Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

The parents and I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and hiked at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park.  Mom and I hiked the park last summer and were very pleased with it.  It was beautiful, colorful, and we thought that it would be a great place to go in the early spring.  We were correct.  The frequent stop areas do make this a great park to work off the winter legs and ease into a spring of activity.  

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park is a well maintained park managed by the Metro Parks system.  It has restroom facilities, picnic and shelter house areas, a playground, and a nature center.  The parking area is large and in great shape.

There are three separate trails.  There is the Ridge Trail, the Meadow Trail, and the Homesite Trail.  All of them are moderate to difficult to walk.  The trails are well maintained and wide.  It is a popular area for walking, hiking, and jogging.

We started hiking at the Ridge Trail.  We walked uphill for a short distance to the boardwalk.  The long boardwalk overlooks steep hillside and the remnants of chestnut trees.  It has education stops along the way.  We continued along the trail with stops at two more observation decks that give spectacular views of the forest.  I think that on a clear day you could see Columbus in the distance.

We came to a fork in the trail and decided to take the Homestead Trail.  The trail started at some old growth trees that were toppled during the recent storms of the last few years.  It is a nice place to take some pictures and talk.  The trail leads to the homestead location.  There you will find the remnants of the old family home, fruit trees, and gardens.  It is a nice place to take a break and relax.  After we passed this area, the trail starts downhill past meadows that will be beautiful in the spring.

We reach another fork in the trail and decide to head back toward the parking area.  We take the lower portion of the Meadow trail past some old growth forest.  If we had gone uphill on the Meadow Trail, we would have passed large meadow areas that will have wildflowers, birds, and hopefully butterflies in the spring.  I will return to that section of the trail when there is something other than brown.  I can't wait!

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park is a beautiful place to work off the winter legs.  Go and ease into your more moderately active summer.  The park has something that everybody of every age will enjoy.  Gather the family and make this a destination for a family get together.  Spend some time and take advantage of all that this park has to offer.