Johnny Molloy - Best Hikes Columbus: The Greatest Views, Wildlife, and Forest Strolls

Johnny Molloy is a writer and adventurer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. His outdoor passion started on a backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while attending the University of Tennessee. That first foray unleashed a love of the outdoors that has led Molloy to spending most of his time hiking, backpacking, canoe camping, and tent camping for the past three decades. Friends enjoyed his outdoor adventure stories; one even suggested he write a book. He pursued his friends idea and soon parlayed his love of the outdoors into an occupation. His efforts have resulted in more than sixty-five booksso far. His writings include guidebooks on camping and paddling, comprehensive guidebooks about specific areas, and true outdoor adventure books covering the eastern United States. Molloy has also authored these FalconGuides:

A FalconGuide to Mammoth Cave National Park

Best Easy Day Hikes Cincinnati

Best Hikes Near Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

Best Easy Day Hikes Jacksonville, Florida

Best Easy Day Hikes New River Gorge

Best Easy Day Hikes Richmond, Virginia

Best Easy Day Hikes Springfield, Illinois

Best Easy Day Hikes Tallahassee

Best Easy Day Hikes Tampa Bay

Best Hikes Near Cincinnati

Hiking Waterfalls in West Virginia

Molloy writes for various magazines and websites and is a columnist/feature writer for his local paper, the Johnson City Press. He continues to write and travel extensively throughout the United States, endeavoring in a variety of outdoor pursuits. His non-outdoor interests include American history and University of Tennessee sports. For the latest on Johnny, please visit johnnymolloy.com.

Thanks to all the people of Columbus who shared their favorite places to hike, including Jerry Urse and Ross Long. Thanks to Sierra Designs for providing me with a tent for camping between hikes. Thanks also to the folks at FalconGuides/GPP, especially Julie Marsh.

T his area offers quality hikes in city parks, state parks, county ecological preserves, and even a private nature preserve, covering western Franklin County, western Delaware County, Madison County, and Union County. Big Darby Creek cuts a scenic swath through the land, along with other tributaries of the Scioto River.

Prairie Oaks Metro Park features two treks among its scattering of woods and fields astride Big Darby Creek. As if a state scenic river isnt enough to see, you can also wander past several lakes. And if hiking through flower-studded prairies doesnt light your fire, then walk in deep woods on undulating terrainand thats just on one hike! The well-marked Coneflower Trail at Prairie Oaks presents mostly level trailway, allowing you to view Big Darby Creek and enjoy prairie as it changes with the seasons, while simultaneously holding a conversation with your hiking partner.

Hike along the shore of impressive C. J. Brown Reservoir at Buck Creek State Park. Excellent for summer, cruise the shoreline to find the campground swim beach. It offers views and a place to take a dip! Be sure to make a side trip to the Crabill Homestead.

Glacier Ridge Metro Park is a modern park incarnation, mixing preservation and recreation. The 1,036 acres were restored to a natural state of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and prairies. A wetland education center and a wind/solar demonstration area add an environmental education component. A mix of paved and natural paths let you roam Glacier Ridge and the adjoining neighborhoods.

Blues Creek Preserve in Delaware County is also a newer-style nature park. Get back to nature on natures terms, where the park facilities are integrated into the landscape. It offers a superlative native prairie wildflower display in summer. Explore Blues Creek, then parallel field and forest, with an emphasis on learning. Between 2 and 4 percent of Ohios landmass was prairie prior to American settlement, and Blues Creek Preserve highlights this colorful part of the Buckeye State.

At the Stratford Ecological Center, you can visit a living farm, experiencing agricultural practices close up. Part of the walk enters adjacent Stratford Woods State Nature Preserve, where excellent spring wildflower displays are a sight to behold. Deer Haven Preserve, another Delaware County preservation park, mixes its trail system with traditional Havener Park. The preserve presents meadows, restored prairie, a steep ridge, and big trees.

Some hikers argue that Highbanks Park has the most highlights of any central Ohio trek. Begin by hiking along steep shale ravines and through changing landscapes to see a homesite and re-created cemetery of early area settlers. Next, wander by prehistoric earthworks from aboriginal Ohioans, and gaze from an observation deck 110 feet above the Olentangy State Scenic River. Finally, visit a wildlife blind astride a restored wetland, then stop by a burial mound left by the ancient Adena Indians. And the hike isnt even long!

GREEN TIP:

Go out of your way to avoid birds and animals that are mating or taking care of their young.