My dog and I started this years Winter Hike series here. We had a great time walking the pet trail and the park roads. We easily found a ranger to stamp my winter hike series log card. Mission accomplished! read more

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park - Took a hike here today - Parks Near Me - Carroll, Ohio

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So we went to Chestnut Ridge Park in Carroll this weekend to take Apollo for a nice nature walk. The park is fairly close to us, and absolutely gorgeous. However, we couldn't be more disappointed. They have several long trails through the woods where you've got these gorgeous ridge climbs. Problem is, they don't allow dogs on any of them. They have one small trail called Milkweed, that is dog-friendly. But it was barely half a mile, and a large part of that was just on mowed grass. Once we got into the woods, we loved it, but it was basically over as soon as it began. That isn't nearly enough for a dog or a person to have a nice walk. It's insulting when they have several miles of gorgeous trails they could open up for people like us. I understand some people don't like dogs, and they try to have a place for them to hike. But why reserve multiple trails for these people? They're surely in the minority. Most people like or at least are tolerant of dogs. Yes this park seems to cater to them, when I'm certain most people in or near Carroll have dogs. I wish there was a petition or something we could do to get them to open up a serious trail that's dog friendly. One non-dog trail is enough. Open the rest for those of us who love nature and our pets. Shame on Chestnut Ridge for this bias against dog owners. read more

This is my hidden gem for picnics and the trails. Plenty of space to social distance during this season. read more

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While I am a huge fan of our metro parks, I realized I'd been paying more attention to some than to others, and I figured it was time to give Chestnut Ridge some love! It's a beautiful place, with its forest, stream, wetland, green space, and, of course, the spectacular view from the top of the ridge! It's also great for when you want a bit more of a challenge than you can find in most of our flat areas around Columbus. Now there are other trails that will keep you more in the flatlands, if you prefer, but the view is well worth a trip up Ridge Trail - there's plenty of places to pull off the trail and take a break. You can either head straight up across the boardwalk and come back down the same way, or you have two loop options: a 1.4 mile option, which uses Homesite Trail to connect with Ridge Trail, or a 2 mile option, which forms a loop using Ridge and Meadows Trails. Both are great options, depending on what you're up for doing. Homesite is named as such because it contains the foundation of an old house and its associated gardens along the way. There is signage explaining the area nearby. Back down in the flat area is a fishing lake and a wetland with an observation deck. For use, in non quarantine times, of course, there are a variety of nice amenities including shelters, a sandstone amphitheatre, restrooms, and a playground. There is a separate entrance that will connect you to the variety of mountain bike options, including two trails and a pump track. Another wonderful park in our system! read more

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No services except restrooms. Not bad not great. Close to the house. Kids run cross country practices there. Two ponds to fish on, catch and release I think. One pavilion and medium sized playground. Dawn to dusk hours. read more

Great little park between Carroll and Canal Winchester. Well maintained and very pretty. read more

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park - Pond in early morning in October. - Parks Near Me - Carroll, Ohio

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Good spot for a nice hike through nature. A little steeper at parts which was a nice change from most Columbus area trails. We did one of the 2 mile loop trails. Heavily forested most of the way. The only problem was the signage was poor so we weren't sure what trail we were on or how to get to where we wanted to go. The map claimed there was a view of the Columbus skyline but we never came across it. read more

This metro park is just a short ways away from Lancaster Ohio and neighboring smaller towns such as Carroll, Baltimore, Amanda and more! This offers a nice outer loop to walk, or run that is 2 miles total. Also a small half mile runs through the middle of the outer loop which takes you to an old foundation of a home site.This walking, hiking and running course is good for people of all ages and is well maintained by the Metro Parks. Of all the Metro Parks, this is one of my favorites. If you are short on time, you can experience the woods and great outdoors and get your walk done in less than one hour most times. You can also see the Columbus Ohio Skyline from a deck viewing area at the edge of the park. Also included in this park are single track mountain bike trails.There are other walking paths even some nice paths beside small ponds. Nice, updated playgrounds offer children excitement and fun. Restrooms are visible near several different parts of the Metro Park. Several shelter areas are great for group occasions and parties. read more

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Carroll, Ohio

I bookmarked this park after seeing Marissa C's review last month, and took advantage of the nice weather this weekend to check it out. The drive out to Carroll didn't take long at all. There is a kid's fishing pond, playground, and an observation deck across from the parking lot, but the main attraction is the ridge and the trails that lead up to it. Two of them loop together and the third bisects it. I took the loop clockwise, saving the view for the end. The great thing about this park is the variety that you see along the trail -- open meadows, forest, streams, hills, and a boardwalk. Although the trail loop may look easy on the map -- only two miles -- there are a few steep areas that will get your heartrate going! I thought about hiking it twice but pooped out after one loop, though I saw a number of joggers who were circling around. The views are pretty nice, and there are plenty of benches along the path if you want to stop and take a break. The view of Columbus was a little hazy and partially hidden by some of the outgrowth of trees. I'd like to come back where there is snow on the ground since Carla D's review makes it sound lovely. read more

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This is a great park to go for some exercise or just for a nice walk to see the outdoors. There are three main trails here that all connect together. Two of them form a two-mile loop that I find great for running, though I'll say it is quite the challenge. I'm used to running here a lot though, because my high school cross country team used to run here a couple times a week. There is also a little bit of history nestled into this park as one of the trails also passes by an old homestead site. There are still many berry bushes next to the homestead that are great for a few berries if all the birds haven't gotten to them yet. The park also features a wetlands area, a playground for kids, and a couple of group sites with grills. There is a campfire site as well, but throughout all my visits at this park I've yet to see it being used. There are also some tree markers on the trails to help you learn tree varieties, and there are a few lookout locations to take in all of the nature around you. I really like this park and have been there during almost every season. The only season I've yet to experience here is winter, but I'd love to go sometime when I get the chance. read more

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park - Parks Near Me - Carroll, Ohio

We choose a particularly chilly, snowy day to have our first trip to Chestnut ridge. I would say there were 2-3 inches of snow on the ground, blanketing the entire park in white. We combined two trails basically doing a 2.5 mile loop. There were some decent inclines and declines along the path for the area. Which I appreciate, because I like to feel like I'm working when I'm out on a hike. I was immediately impressed with the trail. It had seclusion, beauty, elevation changes (small but enough to notice), a tree canopy, a true sense of being at one with nature. As we made our way along the trail we enjoyed the quiet. We were surprised that we had never heard of Chestnut Ridge yet it was so spectacular. Maybe it is the Columbus Metro Parks little secret. I fell in love with it during our hike and I am certain we will be back. I bet it is gorgeous during every season. I did feel lucky that the first time we saw it was while there was snow on the ground. It made it look majestic. If you are looking to try a new park this winter. We highly suggest driving a little outside of Columbus and giving Chestnut Ridge a try. We loved our time there. read more

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By far one of my favorite places near my hometown, and one place I try to stop at every time I am home. Chestnut ridge is great for family hikes, bird watching, fishing and my favorite, trail running. Something about the trails here push me to get my butt into gear. I think what I love most is the views and scenery, something about it always keeps me interested and keeps me running. As for the other things to do, there are, as others have mentioned, several observation decks along the trails, a playground and a nice place to sit and have a picnic. If I had a family, I would bring them here often, as I feel there are a good many things to do. One final thing I should mention about this park is how good they are about upkeep. The park is well maintained and feels safe at all times. read more

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Great park - the path gives you a full workout. It's always beautiful there no matter the season.

Nice trails great views nice place to go for a jog also has some steep hills I like once you hit the boardwalk high up that was nice had a fun time read more

I've heard of people trying to visit all of the national parks. That's probably out of reach for me, but my wife and I HAVE been trying to get to all our Metro Parks over the last couple of years. We pay for them, so we might as well take advantage of them... even if most of them are very far away from the center of the "metro" area. All of them we've visited (and that's all of them but three or four now) have been great, but Chestnut Ridge is by far the most naturally beautiful. You can see the ridge coming for a few miles ahead. The main trail is very steep in places and offers a wide variety of views, from the trumpeted view of the Columbus skyline from the top (although mostly blocked by trees), to quiet meadows, a meandering creek and steep dropoffs. There's also a viewing platform for a wetlands area that was a great place to hang out and rest after walking the trail. There was a story in the Dispatch a few weeks ago about residents who live near Glacier Ridge Metro Park complaining the park didn't have any "amenities" like playgrounds. Who cares? These are metro parks, they're designed to preserve nature. You want a playground, go to the nearest school or city park. I like the Metro Parks just the way they are. read more

The Metro Parks are right, hibernation is for the bears! Why should we stay inside all winter? Even I don't like the cold, but I also have to admit that winter is an awesome time to visit the metro parks. In fact, at Chestnut Ridge it's one of, if not the best time. With the snow on the ground it was a winter wonderland. The atmosphere was so peaceful, especially since the park is so far on the outskirts of Columbus; the only sounds were the crackling of ice covered leaves and branches swaying in the wind and the crunching of the snow under my feet. Occasionally there would be a dog barking off in the distance. Pets are allowed on the trails, but only on leashes. A blue jay cried up in the trees when I entered the woods leading up to the trail. Crows cawed and squirrels bounced about. The scenery was striking with the hills and hollows. Trees made a roof of white twigs jumbled and twisting together. The one place that may be better to see in the warmer months is the wetland viewing area, located fairly close to the entrance. Chestnut Ridge has three trails. All are labeled as moderate to difficult. Although there was a point or two when my heart was about to beat out of my chest the trails were pretty easy from my point of view. Programs are offered, many of which have to do with hiking and viewing and learning about nature and wildlife in the park. Others center around a campfire. read more

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This a gorgeous place to walk/hike. Only downfall is its not listed anywhere online as not being dog friendly. Only says pets must be on leash. Upon arrival the signs entering the trails say no pets allowed. I drove 30 minutes and I have an incredibly well behaved dog.. So being that it was a Monday morning we decided to break the rules. The trails are well maintained and definitely a glute buster! Highly recommended for a nice workout. Just don't bring your dog ;) read more

This was my go-to place during quarantine. Always something interesting to see. The trails are always in tip top condition. Fishing in the ponds. A great playground. A dog path. Something for everyone. read more

I am partial as I live near this park but I find it a great place. Have hiked the main park multiple times and have gone over to the other side to ride the mountain bike section (these two never cross). The hiking section will test your legs as it is a large loop uphill regardless of which direction you start. There are a few observation decks along the way with some great views. On the South side of the loop you can sit on the bench and look over a large meadow. Don't forget to try the middle section of trail, that cuts through the old homestead. Then you can rest by the big pond, watch the kids fish or let them hit the playground. Lots of places to have a picnic here, too. Mountain bike trail is challenging. If you are just starting into mountain biking this is not the flattest course and may seem a bit intimidating. Don't worry, there is nothing here you can't do. But it will be a challenge. This course also doesn't have a lot of fast flowy sections either. It is up and down a hill. Lots of switchbacks and some technical work here. Definitely you will put your work in and don't forget to bring a spare tube or patch kit. I'm very fortunate to live so close to this park and enjoy taking advantage of it. read more

I'm an urban kinda gal. I love the city: culture, lights, noises, the hustle and bustle. BUT, I have been to Chestnut Ridge a few times now, and have been pleased. Good, safe trails. I love that there are designated bike trails. One of the walking trails takes you up to the top of the hill, and you can see far out - fantastic views! Lots of parking. Good signage. Quiet, serene. Great spot for nature lovers! read more

I liked Chestnut Ridge. It was nice for a morning hike. There is a 2 mile loop with an overlook that on a clear day has a view of the Columbus skyline, pretty impressive considering it's some 25 miles from the city. Also interesting about this park is that it is situated on what is the first ridge of the Appalachian foothills. This morning it was pretty humid but on a cooler day it would be great. The view of the skyline wasn't visible because it was so hazy. No pets allowed on the trails which is a minus but I understand the reasoning. It's not too far from the city. read more

Beautiful 2 mile hike, mostly in the woods, going up or down the ridge. And through a few small meadows. I hear the initial ascent is 150 feet. It was pleasantly steep in some places. A nice change from the mostly flat hikes in Columbus. I definitely will go back. read more

This Metropark is the best park in the central Ohio area if you like walking with a little hills in your walk. Seems like most of the other parks in central Ohio are all flat....... the hills at this park give you a better with workout. The trails are probably 60% woods 40% open you get to see a lot of wildlife when you walk them. On the long trail there are two bridges with streams running under them which makes the walk that much nicer for the view of them. There is a playground for your children picnic tables and even a covered picnic area. A lot of people jog and walk on the trails. read more

I haven't gotten to check out the hiking/walking park but I did attempt the "easy" mountain bike trail. The trail is a good challenge. It will push you & muscles will burn. It was a little too muddy for my bike but I've vowed to return. I can see how there could be a little bit of intimidation among riders. The park rangers are super nice. The grounds are nice. There are flies that bite. I'll recommend it to any mountain biker. read more