Highbanks Metro Park

Another winter hike is under the Gleason family belt. We were so excited to be heading to Highbanks Metro Park last Saturday. This is one of our family’s favorite parks. The diversity at Highbanks Metro Park makes going there a new experience every time. Highbanks has so much to offer for everyone in our family.

This particular hike was a solo run for me and the three younger kids; everyone else was at work or in Florida, already on vacation. I candidly admit I struggled to get out the door because I had put off getting the packs ready. We had upped the weight in our daypacks, and I had failed to pack them up the night before. The packs are now up to 7-10 lbs. depending on who will carry what on our backcountry hike.

I have learned that winter hikes in central Ohio are well attended, and arriving early is wise. I parked and moved with the throngs going toward the starting area. There was a 2-mile or 5-mile hike choice, and we went with the 5-mile hike.

The hiking trail we were on took us to the observation platform, where you can observe the eagle’s nest a short way down the river. Binoculars are a great tool to take with you to see the next better. It was a great viewing day because both eagles were in the nest. I am thankful for the recovery efforts to return these fantastic birds to central Ohio.

Highbanks is named for its 100-foot-high shale bluff running beside the Olentangy  River. Small streams cut across the bluff have created several deep ravines. This makes for a beautiful hike among the shale bluffs and ravines. The topography change is gorgeous and makes for a lovely hiking experience in central Ohio.

After our 5-mile hike, we enjoyed potato soup and biscuits in the Big Meadows Picnic area. We met some ladies and talked with them about their Walk With a Doc program. Hiking is a beautiful opportunity to meet people in the community and share stories, successes, and life.

Happy Hiking,
Brandy

Link to the Ultimate Guide to Columbus Metro Parks