It was very clean in the park and I loved walking on the trail and it was very good weather outside.

My friend and I took a walk here with her dog and it was a very lovely place. A true escape from the city and nice clean air. It had a very nice lake and a nice playground for kids. The trails were well kept and cleared for walking. The nature is beautiful and there were plenty of people there enjoying it without the two of us feeling crowded. If you are looking for a nice place to just relax and get your steps in and you haven't been here before I would highly recommend it! read more

It seems like they've made some changes since the more negative reviews on here. They do allow dogs on the Spring Creek trail and the Lake trail, which together make a 2.2 mi path. Spring Creek isn't paved (grassy and gravel) so it's nice for dogs' paws on a hot day. This is one of the quieter, better preserved metro parks. They have done a great job restoring native prairies here - we saw a lot of wildlife (herons, and many different types of birds) and there were even wild black raspberries or blackberries growing. There are lots of big open green spaces and more forested spaces, plus the lake. It also didn't seem quite as packed as other metro parks. I will say, like any other Columbus Metro Park, the "hikes" aren't hikes, they are walks. If you're visiting from out of town, don't expect a "hike" - it's just a nice walk in a park. read more

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE all the metro parks?? Give it a chance and you will too! Yes, these are all great places to spend some time outdoors but what I love is all the programs they run. From canoeing and hiking to adventure camps and bird watching. A lot of the every day programs are free and my kids and I absolutely love all the things they offer. The employees are amazing and so patient with kids and adults alike. Check out their website for any upcoming programs or activities. https://www.metroparks.net read more

Sharon Woods Metro Park - Scavenger hunt - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

What a beautiful park! It's a good sized park too so lots of different areas/trails to explore. My husband and I enjoyed our 1 mile-ish walk along one of the trails. I love that they are easy walking (gravel/dirt) paths and such an easy way to get out into nature. The leaves were really pretty while we were there. We'll definitely be back to check out other spots within the park! read more

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

Went back with Baby K for the playground, and she loved it. Two playsets, both nice, in a well-maintained area with lots of shade. There are benches for tired parents, a water fountain, a bathroom building, etc. Close to the parking lot. There's also a small natural play area not far down the road. read more

Great park to visit close to home. They have deer and turkeys who are easy to see after a good rain that brings they birds out to eat the bugs driven out by the rain in the grassy areas. read more

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Sharon Woods is one of the many wonderful parks in our Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks systems. I am always a fan of the parks, but even moreso as they fulfill a critical need during the pandemic: giving us all a safe way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and both physical and mental health opportunities. Sharon Woods offers fields and forests to explore, as well as Schrock Lake, which is stocked with blue gill, bass, and catfish, providing a nice place to fish. It is home to the Edward Thomas Nature Preserve, a forested area you can enjoy by utilizing the just over one mile trail of the same name. If you have your four legged friends and family members with you, you might want to check out the pet trail, the Spring Creek Trail. This nearly 2 mile trail offers lots of fun explorations for you and your pets, as it provides some hills, nice scenery around the Spring Creek, and a forest. There is a paved, almost 4 mile multipurpose trail that is a great place for biking, hiking, and running. The natural play area here is nicely situated in the woods and provides some great opportunities for kids to explore the hillside and creek. When there is enough snow, two sledding hills open (one smaller for the younger kids). There are several areas that provide playgrounds, shelters, grills, and picnic tables throughout the park. In addition to the three majors trails (Edward Thomas 1 mile in the preserve, almost 2 mile pet trail Spring Creek, and almost 4 mile multipurpose trail), there are a couple of smaller connector trails, which link these and would let you extend your visit to the park. Sharon Woods also, during regular times, offers the reservable Spring Hollow Lodge, which is a nice space that accommodates up to 64 people. The Sharon Woods naturalists are really great, and they are so engaging with children. They are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, so if you have the opportunity to chat with them and ask any questions you might have about the wildlife or nature in the park, you should take it! read more

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Great place to relax. Well maintained with good facilities Lots of trails and space.

I joined the Westerville Women's Walking Club and so as you guessed it we are walking around all the Westerville parks. Today it was Sharon Woods. Sharon Woods is a nice 4 mile path you can bike, run or walk. It has a picnic area and a ranger who watches the park as well. I like parks in general just to do my runs for the races I do virtually. Recently I've only ran at Antrim Park but got so tired of the same scene that I needed a change of view. Sharon Woods was just what I needed and if your looking for a good short path that is somewhat scenic Sharon Woods is the place. I will definitely be back soon! read more

My husband and I visited the Sharon Woods Metro Park for the first time yesterday. We went around the sunset time, so it was pretty and peaceful there. The park had a couple of trails, and some of them were not allowed for pet. Since it is the winter time, there were no leaves or flowers. We will definitely visit here again once the weather gets warmer, and check out more trails. read more

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Another great after work hike! Piece the trails together and you can take a really nice hike, some off the all purpose trail and some on... Daylight is short so we had to cut it off so we were not hiking in the pitch darkness. read more

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Beautiful park with some great trails! The colors are lovely during the fall. My wife and I saw at least 6 deer last night as we walked the loop trail around the park. read more

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With so many trails, playgrounds and picnic spots, Sharon Woods is one of our favorite hang out spots when the weather is anything but freezing. read more

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

Great place for lovers of trails--running, walking and cycling. There's the main, longer trail that goes around the park but also shorter, unpaved trails that are mainly in the woods where you'll experience a lot of different wildlife. One trail will open up to pastures of nesting houses and also common milkweed and other wildflowers. There are a lot of butterflies, yellow finches and other misc birds enjoying the wide expanse of food. There are also bat houses close to the man made lake but I have yet to see any flying about. Great place for picnics, cookouts, running, walking, cycling, plenty of parking for family reunions, bird watching, school field trips and just enjoying our natural Ohio. read more

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Sharon Woods is another Metro Park of Columbus. It's located in the Westerville area in an area surrounded by residences. This is a good escape from the monotonous environment around it. It has a big pond in the middle. There's also lots of good hiking trails. It may be one of the more most suburban of the Metro Parks, but it's still really beautiful. It's located in the uppity suburb of Westerville, so there's lots of snobs looking to get a piece of nature. The best thing about it is Schrock Pond. It's located in the middle. The park features many picnic areas and shelters. It may be in a suburban area but Sharon Woods still has lots of natural beauty. It's located on Cleveland Avenue near the 270 exit. The park is nice to get away from the boring suburbs. read more

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I've lived in Ohio(Columbus) for around an area and being an avid runner I am also searching for trials for my run as running indoors bores me easily. I best thing I like about this places is if you have time and enthusiasm to explore there are lot of trails around if you want to escape into the nature. Sharon woods is one amongst them. It is mostly used for running, walking and biking. This is also a fantastic picnic spot and great play area/hangout for kids/adults. There's a 4 mile big loop(Paved Path) around the park and also short routes that will lead you into the woods. I feel it very peaceful and relaxing running in the woods. Route is clearly marked and well maintained. It has markings indicating the up/Down hill which makes it really easy for bikers to navigate through. There's a big pond in the middle of the woods. Also wood construction to do little bit of Strength training kind of workouts or good for stretch after long runs. You'd also find water fountains located along the main trail. I've noticed a lot of grips celebrate birthdays, baby shower, graduation parties etc. This is real a cool and best spot and will be my go to every time I am around westerville area. read more

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Great park. Open space. The rangers are riding around everywhere. Big hill on the bike/walking trail be ready for it. Plenty of places to sit and rest on trails. Fishing available also. Playground areas for all. Great place for parties also read more

This is a very nice park to run, bike or walk. It's right across the st from st Ann's. I like to do the 4 mile hike once in awhile. A lot of wildlife in this park. I've seen snakes, praying mantis, deer, and chipmunks. It's really pretty when the leaves change color. Very shady trail to walk in. There are also a few adult workout places along the trail if you are into getting a little more burn. There are also 2 solid hills to run or fast walk up and down. read more

Came here to run on their multi-purpose trail. I brought my dog naively assuming all multi-purpose trails are pet friendly. I was wrong my friends, very wrong. So I left and went to Praire Oaks to go on a long run with my dog and decided to come back another time to try Sharon Woods. A couple of days later I come back, dogless, and hit the trail. I really enjoyed this paved loop which included various types of scenery which helped to keep things interesting. It had some hard uphills here and there, but for the most part, it's pretty flat with some small undulations in the terrain. I don't like how close to roads and freeways this trail goes, and I'd personally pick Walnut Woods over Sharon Woods but nonetheless a great park, just not very pet friendly. read more

OK, seven years later my opinion has definitely changed. Either that or I'm so sick of this whole COVID-19 thing that now my views are seen in a different light! This park is interesting in that as soon as you leave Cleveland Avenue you feel as if you've entered an entirely different area of Ohio. You walk a hundred feet off the path and all of a sudden there's a creek, a gorge, massive trees, and a woodpecker going about his business. The kids thoroughly enjoyed jumping across small rivulets, climbing up hills, and stick sword fighting - being kids. And then they dragged both myself and daddy back twice in the next week they had such a good time! read more

Reading some of the low star reviews it was funny that most of the negative reviews came from not being able to take your dog onto the trail and not being able to let your dog run without a leash. I love dogs but I do not own one so I just disregard those aspects of the other reviews. The only thing I need to point out is that the outer trail that encircles the park is also a bike path which would be impossible if there were dogs on the trail as well, and no matter how well trained a dog is it can still act unpredictably at times (people are unpredictable as well). And as to the issue with leashes, not all parks are dog parks and all dogs must be on a leash in a public area except for the city's dog parks. As to the park itself, the outer trail is great for a nice run and I enjoy the fact that most of the trail is very secluded meaning you don't get a large group of visitors wandering onto the trail and blocking the path which happens at Highbanks Metro Park. I recommend going early in the morning between 7-9am on any day but especially for the weekend because you get the Saturday morning runners and it gets overcrowded. read more

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

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What may not be known about this place, is that they do an excellent job of keeping the paths clear of snow and ice all year long. This place never closes. I've run here all winter with only a few days of not being able to run because of icy spots. (usually in the shade on hills) But for 360 days a year this is a great place to run/bike/walk. read more

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

4 miles of paved track. Ideal for bikes (one way only) or jogging (either way!) There's restrooms, a ranger station and a nice set of views. Two bridges - and a fair few hill features. Nice for a walk. Plenty of trees to break up the wind - some mild protection from the Ohio weather. One less thing to worry about! Car parking is adequate. Nice and close to eastern. So you can always nip off for a congratulatory muffin or some retail therapy after... read more

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

This is my favorite park. I used to live right by it and go everyday. I love it so much. The huge loop trail around the whole park is so pretty and always clean and well kept. Sometimes you see animals like deer or turkey. I've been to all the metro parks in Columbus, but this one is hands down the best. read more

This extravaganza has been making me laugh for the last 24 hours. Here's the story: I just began exploring the Metroparks in the Columbus area since I moved here in July. One of my sisters who just moved back to Ohio from Tennessee wanted to hang out so I told her that I was exploring some hiking trails and she was more than welcome to come with me. She drove from Dayton to Columbus and we decided to explore Sharon Woods. We get there and it starts off as a concrete bike path next to the highway. We figured the trail would eventually turn into a regular trail as it veered off into the forest. Nope. We literally walked on a concrete asphalt trail next to the highway for probably 2 miles. No hills. No rough terrain. Nothing but flat asphalt. We laughed it off and decided to finish the loop anyway. Then people on bikes started to come directly towards us and we got several angry scowls and comments about being on the wrong side of the path. Anybody who is human knows that you walk on the right side of the street or wherever you're walking. There's no arguing that: people walk on the right side of the road. Period. Nope again. Not on this trail! Apparently the yellow line in the middle of the trail does not represent left or right, it represents that the right sliver of trail is for bikes and the left sliver of trail is for pedestrians. Wtf? That makes no sense at all. We finish the 4 mile loop and were in good spirits, considering that was the worst trail I've ever been on. It needs to be advertised differently because it's definitely not hiking worthy; it's for running, biking, and maybe rollerblading. But definitely not hiking! I probably won't be back at this one. read more

I really need to make it out to more of the Metro Parks, because I'm not quite sure I have anything to really compare Sharon Woods to, which makes reviewing it a tad difficult. This is my kind of park: mostly woods and nature-y shit (aw yeah) to explore, hike, gawk at, etc. There are the usual pavilions for picnicking, some gear for kids to climb on, and such things in that fashion to make it the kind of place you would find a family reunion (and on the date me and the old lady took here, that's exactly what we saw- a family reunion enjoying the facilities). But if you're like us and more interested in the woods, well, this place delivers in spades. I was surprised just how woodsy it was, and some of the views along the way are downright spectacular. We took only one-half of the total loop before sitting in the fields and watching a far-off thunderstorm slowly roll towards the city. Powerful, gorgeous, and completely free- just like me! We still talk fondly of this day and lament that we have yet to return. The main complaint I have here is with safety regulations, both as a general thing and as a specific annoyance. Not being allowed at all to leave the trails and explore the place is, I guess, understandable, but I fume at such ideas. I wanted to go into the thick of it! I want to kick every stupid do-badder that makes such rules necessary. Eff y'all! I will be back to Sharon Woods when spring arrives, if not sooner- and then, on to the other Metro Parks! Definitely a near-the-city destination for anyone who, like me, loves trees'n'shit. read more

I love this park and have been here a couple of times. The energy there is great... if you are into that sort of thing. The lake is beautiful. The meadow with all of the wild flowers is lovely and the wooded trails are beautiful. The bird watch area is cute. It's clean and well kept. My two complaints? They don't let you have pets. Ok, let me clarify, you can take your pets to the picnic areas, but all of the trails are off limits to pets. This is a bummer, because who really wants to walk their dog in a circle around the picnic area?! I'd rather take my puppy on the trails. I'd honestly give it a 5 star rating if it weren't for that. I feel guilty going to parks and walks while my dog sits alone at home. Because of that I won't be visiting often... I'll go somewhere where my beautiful boxer baby is welcome. Second complaint is the wooded trails. I like to explore the woods and go where the energy is the highest and meditate, but there is none of that there. You can't go off of the trails, there are signs everywhere stating this and there are a ton of rangers around, so I am pretty sure they would enforce that. Pets and a desire to explore off trails aside, it is really a lovely place and if you want to have a family gathering or something there, it is ideal. read more

This is one of my favorite places to sneak away to in the Columbus area. I frequented the park before by bike and always enjoyed myself. A few weeks ago I opted to train there with a friend for our last big run before the Columbus half marathon, and believe I found its perfect use. Running the long trail around Sharon Woods (approx 3.8 miles) offers a runner beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere (once you get past the highway), mile markers to track progress, water fountains at both the start and the half way point, and easy access to clean facilities. The biggest benefit I found, and this is hard to find in Ohio, were the hills. The gradual but challenging inclines help to increase strength and endurance, something I don't typically have access to on my city runs. The best part of the experience though is that few people (yet) seem to know the secret of Sharon Woods. The trails are never packed, and reverse circuits for runners and bikers help to prevent unforeseen accidents. This is definitely not a park for hikers looking for a challenge, but if you are looking for a place to escape and go for a scenic run, Columbus offers few better. read more

A dish of beauty with a side dish of discrimination? Yes. It's beautiful. Yes, I will be back to fish. Yes, my kids had a little fun on the ridiculously small playground. This is what gets me...I brought my 12 week old puppy to run in the grass for the first time. We got to the field, I took off his leash and I immediately heard a voice yell, 'Get that pitbull back on its leash!!!' Hey ranger....how 'bout you calm down and use your nice words? Not everyone was born and raised here. It takes coming and exploring to learn rules. Thanks for making us feel welcome. (My sarcasm is dripping.....lemme wipe it up before I get yelled at again.) read more

Sharon Woods, how could I forget how awesome you are? How? I used to go here as a lass (my parents were of the "let's go rough it by eating lunch at a picnic bench in the park!" kind of people) for some frolicking and good times, but since then, my times have been few and far between. My sister and I were up for a nice walk today, so when she mentioned the four mile loop at Sharon Woods, it was the clear winner. I love that this walk is a little hilly, but not so hilly that you rue the day you decided you were up for walking four miles. I actually kind of love that the loop is four miles with only a shortcut or two in it. Because it felt really great to walk the whole thing in an hour and have some communing with nature to boot (and then go back to the city, obvs). And I like that they have a good system for not bikers and walkers to relax in harmony (the bikes go counter clockwise in their own lane while walkers are encouraged to go clockwise so they face oncoming bikers). SO EASY YET SO UNDERUSED. Take note, bike trails. We took a quick lap around the whole park to get a feel for it too, and wow! There is really something for everyone here. I love that. There are shelters. There is a playground. There is paths. There is tons o' green space for frisbee, soccer, what have you. This was an awesome adventure and change of pace. read more

Completed the winter metro park hike this morning. We enjoyed Sharon Woods and felt challenged on our hike because of the moderate hills that we climbed. The route we took had cement and wood trails and it was 2 miles. My boyfriend and his aunt did the 4 mile hike and that was all concrete. Will be back soon as it was easy for both us and our pup to walk! read more

There are scenes from 'the village', that remind me of Sharon Woods. Especially in the fall. I want to preface this review by saying i've been a runner for most of my life and ive also been a "lone wolf". I have a hard time committing to parties and outtings sort of wolf. Sharon woods's 4 mile loop is not for lone wolves...they have a 3 mile-ish loop that is off the paved road and is kind of difficult to find but once you do you feel like Forrest Gump runnin free! It kind of reminds me of a cross country trail, if that resounds to any of you yelpers. I promised myself not to compare Sharon Woods to my favorite park--highbanks! But for all of you, i will. Sharon woods is more open and spread out than highbanks (think flat and wide) whereas highbanks is generally long. Sharon does a good job at having multi use areas but highbanks grandeur is in its trails. I really feel Sharon is more family friendly... People are always having some kind of party..everywhere. There are many, many shelters and theyre not too close to one another but for you fellow lone wolves it does feel crowded. The 4-mile loop is fun if youre on a bike. You pass the sledding hill and alot of times the deer are just hangin out, people watchin. At the end of the day though, its still a really good park and does what it sets out to do..offer a natural space for everyone to enjoy. Whether thats meeting old friends, bird watchin, leisurely strolling, biking or training for a marathon it succeeds. read more

Recently I've been getting more into hiking and enjoying nature so Sharon Woods is one place I've been meaning to check out since its been many years. Started up by Schrock Lake, hung out with the birds a while. Then hit the nature trail, it wasn't super long but had some great views including the grassy area of the trail and through the forest. It was so quiet on the trial...didnt hear much but the birds and insects. They have plenty of maps along the trail so that you dont get lost. Will def be back soon to try another one of the trails and just take in the sights. read more

Sharon Woods Metro Park - Hiking trail - Parks Near Me - Westerville, Ohio

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This an awesome metro park set in a semi urban area. The size is big enough for most large scale outdoor activities, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and fishing. The resident naturalist, Ally does some great programs if you interested in what you will find creeping this place. I recently went to a very icy and cold search for woodcocks. They often forage in the prairie area adjacent to the naturalist HQ. We heard but did not see the elusive bird but it was quite a treat to considering the location. It's worth checking this park out, you never know what you may find! read more

On the Metro website it did not state that Sharon Woods has any playgrounds; however, it doesn't have one - it has two. Going there was a nice surprise. There are SEVERAL hiking trails, two very nice playgrounds, and a beautiful large pond. Definitely take your kids here!!!! :) read more

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

I haven't spent much time in the outdoors at Sharon Woods, but I've spent lots of time indoors the Sharon Woods Spring Hollow Lodge, and it is awesome. You can't get to it from the main entrance, you've got to go in the back way, so check the map, but if you've got a winter family reunion, or work party, it is the perfect place. Even a small wedding reception could work here, especially for nature lovers. The capacity is about 60, and it has a gas fireplace, lots of tables and chairs, plus sofas for lounging. The last time I was there four large wild turkeys came right up to the windows to stare at us, and I've also spotted deer, rabbits and a fox in past years. The rates are reasonable for what you get: $100 - 8a-4p $120 - 5p-8p $200 - 8a-8p One negative though, they don't have internet access. But it isn't negative enough to knock it down a star. Spring Hollow Lodge is awesome! read more

Only a 3 because I haven't fully explored the park yet. We went on Saturday to watch a vintage baseball game* and ended up finding a spot neither of us had been to before. Like all Metro Parks, this is a nice oasis in the city. There are lots of shady spots for picnics, blanket reading, long walks/runs and general frolicking. The Rangers are visible and helpful (always a plus!). *Yes, the vintage baseball game was a blast. You should check a game out. There's a team that plays here regularly. I'm already planning on coming back for another game. read more

Somewhat smaller than other metro parks I've been to. But, the paths were well kept, wide and clear of debris. The few paths we ventured on were grass, and some small-gravel. The paths are well marked, and most major intersections had a map, making it easy for us to narrow down which way to go from there. More flat terrain than elevations (based on our trek). We walked through prairie/ open land, and parts that had a nice tree cover. read more

*PLEASE READ BEFORE VISITING!* I would love to give this park a top rating because the park itself is great. Beautiful, well maintained trail that's clearly marked with a separate side for cyclists. I give it the lowest possible rating because IT'S JUST NOT SAFE. The trail is 3.8 miles and 99.9% wooded and isolated. All along the trail are tons of places for an assailant to hide. I know I may sound crazy, but as a woman and a mom, I prefer well populated areas where if I'm being raped or attacked someone would see or hear me scream. This has ACTUALLY HAPPENED on the trail this year. I've been here twice and both times I was impressed with the trail but it was rare that I passed anyone else. As in, maybe a half dozen people for a 4 mile walk through the woods. Today I got to my car and even though there were at least 2 dozen cars parked in the lot by the ranger station at 11AM, 2 were broken into, including the one right next to me. I Googled it and a woman was assaulted and dragged into the woods there in February. The people who said there were rangers everywhere must be hallucinating because the only authorities I saw either time was the 4 cops who showed up today to take reports from the people who were robbed. I drove out of the park shaking all over and I won't be back. read more