Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

8445 Winchester Road Northwest Carroll, Ohio 43112

Official Website
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park map

Also, see all the hotspots at:
Fairfield County Birding Drive

About this Location

The ridge at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park rises more than 150 feet, reaching an elevation above sea level of 1,116 feet, and is 4,500 feet long. It is considered the first ridge in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, featuring many outcroppings of ancient Black Hand sandstone bedrock. From an observation deck at the high point of the Ridge Trail, visitors can easily see the Columbus skyline, some 19 miles away. Black oak, shagbark hickory, and northern red oak trees grow on the upper slopes of the ridge and enhance the woodland beauty of the 486-acre park. Sugar maples and American beech are plentiful on the lower slopes.

More than 70 species of birds have been counted at the park in a single day. Wood ducks, green herons, and mallards flourish in the park’s wetlands and a 2-acre pond.

Chestnut Ridge provides a quick getaway from the noise of the city. Located southeast of Columbus, the park provides hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing for children aged 15 and younger, a playground, and, most importantly, peace and quiet. The observation deck is just a short hike from the parking lot and puts you above the treetops for an excellent view.

From I-270, take US-33 east toward Lancaster. Go about 11 miles and turn right on Winchester Road (Carroll, Ohio traffic light). The entrance is about 3 miles on the left.

The park features 2.4 miles of trails.

Notable Trails

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park Trails
Homesite Trail – .4 miles – moderate to difficult
hike – gravel
Goes through woods and fields, past an orchard and remnant homestead, connects Ridge and Meadows trails.

Meadows Trail – 1 mile – moderate to difficult
hike – gravel
Follows the edge of a high meadow, crosses a stream and passes through the woods.

Milkweed Trail – .6 miles – easy to moderate
hike, pets – natural
Pet trail features a half-mile loop around fields with a short section through the woods.

Ridge Trail – 1 mile – moderate to difficult
hike – gravel and boardwalk
Includes a gradual 150-foot ascent through the woods to the top of the ridge.

Mountain Bike Trail – 9 miles
mountain biking only – dirt
Features steep climbs and descents through deep woods. The 12 to 18-inch-wide trail has a narrow creek bridge, banked turns, and a couple of short sections of sandstone cobble. A 5-mile inner loop is the beginner/intermediate trail and the outer 4-mile loop is the advanced trail.

A description with a map of a 2.9-mile hike using the Homesite, Meadows, and Ridge trails is on the AllTrails website.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

Content from Official Website