Deer Haven Park
Deer Haven Park is a lovely natural area featuring multiple well-marked trails with a mix of boardwalks, prairies, meadows, and wooded creek areas. It’s good for hiking, dog walking, and wildlife watching, including bird feeders and aviaries. The park includes a nature center, picnic tables, and restrooms, making it family-friendly and accessible, with wheelchair accessible entrances and parking. Visitors appreciate the peaceful scenery and variety of trails, though leash enforcement has been noted as a concern. The park also offers a soccer field area nearby and occasional special programs like cross country skiing lessons.
Reviews
Absolutely darling visitors/nature center! Quite a bit of snow still on the ground, and 24 degrees, but the sun was shining and it really was pleasant. We were there for about 1 1/2 hrs. The Preservation Parks had a “pop up try it ” program that day which happened to be cross country skiing. The program was free, no preregistration. Just show up, they provide the skis and teach you how to use them and then you’re off to ski! I can’t wait to go back to really hike the trails!
5/3/25: Woody came out today. As close as he let me get.
4/7/25: Snow bridge picture added
UPDATE: 4/5/25 I had the unfortunate displeasure of meeting that dog today that was mentioned in another review. Dog came running up barking and being very mean. The old lady just said *ignore it*. I had to remind her I will defend myself. I had to move away from it as it kept coming closer to me! The old lady didn’t even bother to try, and stop the dog, or tell it to stop barking, or hold it, to stop it from advancing into my personal space. Why are leash laws NOT enforced at this park? It’s unfortunate because I have met a lot of good, dog owners at this park too. This BAD APPLE right here is also ruining it for everyone else. I have uploaded the picture of the license plate of the old lady who did this in her white mini van. If you see this vehicle be warned you might have to defend yourself! Another terrible dog owner we have to deal with at this park.
UPDATE: 3/21/25 The house owner with the dog has some what been resolved. Enjoy that sunrise walk while it lasts.
UPDATE: 3/14/25 had an officer reach out to address the issue. Hopefully it’s taken care of now. Still be cautious, but hopefully its been taken care of. It’s a great place to walk!
UPDATE: 3/13/25 I was just attacked this morning on the trail by a huge orange dog. The new younger park officer, has a great attitude. I even found him walking the trails!
Trails are good enough to use a stroller on even though they are dirt and stone. They do have birds in cages. Also the soccer people are making it harder to walk in the mornings, and trash from them gets all over the park (last year). Also noticed more dog poop, and dogs, with out leashes recently. Other reviewers are noticing some of the same problems.
Nice trails to walk around and lots of soccer fields as you enter. New addition of bird enclosures is cool. Lots of space here.
There are a number of trails here with variety. There are some nice boardwalk areas, prairies/meadows, and just behind the owls an area with lots of trees and creeks. None of the trails are particularly long, but you could spend half a day or so here. There are a lot of bird feeders and you will see plenty of cool looking birds here. The visitor’s center is for sure worth checking out as well. This place does get visitors so you won’t be here alone like you can be at other hiking areas in Ohio. If you’re in Columbus and don’t want to go on a long drive or want to do something a little later in the day, this place is a good spot for that. The trails are very well marked as well, and even can be followed on google maps.
Amazing trails, really great Nature Center! I love the blind, and the view across the water from in there. Love coming here to walk!