Blendon Ravines Metro Park - Westerville, OH
Blendon Ravines Metro Park: A Unique Dog-Friendly Hiking Experience in Westerville, Ohio
Blendon Ravines Metro Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and dog owners looking for rugged, pet-friendly trails in Westerville, Ohio. This park stands out with its rustic, unmarked hiking trails winding through old-growth forests, scenic ravines, and the picturesque Big Walnut Creek. While the trails can be steep and occasionally muddy, they offer plenty of shade, natural beauty, and a sense of wilderness within easy reach of the city.
Dog owners will appreciate that leashed pets are welcome throughout the park. The trails provide plenty of off-the-beaten-path exploration—however, note that the terrain includes uneven ground and downed trees, so it may not be ideal for less agile dogs. There are also good options for family outings, with kid-friendly hikes and creekside swings that make this park a great place to enjoy the outdoors as a group. If you’re searching for a dog-friendly hiking destination near Columbus or Westerville, Blendon Ravines Metro Park provides a unique, fairly primitive experience in a natural setting.
FAQ – Blendon Ravines Metro Park
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be kept on-leash at all times, according to posted rules.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? All dogs are required to be leashed during their visit.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? The park does not have wheelchair-accessible entrances or parking lots.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several hiking trails, though they are mostly primitive and unmarked.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Much of the park is shaded thanks to old-growth forest.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? The trails can get very muddy, especially on the steeper sections.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The park offers family- and kid-friendly hiking areas and a swing by the water.
Reviews
Great area to hike. Make sure you have your gps on because the trails aren’t marked and sometimes end abrubtly.O nce you get your sense of direction the major feature, atleast for me are the views of Big Walnut Creek.
Great place to hike if you want to stay out of the sun! Lots of fallen trees along paths you have to step over, so if you have dog who can’t do a bunch of hopping/jumping this isn’t the best place for them. Will definitely be going back to explore the creek more
The hundred acre wood hiking area is primitive and truly extraordinary. The path to the water is very steep, but the gentle stream is a great reward. The hike also has lots of downed trees that must be crossed.
Fantastic hidden wilderness with easy reach of urban/suburban Columbus. Trails are primitive and can get VERY muddy, I strongly suggest only attempting the steeper parts if you’ve got good hiking shoes. Posted rules say pets should be kept leashed at all times but unfortunately not everyone follows the rules. Attempted to cross the creek to explore the site of the old Shafer house, that path was quite a bit more difficult than the majority of the main loop.
Very cool hidden Metropark. There’s a nice swing by the water. I love that it’s rustic with trails that are more undefined and natural. You’ll have a great time exploring here. Lots of old growth forest and ravines.