Metro Parks Winter Hikes

[jellybean]

We did the first one in the series of 13 today with all the kidlets... very cold but very nice. A 2 mile hike followed by hot cocoa and vegetarian minestrone soup at Blacklick Woods. An excellent use of tax dollars I must say... I am very impressed with all the Metro Parks in Central Ohio.

Anyone care to share their fave Columbus metro park?

[Frank Drebin]

Sounds like fun, but I'll take some good ol' beef stew with my cocoa please.

[ohiostate4ever]

If I can take a 4wheeler, a thermos of coffee, and a pizza or hot sandwichs, I'm game.

[Wolf Larsen]

I have been working in capital city since 1991. I have been to a few of the parks: Blacklick, Sharon Woods and Highbanks. Often taking a lunch there in nice weather. Have heard of quite tame birds at Blacklick that will eat out of your hand. Have walked trails at Sharon Woods and seen deer a few strides from me as they ate carrots from someones hand. I remember when the deer were overpopulated there and I would see them in groups walking around - looking gaunt as registered republicans in a democrat soup line. Highbanks has nice foot and bike trails, meadows and places to picnic. It has a sledding hill but it is most always closed. Some have lakes/ponds. They seem to work well for Columbus and get used a lot. The Metro parks are nice but rather regimented. One is not permitted to leave trails. Sledding hill closes. When it is nice and you go there it does not feel much like a park, unless one likes the crowded feel of Central Park. One does not feel like one can get away from crowds/people and get in a natural setting in that circumstance. I like my nature a bit more wild and less tame and cultured. Manicured parks look nice but how back to nature is a glorified golf course?

I did a winter hike with just me and my dog in December at Mt. Knob. Am thinking of a couple of winter hikes soon (Hocking Hills and a secret place which I will not divulge).

Regards,
Wolf Larsen

[ohiostate4ever]

I enjoy going to the state parks in the summer, like Deleware or Alum Creek. I go by myself or a friend to do some fishing, or I go with my girlfriend (my parents too sometimes) to cook out or relax outside. I've never been to the parks in the winter.

[Ten Bears]

One does not feel like one can get away from crowds/people and get in a natural setting in that circumstance. I like my nature a bit more wild and less tame and cultured.

I agree. I love the outdoors, always have. I've never been to the metro parks, likely never will be.

I don't mind crowds when I'm going to a concert or sporting event, often times the crowd is the real entertainment.

When it was still cool to hang out with dad, I used to take my children to various state park/natural attractions. Ohio does have many wonders available to the public. Many good memories. I hope to one day do the same with grandchildren.

I do enjoy a good trek, on foot or by paddle. If you want to really see wildlife, I suggest the paddle. For me, the path or waterway less chosen has always offered the best experience. You never know what you will find when you are away from the crowds.
Most of the time, I just find peace, which is exactly what I was searching for to begin with.

Ten Bears