With below freezing temperatures and a couple of inches of water at the start of the trail, I almost considered turning back to reschedule my day hike at Battelle Darby Creek. The Dyer Mill Trail starts at Darby Creek Drive in Galloway and is a 2.5 mile loop trail that takes about an hour and a half to complete. I wanted to test out my new hiking boots anyway, so this would be the perfect opportunity.
Towards the start of the trail, there was a fork in the road but regardless of which path I took, I would return where I started on this loop hike. Surrounded by trees and woods for nearly an hour, I arrived at a clearing. The scenery was what I gad expected from a winter hike and I was hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife brave enough to venture out in the cold. I happened upon a few birds, but up until that time, there was no sign of life. I continued along the path of sallow greens and browns, and searched through my binoculars to see eagles, hawks or even vultures among the soothing silence.
The pathway was a mix of grass and gravel and perfect for cross-country skiers after a winter snowfall. Ranked as moderately difficult, there were a couple of hills that were somewhat steep but not incapacitating.
The snow struggled to blanket the field as it melted under the warming temperatures. I could hear the crunching of ice under my boots as I made my way towards a bridge on the trail. I stopped to check how my boots were holding up and put my scarf in my backpack.
The snow-covered trail widened under the trees and cleaned the dirt out of my boots. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt in the cold and was happy my feet were surviving the breaking in of my new boots. By the visible impressions in the snow, I was hoping to find some animal prints.
Walking further along, Little Darby Creek appeared to my left and I could hear the faint sound of its rippling downstream. I managed to walk down to its bank to touch the water and it was absolutely freezing. There were islands of ice in several spots along the waterway and I realized, that in just a couple of weeks, they will have melted and the scenery will have changed.
I finally reached the steep climb, and I was thankful that there was neither ice nor snow on the hill. The fallen leaves provided great traction and I felt the remainder of the trek should be easy.
I approached another patch of snow and decided to follow it into the woods where it remained untouched by hikers. I finally came upon some animal footprints which made me think about the hibernating wildlife and those who have ventured out into the cold for food. I felt a happiness knowing that these nature preserves protect the adorable creatures and nearby land so we can enjoy them for years to come.
I was near the end of the trail coming back to where I had started. This was the section of the trail that was flooded, but lucky for me, my waterproof boots had passed the test.
I was satisfied that my boots had passed the waterproof test and spending time in the outdoors during winter was especially invigorating. I was happy that I continued with my hike that day and it was a beautiful, quiet afternoon to explore Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
What to See and What to Do:
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
1775 Darby Creek Drive
Galloway, OH 43119
Telephone: 614 891 0700
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee for visiting the park.
- Hours: Cedar Ridge Area: Open daily from 6:30AM to 10PM (April through September) and from 6:30AM to 8PM from October through March; All other park areas close at dark year-round
- Amenities: shelter rental, lodge, biking, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, fishing, hunting, ice skating, natural play areas, nature centers, picnicking, pets and sledding
- Scenic Views: Viewing area for bison watching
- Length of your Visit: 2 – 3 hours for hiking, nature center and bison viewing
- Tips for Your Visit: Check the metro park’s website for special events, shelter rentals and trail maps.
Where to Stay:
Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Grove City
1668 Buckeye Place
Grove City, OH 43123
Telephone: 614 782 8292
Where to Eat:
Ann & Tony’s Restaurant
211 East Main Street
West Jefferson, OH 43162
Telephone: 614 879 8897
I absolutely love Ann & Tony’s Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, served with a tossed salad, rolls and garlic butter.
Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
- North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
- The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
- Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.
What to Read:
- Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
- Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
- Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
- Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper
Photo Guide for Columbus:
- Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
- Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
- Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
- Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
- Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
- Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
- German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
- Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
- Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
- Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
- Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
- Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
- Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
- Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
- Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
- Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
- Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
- Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
- Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
- Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
- Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo