Walnut Bluffs Park - Westerville, OH
Walnut Bluffs Park: A Hidden Gem for Dog Owners in Westerville, Ohio
Walnut Bluffs Park is a serene, dog-friendly hiking spot in Westerville, Ohio that offers pet owners and their companions plenty of open space, scenic pine forests, and peaceful trails. Known for its secluded, crowd-free atmosphere, this hidden gem features a dense pine stand perfect for adventurous walks, relaxing picnics, or letting your dog run off-leash in nature. The pet-friendly trails connect to neighboring parks like Parkhill Park, providing even more options for those seeking dog-friendly hikes in the Westerville area.
While the park doesn’t have traditional dog park amenities like fenced runs or water fountains, its expansive natural setting and unique trails make it ideal for those looking to escape the city buzz and enjoy time with their pup in tranquil surroundings. There are multiple trail entry points and picnic tables for visitors, and plenty of shade thanks to the thick pine canopy. Note: Parking is limited to a small gravel area by the gate, which can sometimes be closed to traffic, so arrive early and be mindful of signage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the park, especially on the wooded trails.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park has dense pine forests offering plenty of natural shade.
- Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is on the small gravel area near the gate on Schott Rd; you can also access the park from Walnut Street Park. Be careful not to block the gate or park on the main road, as enforcement is strict.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the trails in Walnut Bluffs Park connect to trails in nearby Parkhill Park, making it a great spot for longer hikes with your dog.
- Is the park good for kids? Yes, Walnut Bluffs Park is good for children, offering open natural spaces to explore.
Reviews
Just FYI, you can also park at Walnut Street Park and access the property from the other side of the ravine.
beautiful pine forest park – we didn’t even get to going over to the lake, the forest was so peaceful and calming.
highly recommend! great spot if you like pine stands and want to walk around or even just lay down a blanket and hang out for a couple hours (we did both!)
parking isn’t great – at least when we went. the main path/road back to the shelter and i assume further on to the lake, was gated off for everyone except “emergency and authorized vehicles”, so you have to park on the small pull in off the main road. there are also confusing parking signs on the gate which make it seem like you can’t park there and can’t block the gate. This kind of limits how many people can be there which i guess is nice if you’re looking for a more secluded location/experience.
Secluded park if your looking for somewhere to hike with no crowd. Different entry points into the pines as you make your way down the gravel path. The first path starts right a across from the picnic table right as you enter the park. The only parking is at the gate(which is never open. There are signs that say no parking, but I read other reviews saying you could park there. The pines here are beautiful!. Definitely recommend if your looking for somewhere to let your dog off leash 🙂
I was looking on the AllTrails app and Parkhill Park at 4480 Walnut Street in Westerville, and Walnut Bluffs Park have some connecting trails. The trails are not marked in either park, but using the app the trails were easy to identify. The trails were in good condition, and the hike down to the reservoir was great. The trails are easy to moderate with the difficult part, figuring out what trail to take and where does it go.
Very large but almost deserted park. A hidden gem. If the gate is closed you can park on the gravel but try not the block the gate or be right by the road. The Sheriff is know to give out tickets for that. To your left is a dense pine forest and further on there are trails in a regular forest.