trail along the creek. Leaning Rock is along the road to the parking lot. There are several other trails. Definitely know your abilities and endurance and read the park brochure at the kiosk for difficulty. There are several parking lots. There is one on the right in a small pull-off type area with a port-o-pot. This is the one immediately after the log cabin. Up that trail is another interesting cabin. The first parking lot on the left closest to US Rt. 33 has a wheelchair accessible restroom (with plenty of room to take your kids or dog inside with you). This parking lot gets you access to the more strenuous trails across the street. The second parking lot parking on the left and at the far end of the dog trail has a small port-o-pot and is NOT handicapped accessable. Finally continuing farther away from Rt 33 on Cleercreek Road, is a road that goes off to the right and uphill. There are two shorter trails located off that parking lot, one that goes to the lake and one that loops at the top of the hill. That parking lot has a nice restroom. There is a nice view from up there and there is a shelter and...

Arguably the jewel of the Columbus Metro Park system, this 5,000-acre reserve is one of largest intact forest preserves in Ohio, and offers a wide variety of hiking options. Trails are well-graded, well-marked, and range from a completely flat creekside trail to trails that traverse steep slopes. It is close to the Hocking Hills, and here and there one can see rocks formations reminiscent of the more dramatic sights in the Hocking Hills. What Clear Creek lacks compared to the Hocking Hills in terms of dramatic cliffs, gorges, caves, or waterfalls, it makes up for in significantly smaller crowds. While you would be sharing the trails with literally bus-loads of people on a nice summer weekend in the Hocking Hills, you would likely be able to count on 2 hands the number of people you would see on a long hike at Clear Creek on the same day. Clear Creek offers quiet, solitude, and expansive stretches of beautiful mature forests, and is well...

This area is my old stomping grounds and holds so many memories. From field trips, to swimming holes near my grandparents, to taking friends on a mini adventure, and now my little one is old enough to enjoy! I love these trails because there is something for everyone. Whether you are a novice, an adult with small kids, or a little more experienced in years or hiking there is a trail for you! The trail that connects the two parking lots is mostly flat and great for pets or small children to walk, and provides a view of Clearcreek along the way. The Fern Trail loop can start out easy or difficult your choice, but have every level of difficulty along the way. There is also a few connecting trails that could literally keep you busy all day! Lots of exercise and views to see! So worth the trip if you are thinking about it. There are also two rehabilitated cabins in this area that are worth checking out. Come see what our Metro Park...