The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Licking County
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Family friendly hiking trails in Licking County, Ohio, traverse a landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring diverse natural elements. The region is characterized by rolling farmland, dense forests of oak, maple, and pine, and significant river systems like the Licking River. Hikers can explore areas with rugged sandstone gorges, such as Blackhand Gorge, and expansive arboretums, offering varied terrain from flat, paved paths to unpaved woodland trails.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Licking County
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Dawes Arboretum Loop Trail, a 3.7 miles (6.0 km) trail that takes 1 hour 36 minutes to complete. This easy route explores diverse gardens, woodlands, and Dawes Lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Gahanna Woods Loop, an easy 2.3 miles (3.8 km) path. This trail offers a gentle walk through wooded areas with minimal elevation gain.
- Local hikers also love the Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail, a 2.3 miles (3.7 km) trail leading through varied forest types, often completed in about 56 minutes.
- Hiking in Licking County is defined by river valleys, rolling woodlands, and preserved natural areas like the Blackhand Gorge. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to longer, more challenging paths.
- The routes in Licking County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from 9 reviews. More than 80 hikers have used komoot to explore Licking County's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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6.00km
01:36
60m
80m
The Dawes Arboretum Loop Trail offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, guiding you through a diverse botanical wonderland. This 3.7-mile (6.0 km) route, with a gentle 208 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete. You'll wander past the tranquil Japanese Garden, explore a unique bald-cypress swamp, and traverse varied terrain from smooth paths to rustic trails, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing nature walk.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the arboretum provides ample parking throughout its expansive grounds. While the trail is accessible year-round, consider visiting during spring for vibrant blooms or in autumn for stunning fall foliage, which truly showcases the arboretum's rich collection of nearly 16,000 living trees and plants. This easy loop is perfect for families or anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
The Dawes Arboretum is more than just a trail system; it's a recognized living museum with a rich history, founded in 1929 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond this specific loop, the arboretum offers approximately 12 miles of trails, allowing you to create your own adventure. Don't miss the chance to see the famous 2,040-foot-long "Dawes Arboretum" hedge lettering from the Observation Tower, a truly unique feature.
37.5km
09:31
90m
70m
Embark on a challenging hiking adventure along the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail, a difficult route spanning 23.3 miles (37.5 km) with an elevation gain of 285 feet (87 metres). You can expect to spend around 9 hours and 30 minutes exploring its varied landscape. The trail closely follows Blacklick Creek, guiding you through a mix of peaceful wooded sections and expansive open fields that often resemble natural prairies. Keep an eye out for distinctive features like large wooden bridges and underpasses that mark your journey, offering a dynamic and engaging experience. You will find a bench at Portman Park with views of a pond, a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery. This route offers a significant challenge for those seeking a long-distance hike. You will find a bench at Portman Park with views of a pond, a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery. This route offers a significant challenge for those seeking a long-distance hike.
Accessing the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail is straightforward, as it connects various metro parks, each providing convenient trailheads and parking options. While much of the route features a smooth, paved surface, be prepared for some sections within Blacklick Woods Metro Park that consist of crushed limestone. Additionally, a short dirt path through Portman Park, located south of Refugee Road, can become muddy after rainfall. It is always a good idea to check current trail conditions, especially if rain is in the forecast, to ensure a comfortable visit. Plan your start time to allow ample daylight for this extensive journey.
The Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail is a multi-use path that stands out for its commitment to preserving the natural environment of the Blacklick Creek corridor. As you traverse the route, you will notice the deliberate blend of maintained paths and areas left in their natural state, fostering a rich habitat. This makes the trail an excellent location for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatching enthusiasts who can spot various species throughout the year. The trail's design and location within Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks highlight its role in offering a substantial outdoor escape within an urban-adjacent setting.
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3.66km
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10m
10m
The Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic hike through the varied ecosystems of Blacklick Woods Metro Park. You'll wander through hardwood and swamp forests, including one of Ohio's best remaining beech-maple forests and a distinctive buttonbush swamp, often on wide, flat paths and elevated wooden boardwalks. This easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) route, with its minimal 24 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for a leisurely 55-minute stroll, perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Planning your visit to this popular trail is straightforward, as it's located within Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The trail is known for its accessibility, with many sections suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a great choice for nearly everyone. Parking is available within the park, and the trail's proximity to the nature center and picnic areas adds to its convenience. Spring is an especially good time to visit, when the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers.
What makes this trail truly special is its ecological significance; it showcases one of Ohio's few remaining buttonbush swamps and a maturing beech-maple forest within the Walter A. Tucker State Nature Preserve. This diverse habitat makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching and observing other wildlife, offering a peaceful escape from the nearby urban bustle. The interconnected Buttonbush, Maple, and Beech trails provide a cohesive experience, highlighting the natural heritage of Franklin County.
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3.75km
00:57
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Gahanna Woods Loop, a route that winds for 2.3 miles (3.8 km) through a diverse natural landscape. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of just 31 feet (9 metres), making this a relaxed journey that takes approximately 57 minutes to complete. As you walk, wooden boardwalks guide you through unique wetland environments, including buttonbush swamps and vernal pools, especially vibrant after rain. Keep an eye out for spring wildflowers like trillium and skunk cabbage, or enjoy the rich autumn colors and opportunities for birdwatching.
This accessible trail is suitable for all skill levels, offering easily navigable paths for everyone. Parking is conveniently available at the trailhead, ensuring a smooth start to your outdoor adventure. You won't need any special permits to explore the Gahanna Woods Loop, making it a hassle-free option for a quick escape into nature.
The Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve, established in 1973, is a significant natural site protecting one of central Ohio's last large stands of woods. This preserve is notable for its mature oak-hickory and beech-maple communities, providing a glimpse into the region's original forest ecosystems. It offers a valuable opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the ecological heritage of the area.
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12.9km
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The Buckeye Lake Trail offers a delightful mix of paved paths and gravel sections, winding around the expansive Buckeye Lake. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the lake, especially along the 4.1-mile Buckeye Lake Dam Trail, a paved stretch that feels like walking on water. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and turtles, and appreciate the mature trees in the wooded parts. It's a generally easy 8.0-mile (12.9 km) hike with only 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for many and typically completed in about 3 hours and 13 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-supported with lakeside parks offering convenient parking and restroom facilities. While much of the route is barrier-protected, be aware that some road sections have varying traffic levels. This moderate trail is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a great option for a family-friendly outing or a relaxed stroll by the water.
What makes this trail particularly notable is its unique blend of recreation and history. The 4.1-mile Buckeye Lake Dam Trail section is a historic landmark, built in the early 1800s to manage water levels for the Ohio & Erie Canal, complete with interpretive signage. The trail's development is a testament to strong community involvement, spearheaded by the volunteer-run organization Bike Buckeye Lake in conjunction with local and state officials.
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Tips from the Community
Great place to stretch your legs a few miles north of I 70
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This 92-acre park has a rain garden, picnic tables, athletic fields and some woods. It also serves as the trailhead for the Blacklick Creek Trail.
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Buckeye Lake is inside of Ohio's oldest state park, Buckeye Lake State Park. This lake is a 3,100-acre lake that is known for its opportunities for boating and fishing. The north shore of the lake has a 4.1-mile paved, multiuse path.
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Blacklick Woods Metro Park is a 652-acre park with woods, fields, prairies, and ponds. It is home to one of the state's best remaining beech-maple forests. Visitors can take advantage first-come-first-served picnic shelters within the park or play a round of golf on the course within the park.
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Portman Park is a 91-acre park named after longtime city council member Maurey Portman. The park has picnic and playground facilities and a portion of the park is on the bank of Blacklick Creek.
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Gahanna Woods Loop lets hikers experience the entirety of Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve. The trail passes through multiple ponds and patches of wetlands. It can be a wonderful place to take in the autumn colors or to observe a variety of bird species.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Licking County?
Licking County offers a great selection of family-friendly hiking options. Our guide features 9 routes, with 6 of them specifically rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children of all ages.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Licking County?
You'll find a diverse range of terrain, from paved multi-use paths ideal for strollers and bikes to unpaved woodland trails. Many trails, like those in Black Hand Gorge State Nature Preserve, wind along rivers and through forests, offering gentle slopes and scenic views. The region's landscape was shaped by glaciers, resulting in rolling hills and varied natural features.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. The Dawes Arboretum Loop Trail is an easy 6 km (3.7 miles) loop that explores diverse gardens and woodlands. Another great option is the Gahanna Woods Loop, an easy 3.7 km (2.3 miles) trail perfect for a shorter family outing.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks we can see on these trails?
Licking County is rich in natural beauty and historical significance. You can explore the unique sandstone formations and the Licking River at Black Hand Gorge State Nature Preserve, which also has remnants of the Ohio and Erie Canal. The Dawes Arboretum Loop Trail takes you through stunning Japanese, sunken, and woodland gardens. You might also encounter the unique Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve, a floating island at Buckeye Lake State Park.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly hiking trails in Licking County?
Many trails in Licking County are dog-friendly, but policies can vary by park or preserve. For example, while the Dawes Arboretum Loop Trail welcomes leashed dogs, it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are permitted on most multi-use paths and state park trails as long as they are on a leash.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Licking County?
Spring and fall are particularly beautiful for family hikes in Licking County. In spring, you'll see lush wildflowers like the Great White Trillium, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is also great, but consider earlier mornings or later afternoons to avoid the midday heat. Winter hiking can be magical, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice.
Are there any easy, short trails suitable for toddlers or very young children?
Absolutely! The Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail is an easy 3.6 km (2.2 miles) route with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for little legs. The Gahanna Woods Loop is another excellent short and easy option at 3.7 km (2.3 miles).
Where can we find parking for these family-friendly trails?
Most parks and preserves in Licking County, such as Dawes Arboretum and Black Hand Gorge State Nature Preserve, offer dedicated parking areas at their trailheads. For multi-use trails like the Thomas J. Evans Trail, you'll find various access points with parking along its length. It's always a good idea to check the specific trail's information for parking details before your visit.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly trails in Licking County?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful natural settings, and the variety of trails suitable for different ages and abilities. Many appreciate the scenic beauty of the Licking River and the educational opportunities at places like Dawes Arboretum.
Are there any longer, moderate trails for families with older children?
For families seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Buckeye Lake Trail offers a moderate 12.9 km (8 miles) experience along the historic Buckeye Lake. While mostly flat, its length provides a good endurance test and scenic views of Ohio's oldest state park.
Are there any trails that follow old canal routes or have historical significance?
Yes, the Blackhand Gorge Paved Path within Black Hand Gorge State Nature Preserve follows the route of the historic Ohio and Erie Canal. This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context, allowing families to walk alongside remnants of early transportation routes.
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