The best walks and hikes in Pickaway County

Yes, many parks in the area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. For example, A.W. Marion State Park has a designated dog swimming beach. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash and check the specific park's regulations before you go. The Sweetgum Trail to Buckeye Trail loop — Walnut Woods Metro Park is a great long walk to take with your leashed canine companion.

Pickaway County has several family-friendly options. Metzger Preserve features a half-mile Storybook Trail, which is perfect for young children. For a slightly longer but still easy walk with historical interest, the Covered Bridge Trail to Buzzard's Roost Lake — Slate Run Metro Park is a great choice, leading to a historic covered bridge.

Most of the popular trails in the region are loops, which makes planning your hike simple. You can find loops of varying lengths, from the short REI River Trail loop from Utzinger Bog Preserve which is about 2 miles, to longer moderate circuits like the 5-mile REI River Trail to Mingo Trail loop — Scioto Grove Metro Park.

The landscape in Pickaway County is primarily defined by gentle hills, wetlands, and rivers, so large waterfalls are not a common feature. While you won't find significant waterfalls, you will find scenic trails along creeks and rivers, such as the path along Slate Run Creek on the Five Oaks Trail loop — Slate Run Creek.

The trails in this area are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of over 4 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful woodlands, and the variety of scenery, from lakeside views at Hargus Lake to the wetlands of Slate Run Metro Park.

Calamus Swamp is an excellent location for birdwatching. This 19-acre Audubon preserve features a boardwalk that encircles a kettle hole wetland, providing great viewing opportunities, especially during migration seasons. The wetland trails in Slate Run Metro Park, such as the Kokomo Wetlands Trail, also offer observation decks and are prime habitats for various bird species.

Yes, many of the trails are well-suited for running. The terrain is generally not too technical, with gentle hills and packed earth paths. The Slate Run Creek – Blackburn/Wesner Bridge loop from Walnut offers a nearly 5-mile route with moderate elevation changes that provides a good challenge for trail runners.

Most of the hiking trails in Pickaway County, including those in the Metro Parks and State Parks like A.W. Marion, are free to access. Parking is also typically free at designated trailheads and park entrances, making it an accessible and affordable way to get outdoors.

The terrain is a product of glaciation, so you'll mostly encounter rolling woodlands, gentle hills, and flat prairie or wetland areas. Trails often follow river valleys or lake shores. While most routes are easy to moderate, some paths in places like Slate Run Metro Park can include steeper ravines and more rugged sections.

Yes, the Pickaway Trail is part of the 'Rails to Trails' initiative and offers paved sections perfect for a smooth walk, run, or bike ride through woodlands and past farmland. The Roundtown Trail in Circleville is another option, providing a 1.5-mile paved path for a community bike ride or stroll.

Absolutely. Canal Park features the Towpath Trail, which follows a historic section of the Ohio-Erie Canal. In Slate Run Metro Park, you can hike to the historic Blackburn Covered Bridge, originally built in 1885. For ancient history, Cross Mound Park contains a unique cross-shaped earthwork.

Beyond the specific trails, several parks are local favorites for hiking. A.W. Marion State Park is very popular for its lakeside loop. Slate Run Metro Park is highly regarded for its extensive and varied trail network. For a unique experience, many visitors enjoy the trails at Cantwell Cliffs, known for its rugged terrain and rock shelter, which is just a short drive from the county.