Get out and enjoy the fresh air in our beautiful metro parks this winter. Experts say the best way to stick to a fitness program is to schedule your workouts, like you would an appointment. Fill in your calendar to get in shape this winter with the Annual Winter Hike Series with Columbus Metro Parks. Join them for guided hikes at a different Metro Park each week on either Saturday at 10 a.m. or Sunday at 2 p.m. for hikes that vary in distance from 1 – 7 miles (can also do self-guided hikes). These hikes are family-friendly and include hot beverages and a snack afterwards.
Virginia Gordon, Coyote Run Trail Highbanks Metro Park
Winter Hike Series Schedule:
- Saturday, January 5: Blacklick Woods 10 a.m. – 2 or 4 miles
- Saturday, January 12: Sharon Woods 10 a.m. – 2 or 4 miles
- Sunday, January 13: Prairie Oaks (Darby Bend Lakes) 2 p.m. – 1, 3 or 5 miles
- Saturday, January 19: Scioto Audubon 10 a.m. – 1 or 2 miles
- Saturday, January 26: Clear Creek 10 a.m. – 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 miles
- Sunday, January 27: Inniswood 2 p.m. – 2 miles
- Saturday, February 2: Blendon Woods 10 a.m. – 2, 4, or 6 miles
- Sunday, February 3: Scioto Grove 2 p.m. – 1 or 2 miles
- Saturday, February 9: Highbanks 10 a.m. – 2.5 or 5 miles
- Sunday, February 10: Glacier Ridge 2 p.m. – 2 miles
- Saturday, February 16: Three Creeks 10 a.m. – 1, 3, or 5.6 miles
- Sunday, February 17: Slate Run 2 p.m. – 2.5 or 5 miles
- Saturday, February 23: Battelle Darby Creek 10 a.m. – 2, 4, or 6 miles
- Saturday, February 24: Prairie Oaks Metro Park 2 p.m. – 1 or 3 miles Winter Dog Hike – self-guided hike with your leashed pet. Warm up around the campfire and we’ll serve hot chocolate for humans and treats for dogs. Meet at Darby Bend Lakes.
That’s a good question, but I’m not sure. Since pets are allowed at most parks, I wouldn’t think that they would have a problem with a leashed, well-behaved dog on the hike, but if you want to be sure, you could call and ask: (614) 508-8111
Edited to add: I called the main line and was told that different parks have different pet-friendly trails, so it would depend on each specific hike. One easy way to get an answer for each hike you are interested in is to contact them via Facebook or comment on the hike event page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Columbus.Metro.Parks/
Are these hikes pet friendly?