I love natural, green spaces and the Preservation Parks in Deleware County, Ohio have some of my personal favorites! These 9 parks in Delaware are diverse, well maintained, and full of activities for you, your family, or friends. We have found rock formations, fields of native plants, water features, perfect birding, the best picnic spots in the area! Pick a Preservation Park in Delaware out and head there today! (If you go shoot us an email and let us know what you loved about it. Brandy@gleasonfamilyadventure.com)
Blues Creek Park
I have always said, “I am never going to write about this place,” because I believe it is the hidden gem of the Preservation Parks. However, it would not be right to not share about this spectacular park in Delaware County.
When I say this is the best-kept secret in Delaware I am not kidding! You can come here and enjoy the quiet solace of this sweet park during any time of the year. My favorite time is in the Spring when everything is coming to life.
Blues Creek Park highlights:
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Fishing pond
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Sledding hill
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Covered picnic areas (You can hang hammocks around it for more relaxation!)
Blues Creek park hours:
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Where is Blues Creek Park located?
9627 Fontanelle Road, Ostrander, OH 43061
Char-Mar Ridge Park
Char Mar Park is a small but beautiful park in the eastern part of Delaware county. While you might think this park is not worth visiting since it is so tiny, I have found it to be a delightful place to explore for the afternoon. The Glacier Ridge loop trail is one of my favorite trails in the Westerville, Ohio area.
Char Mar Park highlights:
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Birding
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Blind
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Loop trail
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Natural play area
Where is Char Mar Park Located?
7741 Lewis Center Road, Westerville, OH 43082
Char Mar Park hours:
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Many things make me smile, but the outdoors and nature top the list. Deer Haven Park is one of central Ohio’s premier places to take in the outdoors’ beauty. I have always said this park might be small with 97 acres, but it offers big park amenities.
Deer Haven Park has diverse trails and good for Ohio terrain changes. You will see abundant wildlife and plenty of native Ohio birds in the bird sanctuary.
Deer Haven Highlights:
- Bird Blind
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Aviary
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Visitor Center
What is Deer Haven Park Hours:
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Deer Haven Park Visitor Center DAILY Noon- 5 p.m.
Where is Deer Haven Park?
4183 Liberty Road, Delaware, OH 43015
740.362.0283
River Run Park
River Run Park is new to me and since we don’t own kayaks this park is not one we have been able to enjoy. However, we have stopped and taken in the beautiful scenery from the shores of the Olentangy River.
“When river conditions are right, kayakers and canoeists can put into the Olentangy River for a 6.5-mile float to Mingo Park in Delaware City, where they can pull out of the water.” ~Preservation Parks in Delaware, Ohio
River Run Park highlights:
- kayak and canoeing
- Birding (You WILL see many of the native birds on the Olentangy.)
- Picnicking at Mingo Park
- Opportunity to continue down the Olentangy
Where is River Run Park put-in access?
168 Main Rd, Delaware, Ohio 43015
Want to familiarize yourself with River Run Park? Click Here
Hogback Ridge Park
Hogback Ridge Park is one of the most unique places to explore in Delaware County. Matt and I have explored this park on a snowy winter day and hiked from Hogback Ridge into Alum Creek State Park. Did we get lost? Maaaaybe! I will blame it on the snow-covered trail. When you switch from Preservation Parks to Alum Creek in Ohio State Parks make sure to map the trails well.
When you combine Hogback Ridge Park and Alum Creek State Park you can enjoy a WHOLE weekend of fun. I recommend camping at Alum Creek State Park Campground and creating an itinerary of outdoor adventure.
Hogback Ridge Park highlights:
- Opportunity for a complete day hike when combining Alum Creek
- Bird Watching (In May you can see Warblers as they make their way North)
- Picnic areas
- Home to the district offices of Preservation Park
Where is Hogback Ridge Park?
2656 Hogback Road, Sunbury, OH, 43074
Hours of Hogback Ridge Park:
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
District Offices: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
Mary Barber McCoy Nature Center: 9 a.m.-4 p.m (Monday – Friday)
Want to read more about what to do at Alum Creek State Park? Click Here!
Gallant Farm and Woods
Gallant Woods and Farm is a WONDERFUL day trip to Delaware, Ohio. This park is perfect at any time of the year and has something for everyone. Winter offers sledding, Spring brings spring peepers and active salamanders, Summer opens the door for a day at the farm with playing in the park, and in Fall Gallant Woods offers vibrant colors on the trees with splendid hiking.
Gallant Woods and Farm highlights:
- Historic Farm House and Barns
- Hiking
- Sledding Hill
- Wildflowers in Spring and Summer
Where is Gallant Woods and Farm located?
2151 Buttermilk Hill Road, Delaware, OH 43015
Hours of Gallant Woods
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Read more about what to do at Gallant Woods in winter: Click Here
Shale Hollow Park
I consider Shale Hollow Park the most family-friendly and hands-on park within the Preservation Parks. This park will take you by surprise because it is situated where all kinds of urban growth is taking place. You will think you are going into a housing development when entering this park, just keep on following the signs and you will end up in the parking lot.
We have found salamanders, touched concretions, played in the water, and hiked all the trails in this beautiful park. I have great memories here with my children and have enjoyed seeing them beam with smiles as they explored the wonders of nature.
This park is my TOP pick for families to adventure in.
Shale Hollow Park highlights:
- Concretions
- Overlook
- primitive trail
- natural play area
- creeking
Where is Shale Hollow Park?
6320 Artesian Run, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Shale Hollow Hours:
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Emily Traphagen Park
With its tall trees, wetlands, pond, and meadows, Emily Traphagen Park provides a break from the suburban development surrounding it. The road, Seldom Seen, where the park is off of kind of explains why you might not have heard of Emily Traphagen Park. Trails within this park are easy to navigate and it is a great place to stop in for a picnic and play while in the Powell area.
We have gone to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and explored historic downtown Powell, after a short hike here.
Emily Traphagen Park Highlights
- Natural Play Area
- Easy Trails
- Picnicking by the pond
Where is Emily Traphagen Park?
5094 Seldom Seen Road, Powell, OH 43065
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Bonus Trails in Delaware County: OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL
The Ohio to Erie trail is in the process of being connected within Delaware County and I for one and excited to see it come to completion. While these trails are out and back for hikers within the Preservation Parks, you can hike onto the roads and connect the trails if you are adventurous and want to go further. When I spoke to Beth McCullum from Preservation Parks, she suggested that if you choose to do that, really make sure you familiarize yourself with the area and being “off-trail.”
Hoover Scenic Trail: 0.6-miles
8405 Plumb Road, Galena, OH 43021
Hoover Scenic Trail highlights:
- 5 car parking lot
- pedestrian bridge
- views of Hoover Reservoir shores
Meredith State Road Trail: 1.6 miles
Parking is not available, and users must walk or bicycle in.
“The Meredith State Road Trail is a 1.6 segment of the Ohio to Erie Trail that extends roughly from Condit Station northeast to the Delaware-Licking County line. The segment is paved and open for use, but at this time, it is not connected on either end to other segments of the Ohio to Erie Trail.” Preservation Parks
Sandel Legacy Trail: .6 miles
168 S. Vernon St., Sunbury, Ohio 43074
Sandel Legacy Trail highlights:
- Parking available
- Picnicking
- Delaware County Model Railroaders group. Public open houses are held one weekend per month (usually the third weekend) at the trail house.
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail
If you are looking for ways to get outside Preservation Parks in Delaware County, Ohio has you covered with all the activities you are looking for! Preservation Park’s mission is to protect and conserve the natural and historic features of Delaware County and to inspire outdoor exploration and learning.
We think they are doing an exceptional job and enjoy going to each park, we hope you will too!
Happy Adventures,
Brandy
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