Beautiful park, with PLENTY to see and do, even on a cold-ish, cloudy day. I made a quick, last minute detour here on a recent visit over to Columbus, and was really glad I did. Lot of trails (though not QUITE as well-marked as this directionally "challenged" hiker might like!!) and there's also a nice nature center, full of great displays, and apparently, some interesting community events (and great restrooms!!). I parked near the nature center, got my bearings, and decided to hike the shorter orange and yellow trails, which looped me around back to where I started in the parking lot area. Beautiful, lots to see, "somewhat" well-marked, but I made it out, so very do-able!! I wanted to also take the "Lake Trail," but didn't realize at first that it was the paved trail that started at the Nature Center. Once I realized I was heading in the right direction, it was a quick, easy trek to the two observation "shacks" on the shores of the park's beautiful Thoreau Lake. DON'T skip this short, scenic hike... Well worth the trip!! Blendon Woods (and all the other Metro Parks in the region) is a GREAT place for a day (or more...) in nature. Picnic pavilions, playgrounds, educational programs at the nature center, lots of trails... Definitely a four season GEM!! Check it out!! read more

See all

Amazing, playgrounds, amazing nature, Center and as a teacher, I had an amazing time with a naturalist taking my fifth graders on a field trip here. There is so much to see so much to learn and beautiful wildlife and forest. You will definitely see turkeys if you stick around either walking the road or on the trails. We have had beautiful winter walks and times in the summer herewith family. read more

See all

How lucky is Columbus to have this park! In a city that is flat, flat, flat... we have managed to preserve some woodland areas that have some tiny hills and a whole lot of trees. Plus there are flocks of wild turkeys that roam about. This is a beautiful example of natural wildlife preservation. This park has a ton of hiking trails. Some short, some longer. All well marked and maintained. Each area has ample parking, restrooms, shelters, and playgrounds for the kiddos. There is even a disc golf course and during the winter a small skate rink (weather premitting). It also has tons of rentable shelter areas which are off the beaten path (gated unless rented), making them perfect for special event parties like graduation or birthdays. However what I do NOT like: Warning... angry rant: The only negative is it really isnt dog friendly. Not at all. No dog park. Okay, I get that (sort of) however, what makes me actually annoyed every time I visit here is.... All but one trail is "anti dog" which I have a HUGE issue with, for as a woman who likes to hike alone.... I want to bring a dog for protection and company. Because I cant, I find I dont use this park that much. I asked why no dogs. I was told "there are so many bird watchers, they get mad. It disturbs the birds". That is the dumbest reason to ban dogs from 95% of the park -when the dog owners tax dollars is guaranteed a larger percentage than the revenue of birdwatchers. There is just more of us dog owners. Thisnlark needs to show dogs more love. Not even suggesting the entire park to be open to dogs-- but come on, add one or two decent hiking trails. The one designated for the dogs is soooooooo muddy, its like the forgotten unwanted path that has been deemed "for dogs". For that it loses a star. read more

See all

Yes!!!!!!! Great park. Safe, serene, big, surrounded by forest but has a fence all the way around it. Restrooms 20 steps away, parking close by! Can see the park from your car. read more

See all

Great park with trails, nature center, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, water and bathrooms. Very clean. Trails are well marked and beautiful! Benches and trash containers are throughout the park. There are poop bags for dogs, but no really great area for dogs. That was the big disappointment- the very limited area where dogs can go. All trails except for one are prohibited to dogs. The one trail where the dogs are allowed is a giant mud pit. It's terrible. It was especially awful because we went after rain, but it's clear that any day wouldn't be optimal for that trail. read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Benches along the trails. - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

This is our "go-to" park, to get a healthy dose of nature. It's always so beautiful here. When you first drive in, it's like coming into an enchanted forest with a canopy of trees, hanging overhead. Simply beautiful, and in the fall, the colors are STU. The nature center is very cool and informative. There is a board for you to write down which species of animal you saw/encountered and where. If you're lucky, you'll see wild turkeys running about as well. I strongly recommend you check it out. There's also a cool disc golf course. read more

See all

Parking: This location has several parking lots at trail heads. All lots seemed to be nice and had plenty of spots. 3 stars. Amenities: I went into the nature center and they had a full restroom inside, but I did not see any snacks for sale, maybe I missed it though? Restroom worked well, wasn't super clean. The park also has shelter houses for group gatherings 3 stars. Hike: It was nice to be outside, some areas of this park almost look like Tennessee. It has hills, wooded areas, lakes, eagles, fields. Lots of variety. Only downfall is dogs are only allowed in few areas. 3 stars. Conclusion: This park is great for being in the city. Feels good to get outside and explore, but they need to make it more dog friendly. read more

See all

My family really enjoys Blendon Woods! We love the outdoor playground, and the occasional turkey :) For the most part the trails are accessible and parking is never a problem. read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park is a fantastic park. There is a lot to see and do here. Wild turkeys are also a very common sight in the park. There are over five miles of trails, which let you check out different areas. There are fantastic areas of exposed bedrock along the ravine area, through which trails wind, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the forest.  Interestingly, the ravine's set up resulted in each side growing its own type of forest - one is beech and maple, while the opposite side is oak and hickory.  There is a nice overlook down into the ravine and the creek from the Overlook Trail.  A short paved trail by the nature center will take you down to the two bird blinds through which you can view the Walden Waterfowl Refuge. There is also interesting signage about the giant snapping turtles inside. On certain occasions, they will permit hiking around the lake, which we've been fortunate to catch a few times - it's very neat! There are several playgrounds here, as well as a natural play area, which has so much to explore and get muddy! It also goes way back into the woods, even farther then it initially appears. There's a large climbing area and a tire swing, and then you can choose which path to continue on, with a little zipline for ages 5+ on one side, log balance beam to cross the stream on the other end, balance beams between trees, a teeter totter made from logs, logs shaped like vehicles and chairs, and a tetherball. If you climb up the hill past the zipline area, there are rope swings hanging from the trees, a trail, and plenty of space to build little forts. Other amenities include: an ice skating pond and sledding when the weather is right, several shelterhouses, and a disc golf course. In the fall, they open up the back service road for a short driving fall colors tour, which is very eye-catching, full of yellows, reds, and oranges. A nature center is also present, which has several educational displays, and it has a nice back porch area with picnic tables. When the weather is nice, critters like turtles and frogs have outdoor homes in the back, and they also have been setting up a butterfly tent for the past few years, where you can watch the life cycle of the butterfly play out. The naturalists are really friendly and offer some great programs too! read more

See all

What a beautiful park and fun area to explore. I can't wait to go back and adventure through it even more! Every Friday I take my niece and nephews out for some good old fashion outdoor time. Whether we're painting in the woods or hiking a fun trail, I'm trying to do my part at getting them away from their mini screens and embracing nature. Last week I took the five year old and the nine year old to Blendon Woods and it was a first for all of us. As soon as we turned down the winding path we were greeted by a wild turkey trying to cross the road. That was a sight to see and the kiddos loved it. We eventually made our way to the parking lot, grabbed our water canteens, and ventured out on the first trail we saw. While it had recently rained, the majority of the mud had dried up and if it wasn't, there were plenty of logs to step on. The path we chose was pretty much entirely covered by trees, which was a nice escape from the hot sun. We passed by small creeks, saw a little bit of wildlife, tons of down trees, insects, etc. While we had a great time, we did have to cut things short due to the no restroom situation. They might have them somewhere in the park, but I didn't notice any. We also assumed they would be closed due to COVID-19. That's the tricky part about staying hydrated during a pandemic. Anyhoo, I'll definitely be back and next time I'll be sure to bring the eight year old. He missed out big time. read more

Blendon Woods is a favorite park - there's lots of different options for trails to walk on, including dog friendly one. It's a larger park so there's lots of different options as well for shelter houses/eating areas/natural play areas. There's really some thing for everybody there. It's great for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife. One time we were there we saw five or six turkeys crossing the road. At the nature center they have a lot of activities that can be done even when the center is closed. read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

See all

A wonderful and stunning hike with raw untouched surroundings. Not a gentle loop but a very scenic one. A great get away to explore.

I've been here many times over the years, so many that I take it for granted and apparently haven't reviewed it. There's a great nature center, trails, wetlands, shelters, and more. Well worth a visit for all of that. A nice getaway in a pretty built-up area. Our most recent visit was just to the playgrounds. Baby K wanted to slide, and I knew there was something here. Turns out there are several somethings. Take the first right after you enter, and you will find several shelters and playgrounds. The first one we saw was a pretty standard one, and was overrun with kids a family picnic. There were swings, a play area with several slides, etc. Pretty much what you'd see anywhere, and fairly small. A bit farther back is another one, bigger and better. And, when we visited, fairly quiet, so K got to run around as much as she wanted. More slides, places to climb, etc. Back in the woods a bit is an outdoor play area, for bigger kids, with a climbing net, tire swing, etc. Come take advantage of our great metroparks, and if you have a kid, come check out the playgrounds. Then head to the nature center for some educational fun, and walk around till they need a nap. read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

Great way to start your morning. Lots of well maintained and natural trails. Beautiful foliage and clean restrooms. A nice break from the city! read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

we love this place . perfect playground for toddlers . perfect slides etc. we also love the nature and hiking .. walking down thru the water streams ( take your water boots /bug repellents) ; walking down the stream a snake slithered infront of me to the water so becareful .. they have a cool self zipline .. perfect for the kiddos .. we will always come back here . our fav. they have a riddle game for kids there at the park by hiking trails , and when u find out the answer you let them know at the nature center office where they have snakes in cages , the have frogs . there a place to see the wild animals .. the red cardinals were pretty next time i'll take photos .. read more

Another beautiful metro park in Columbus! My husband and I visited here for the first time in early October. The park was much bigger than we expected. They had multiple trails to walk. The park also had an observation station. It was just so relaxing to walk around and enjoy the nature scene! read more

See all

Blendon Woods Metro Park is a beautiful place for a hike. It's in a pretty nice area of the city. The park is far enough from the bustle it's pretty quiet. It has lots of hiking trails and places to picnic. The park is also pet friendly so you can bring them too. If you go with kids they have plenty to keep them entertained. It has a pretty good playground. There's a nature center with books and specimen exhibits. Be sure to visit the turkeys area. Most times in the middle of the day an employee will be there to educate about the wildlife. They are helpful in answering questions. Another cool thing is how pet friendly it is. There's a dog friendly hiking trail. I always see something interesting at Blendon Woods. It has many trails and a cool nature center. There's also the turkeys and waterfowl. read more

See all

This is one of my favorite Metro Parks in the Columbus area! Completely wooded with lots of wildlife and if you combine the trails you can take a pretty good hike. They also have a great natural play area for younger kids which is amazing! read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

See all

Not a big fan of this place, the trails are very short and you have to loop multiple together to get any major distance. Only one pet friendly dog trail. Overall not my favorite and probably won't be back. I can see how this would be a good park for kids and parents. read more

If you ever wavered on voting for a tax levy for Parks, come here. Unplug from the net and refuel your tank of nature. I admit it has taken me decades to experience and discover everything this park has to offer. When younger, I came here on school trips for the waterfowl and nature observations and learning centers. Fast forward to Disc Golf course, ice skating, sledding, and hiking trails. Another jump forward and I am attending family functions at free shelters with playground equipment and large fields for games. Now I'm hiking the trails and attending some outdoor retreat meeting talks at the open air amphitheater style space. One final jump forward and now I live nearby. I now bike here and get exercise with beautiful scenery. I enjoy walking our dogs on the beautiful pet trails. The only thing missing might be an ocean view. I find this park clean and well maintained. Park ranger service is always a presence. I have never heard anyone mention this as a dangerous or unsafe place. This can be a great place for picnics, dating, family, business, education, exercise, and general internet unplugging. XP read more

I didn't walk on any of the trails today but had forgotten how beautiful this Metro Park is off I-161. We were there in the back at the shelter areas for a baby shower. Just adjacent to our picnic tables is a very nice playground for kids which is newly updated and upgraded and well maintained. Upon our arrival, we asked about the availability of shelter areas and were told where we could find a section we would like. We asked how we could let others know where we were in the park and he told us we could not put up any signs for ourselves to let others arriving at the park know how to find us, but he said that he would put up a sign for us and did so. He put up a very nice sign just at the split of the main entrance to the park. He told us how to find our table, reminded us that we would not be able to use nails, staples and the like for putting up decorations, but tape would be fine. We were prepared for that and even brought a ladder to help us wrap some of the poles. Regular restrooms we're available for men and women nearby. The women's restroom was spotlessly clean and well maintained. But, one stall in the men's restroom needed attention. Otherwise, it was clean and even smelled nice. I later reported the issue to a passing ranger who told me that they'd been working on the plumbing, but thanked me for reporting it to him. The ranger came by several times later to check on us and to empty our trash bag. We were allowed to have a fire in the grates to grill our hamburger and hotdogs, others brought covered dishes. The area was spotlessly clean when we arrived and when we finished a few hours later, we cleaned up and left it the same way. Next time we'll have to go back to the bird sanctuary (as far as my walker will let me go, anyway). read more

See all

We just moved to the area this year, this was our first visit here, it won't be our last either. Although it's winter it was really nice! Can't wait to come in the spring time:) read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Trail - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

See all

I love this place!! Great for nature walks through the woods, bird watching, watching birds feed (they have a great visitor center with a huge viewing area of bird feeders). Have seen all kinds of birds, including two wild turkeys!! There several nature trails of various distances through the woods. They have a very nice trail just for walking your dog!! Very nice place to get away for some peace and quiet!! And most importantly, the visitors center has a very nice and clean restroom!! Always a plus... read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

See all

Great park, good place to walk and see nature. Clean restrooms and plenty of places to have a picnic read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Wild turkeys - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

On a recent trip to Blendon to walk my mutts and air my mother out, as we were driving out of the park, close to dusk,, I was decending a hill when, to my great surprise, a clutch? gaggle? swarm? of wild turkey hens were crossing the road!! OMG! To see them close up was amazing! Nature trails, waterfowl observation station equipped with telescopes, dog walk trail, shelters for that weekend get together and cookout, and yes they do have grills. The trails are well maintained. The nature center is always staffed and the restrooms are very clean. Generally there is a naturalist on board to answer any questions you might have about the park. There are play areas for kids too. The trees are largely deciduous, maple, oak, etc... In the fall the dog trail is on fire as the trees turn shades of yellow, orange, russet and crimson, just breathtaking! This is a great place to come for an aerobic or leisurely walk on it's many beautiful trails, to bird watch, observe waterfowl, have a family get together and cookout, take the dogs for a trot or just sit and reflect. Some words of advice: tick season runs spring through first frost so check yourself and any dogs children etc... Observe safety as this is a nature area and nature can be cruel at times, ie: appropriate footware, bug spray, watching where you put your feet and where you put your hands(poison ivy) and so on. Last but not least: DO NOT lock your valuables in your car, there have been break-ins, and this applys to all the parks where your car is unattended for periods of time. read more

See all

What a lovely park! We walked a trail and it was really nice. Lots of people were there but it wasn't ever overcrowded. They have really nice shelters and playgrounds! read more

The one thing about nature is it's beautiful all year long. We tend to hibernate in the winter because of the cold, but I'd like to encourage you to consider otherwise. Columbus has quite a few metro parks; Blendon Woods of course being one of them. Unlike how we may feel life is on hiatus, nature doesn't stop in the winter. There are still lots to see and do. The only difference is you have to put on layers in the winter time. Now, I don't recommend going out in dangerously cold temperatures, like -10F. However, I do recommend taking advantage of the hiking trails and activities like ice skating and sledding to get some exercise during those winter months. Blendon Woods has all of that plus a nature center, 18 hole golf course and pet trail. There is also the Walden Waterfowl Refuge and within it lays Lake Thoreau, named for the famous poet Henry David Thoreau. At the nature center, there are kid-friendly exhibits that say "please touch!" like turtle shells, shed snake skins, animal bones including skulls and bird feathers. Other exhibits teach about the different design and use of the feet and beaks of waterfowl. Activities that prove educational and fun for the wee ones happens all year and bird identification hikes, geology hikes, nature crafts and even campouts (in the nature center in the winter). The nature center is open Monday through Friday 12:00 to 5:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 5:00. Or if you really don't want to get out of the car, you can drive through some of it. Although, in the winter, you may have to heed the warning of the signs and resist the temptation to take those hills that look so much fun like a rollercoaster because those roads really can get icy. I'm not trying to suck out the fun, just giving you a heads up. Actually, I'm saying this because I couldn't resist coasting! But then one time I had a little slipping and sliding added into that and that was not fun. Otherwise, any other time of the year, have no fear! read more

See all

The park is simply beautiful. I was here for a work outing. Its so lush green, it made me feel I am somewhere deep in the countryside. The park also has some nice trails that you can do and see some rare flora and fauna. read more

See all

When I hear people talk about the great parks in Columbus, I am surprised that Blendon Woods is almost never mentioned. Its peaceful wooded pastures are beautifully tucked away just outside Gahanna off E. Dublin Granville - a nice local escape for exercise, walking your dog, or just mentally relaxing with Mother Nature. Blendon Woods offers a few different trails - including one for dogs. My favorite is actually an unkept path that winds through heavy woods into an open field - providing variety in your travels through the park. Just beware that heavy rains will leave it a muddy mess so avoid in summer months during crazy Ohio rain intervals. There is also plenty of picnic space and a nature center and the park is almost never overcrowded. When everyday life is stressing you out and you need to get away, Blendon Woods can help you get back to good in no time. read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Blendon Woods is a great place to take a break and just be with nature - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

A nice metro park with shelters for rent and plenty of space available for the first set of people to claim it. Great for walking around in the spring, summer and fall. I haven't visited during the winter time yet but the rangers do come around to make sure no one is parked in non-spots so I bet they keep the roads and trails clear. It's easy to get lost in here, even with a map of the different shelters so be mindful if you're meeting friends. read more

Oh my gosh. You guys!! Have you checked out the natural play area that just opened at Blendon Woods??  I have seen nothing like it until this week. It has to be THE most creative and inspiring feature I've seen in a park. At the entrance to the woods, there is this large play structure. My 6-year-old did a great job climbing and traversing the ropes. My 3-year-old preferred the webbed swing. A few steps away, are trails heading down into a 10-acre wooded hillside and ravine. Stepping into the woods, we all became children, excited to see what we would find. Some of the features were familiar and recognizable, like the tether ball, teeter totter, and tic tac toe. Other structures were ambiguous, inviting creativity. Last, but not least, the zipline is probably the highlight of everyone's trip. They literally put a wooden swing on a cable and let you have at it. How amazing is that!? The whole place seems like something you'd dream up as a child, but then there you are and it's real. I saw kids talk their grown-ups into riding the zipline down the hill and I know they were not mad about it. It used to be that you needed to be pretty heavy to make it glide, but they've adjusted it and it's pretty fast. There is a pulley system at the top that brings the swing back up for the next ride. There are restrooms but they aren't RIGHT there, so be prepared for that. Wear boots you can get muddy, especially if you don't want to or want you kids to walk across a narrow beam about 10 feet up. HAVE FUN! read more

Live nearby so its real convenient to walk. Get some of my best shots at this park. Hooked on mushrooms and I've found orange, pink, red, green ones here. Beautiful in autumn. Several hiking trails, steps, hills, gravel & asphalt if you go to the thoreau lake to view the creatures there. read more

We live maybe a mile from here. Over the last 15 years we have taken our kids and now our grandkids here. Absolutely beautiful. Great for picnics and walking the trails. The play area is wonderful. So great to be able to be outside and do something as a family. read more

My department does a Q3 outing at one of the Blendon Woods' shelters every year. We've chosen to hold our outings here over fancier/more expensive options because this is always the most relaxed and enjoyable. The shelter houses are private, clean, have electric & water, plenty of seating and parking, clean restrooms, and nice heavy duty grills. This year we held it in the Hickory Grove shelter. It was unseasonably cool until the sun came out so we made use of the fireplace that's already supplied with plenty of firewood. This shelter has a volleyball court with a provided ball, a mini Frisbee golf pin(?) with a frisbee, horshoes (although I didn't see the pegs), a large open area for games, a swing set, and plenty of shade for hot days. I haven't explored too much of the park besides the shelters, but I've come across several critters such as turkey and deer. It's a wildlife refuge in the middle of the suburbs. If I lived on the NE side of town I would stop by regularly. It would also be a great place to hold family reunions or other events. read more

It's really not as large as you would think. There's really only a small handful of trails but the woods are nice. I love walking through woods, anywhere quiet where's there a steam; yeah water is a plus. There's a lake here with two look out buildings but you cant get down to the water since it's a water foul sanctuary...bummer. I like the micro scope & was even able to see a mother goose with her eggs! great for kids. The nature building was horrible; old, dirty, stinky... even the poor fish in there looked sick from the horrid conditions they were living in. I did like the wild turkey though! You don't get to see that usually. We walked the water foul trail yesterday which was really short but we didn't have time since it was getting late and we still needed dinner. We'll probably go back tonight and try a different trail. This place deserves another look. read more

The recently added dog trail is nice. It's surrounded by a field of wildflowers and the path goes over creek beds in which the dogs love to splash in the water. Be prepared for a panting tired dog. There is a drinking fountain beside the nature center nearby. Also, it's a great place to relax in the woods on their walking trails. The trails are kept up nice and everyone is really friendly. Most people are bird watching so if your into that sort of thing bring your binoculars. read more

Blendon Woods is a great park for all ages of people. For the kids, there is a playground set, a 18 hole disc golf course, in the winter a ice skating rink and sledding hill and nature center. For the adults, there are hiking trails, cross country skiing trails in the winter. On top of all those activities, Blendon Woods is a great place to hold family reunions or get togethers with friends. There is no way to reserve any of the park shelters, so make sure you come early and set up at one if you plan to be there all day. The disc golf course is pay to play $1.50 a round of 18 or $4.50 for the whole day. The course is a smaller course and was designed with the beginner player at heart. Most all shots are below 300 feet with the exception of a few. In the winter months, there is a very small pond that turns into a skating rink only when the conditions are perfectly fine and are approved by the Ranger to skate on. The kids sled hill is tucked away in the corner of the park and is open when there is snow only. Kid snowboarders and skiers trying to get better are welcome only if they are under the age limit. Blendon Woods is a great place to be so if you go make sure you clean up to keep this park a beautiful place to be. read more

I love the metro parks! We randomly decided to take a drive around the park. I was surprised it seemed pretty darn big. I wish there was more snow around because they had a sledding area. They also had a ice skating area but that was not open. We went and hung out in the nature center. My little one loved it. They had a lot of books and things for the kids to play with. There was also a pretty cool bird watching area inside. There were several feeders outside the window so there were plenty of birds around to watch. The people working in the nature center were very nice and friendly too! After hanging out at the nature center we decided to take a walk down to the waterfowl area. We saw some wild turkeys. I had never seen wild turkeys so it was exciting. The waterfowl area had two little buildings set up with telescopes so you can watch the birds. We couldn't explore too much because it was so cold but the emptiness of the park was very beautiful. I can't wait to come back when the weather is warmer and see even more! read more

See all

Such a serene, peaceful forest. I come some mornings to walk and always leave feeling revitalized. The trails are very easy and it's difficult to become lost. The park is full of information as well as turkeys. Yep. Wild turkeys can be found roaming, so be careful as you're taking the beautiful drive in! read more

Blendon Woods Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

See all

This is definitely the best of the Metroparks in the Columbus area (at least that I've been to). There are tons of trails, plenty of picnic and playground areas, and lots of beautiful blossoms and wonderful wildlife to take in. The brand new natural play area is a great addition to an already gorgeous and fun park, so be sure to check that out on your next visit. They also have a great disc golf course, if you're in to that sort of thing. I do have to also mention the nature center and its staff, especially Andrea. I work in child care, and we take our schoolagers there every summer to take part in one of their programs, and she always keeps the children interested and provides a lot of information in a very fun way. If you are in charge of field trips for somewhere, I can't recommend them enough! read more