Located in a rapidly growing area of Liberty and Orange townships, Shale Hollow Park is named for the curve in the tributary to the Olentangy State Scenic River that runs through the park, and for the shale evident in the cliff walls and stream bed.

The Shale Hollow stream winds along a twisting corridor lined by 20- to 40-foot-tall shale cliffs. You can see many remnants of concretions (round rock formations) in the cliffs and along the stream bed. The stream is filled with pieces of Ohio shale that have eroded out of the cliffs and continually wash down the creek. The shale is nicknamed “potato chip shale” due to its brittle nature. There are also intermittent waterfalls in the park.

Visitors will see a mature white oak forest in the eastern half of the park, along with large stands of hickory and maple. Spring wildflowers include the large white trillium, blue cohosh, and yellow-trout lily. Wildlife you might encounter include: a large assortment of birds, such as barred owls and pileated woodpeckers; migrating neo-tropical songbirds, such as the hooded warbler and Acadian flycatcher; whitetail deer, raccoons and coyotes; and amphibians, such as the two-lined salamander.

Shale Hollow includes off-trail exploration and natural play areas. The building is available for business meeting rentals; scroll down for more information.

The park land was acquired gradually, from 2004 to 2015, through a combination of park levy funds, grants and loans.