Highbanks Metro Park - Lewis Center, OH
Highbanks Metro Park: A Dog-Lover’s Gem in Lewis Center, Ohio
Located just north of Columbus, Highbanks Metro Park offers pet-friendly trails and extensive green space perfect for dog owners and their four-legged friends. The park is well-known for its scenic hiking paths through beautiful forests, prairies, and meadows. With its easy accessibility, ample parking, and peaceful atmosphere, it is an ideal spot for dog-friendly hiking and nature walks in the Lewis Center area.
The park provides great amenities including picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground, and public restrooms—making it a favorite for families and groups. While it is not a dedicated fenced dog park, dogs are welcome throughout the park and on-leash hiking trails. Highbanks Metro Park stands out for its maintained paths, natural beauty, and welcoming vibe to both people and pets, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners in Central Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at the park? Yes, dogs are allowed throughout Highbanks Metro Park on-leash.
- Are hiking trails dog-friendly? Yes, the park’s hiking trails are dog-friendly and popular with local dog owners.
- Are there restrooms available? Yes, public restrooms are available at the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there are wheelchair accessible entrances and parking lots.
- Is there a playground for kids? Yes, there is a playground and kid-friendly activities near the hiking trails.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and barbecue grills available for visitors.
- Is parking available? Yes, easy and accessible parking is available on-site.
- Are the trails maintained? Yes, the trails are well-maintained, and the park is known for its clean and beautiful environment.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several walking and hiking trails throughout the park.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park is generally peaceful, though it may get busier on holidays like Mother’s Day.
Reviews
Always a good visit. The hidden rabbits even kept my adult friends entertained. We also went to the part of the park off of Olentangy River Road
Great hiking trails. Friendly encounters likely on trails, but never busy, except on Mothers’ day. Can get lost and still find your way back. Gorgeous scenery. Interesting birdsong, although of course can be hard to spot some of those birds. Really love this place, and you will, too, if you like well maintained trails through beautiful forests and around natural prairie and meadowland. A true gem in easy reach.
Amazing park. Will definitely go back for some hiking and mushroom foraging. Nature center is awesome!
It’s really peaceful and quiet! Definitely check out this little big gem of a park. A lot of places to have a picnic and chill. Hit the trails to be in the woods!
What a wonderful surprise! This Metro Park may have jumped to #1 on my list! The welcome center is first class. The walking paths among the trees are spectacular! The water and high banks make one feel as if they are in a mountain top high! It is not far off of 270. Bring your walking stick, hiking shoes (or tennis shoes) and prepare for a treat! The welcome center is user friendly for children. There are floor to ceiling glass windows where one can watch a wide variety of birds come to the feeding area. I recorded the sounds of 3 or 4 birds I had not recorded at any other place. I even saw a Summer Tananger! Parking is easy to find. Access is easy. Bring lunch to share as you sit at the many picnic tables. A treat indeed!