Parkhill Park - Westerville, OH
Parkhill Park is a hidden gem for dog owners looking for expansive, natural beauty and pet-friendly trails in Westerville, Ohio. While the park is best known for its scenic hiking and lush pine forests, it also offers a peaceful setting where both you and your four-legged companion can enjoy the outdoors away from the city bustle. The unmarked trails lead you through old-growth forest, across a picturesque ravine, and down to the scenic shores of the Hoover Reservoir, making it an ideal spot for dog-friendly hiking and relaxation.
This pet-friendly park has plenty of open green spaces, shady pine groves, and direct access to water, making it well-suited for active dogs who love to explore. The natural dirt paths and large fields offer unique environments for adventurous pups, and there’s convenient parking at the main entrance. The park’s trails even connect to nearby Walnut Bluffs Park, expanding the opportunities for extended walks with your dog in Westerville.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Parkhill Park? Yes, dogs are welcome at Parkhill Park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features beautiful, natural trails through pine forests and old-growth woods, with connections to Walnut Bluffs Park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, large pine groves and mature trees offer ample shade throughout the park.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is direct access to the Hoover Reservoir, allowing dogs to enjoy the water in some areas.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is convenient parking at the park entrance.
- Is the park good for kids? Yes, the open fields and trails make it a great place for families with children.
- Are there other trails or parks nearby? Yes, you can connect from Parkhill Park to Walnut Bluffs Park for even more trail options.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the natural dirt paths can become muddy, so bringing extra shoes is recommended.
Reviews
Park used to be known as Walnut St., Park… this is one of the most wonderful, expansive trails I have seen in Columbus. When you first pull in it just looks like a small gravel driveway, but if you walk to the right into the large pines, the trail takes you down a steep ravine over a babbling brook into an old growth forest with a 200+ year old white oak, up an peninsula and to a red clay beach that opens up on Hoover. It is literally one of the most beautiful places I have seen in this state, and you would have no idea that it even existed just driving by.
Dare I say this is the most beautiful park in Columbus? Unmarked trail to the right of the parking lot takes you through a magical pine forest which then leads you down to a beautiful view of the reservoir. Doesn’t feel like Ohio.
Get into the woods and turn left at the first fork you will get to the lakeside. The recent drought allows you to walk on the lake bed. Really nice sunset spot.
My kind of trail! Natural, dirt path, and not heavily trafficked. Make sure you bring an extra pair of shoes to change into – the ones you wear will get dirty, no doubt. The trail is filled with beautiful, tall pine trees, which adds a unique fresh scent to the hike. At least one of the trails takes you down to the water. The path to get down is extremely steep! The trail also has lots of exposed roots – making it safer to walk than run. The park opens at 7 am; there was no one there when I arrived at 7 & when I left around 8 am
There is a big field you walk thru with a pine forest on the left. Very cool combination of pines and regular Ohio forest. You can keep walking and connect with walnut bluffs park