Chestnut Ridge Metro Park – the suite life of travel

May 1st: Enjoy the Day Exploring Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Part 1
May 2nd: Visit the Former Home of Goodyear Executive: Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Part 2
May 3rd: Stroll the Luxurious Gardens of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Part 3
May 4th: Visit Oxford, Ohio’s Bagel and Deli in Oxford
May 5th: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo throughout the state of Ohio
May 6th: Experience Vinoklet Winery’s Weekend Cookouts
May 7th: Shop at Springfield Farmer’s Market
May 8th: Wine Down at Caesar’s Creek Vineyards
May 9th: Drink some amazing wine slushies at Buckeye Winery in Newark
May 10th: Order a Burger “Where Your Grandpappy Ate” at Kewpee Restaurant in Lima
May 11th: Check out the Gorgeous Views at Indian Bear Winery while Drinking Fabulous Wines
May 12th: Stroll Cincinnati’s Roebling Bridge into Kentucky
May 13th: Fill up on Mexican Cuisine at Bodega Restaurant
May 14th: Taste Local Wines at Markko Vineyard
May 15th: Reminisce about the Olden Days at The Garst Museum’s Display of Simpler Times
May 16th: Find albino squirrels at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park
May 17th: Dine Among History at Red Brick Tavern
May 18th: Visit your local Farmer’s Market
May 19th: Visit the historical home of writer Louis Bromfield at Malabar Farm State Park in Mansfield, Ohio
May 20th: Listen to the Organ Sound at Deed’s Carillon Park
May 21st: Plan a hike at East Fork State Park
May 22nd: Explore the Garst Museum to Learn More about Annie Oakley
May 23rd: Sip Local Wines at Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan
May 24th: Lace up Your Boots and Hike Blacklick Metro Park near Columbus
May 25th: Learn More About Your Hometown (Springfield) at a Local Museum
May 26th: Learn More About Your Hometown (Springfield) at a Local Museum, Part 2
May 27th: Explore Local Reds at Terra Cotta Vineyards
May 28th: Mark your calendar to visit Ohio Village in Columbus
May 29th: Eat Your Way Through Italy at CincItalia in Cincinnati
May 30th: Sample Amazing Wine Creations at Blend of Seven Winery
May 31st: Book a Weekend Getaway at Geneva on the Lake

It was a mild March day in southeast Ohio as I was halfway through my drive to Athens. I wanted to stretch out my legs and took a short detour off of US33 to hike the homestead trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park.

In the early 1900s, this Appalachian mountain ridgeline was once home to the American Chestnut tree. Over the years, this species has nearly disappeared due to an Asian fungus that took out nearly three billion trees.

Shortly into my hike, I approached remnants of the former settlement that was built here around 1936.

The park is abundant with Blackhand sandstone and was hewn to help create the nearby canals in the early 1800s. This land is said to have been second homes from nearby residents of Columbus, one of which was Dr. Edward E. Campbell. Named Far View Farm, not much remains of the house except for its foundation.

In addition to spectacular views of the valleys, the area was a perfect location for planting fruit and nut bearing trees, gardens and vines. Ohio’s state native fruit, the PawPaw can also be found here.

I continued along the trail which began to grow thick with oak, hickory and ash trees providing the perfect home for wildlife.

Walking along the boardwalk, I happened to notice a white furry animal scurry along a group of fallen down trees. I followed it for about five minutes when it reappeared standing still in its tracks. I was so excited to realize that it was an albino squirrel. I was even more excited when I realized I was close enough to photograph him.

In addition to the walkway, there are a couple of viewing platforms – one for taking in the Columbus skyline.

Before the trail reached the parking lot, I once again noticed another albino squirrel. Again, taken by surprise, I had to photograph him. Could this possibly be the same squirrel?

I had shortly reached the parking lot and the park ranger just happened to have been parked there as well. To answer my question, I approached him to ask about the albino squirrel. I was surprised when he confirmed that there were a total of three albino squirrels at Chestnut Ridge.

So while I was not able to find an American Chestnut tree, there was no shortage of albino squirrels.

What to See and What to Do:

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park
8845 Winchester Road, NW
Carroll, OH 43112
Telephone: +614 208 4298

Admission Fee: There is no admission fee.
Hours: The park is open each day from 6:30AM to 9PM (April 1 – September 30) and from 6:30AM to dark (October 1 – March 31)
Scenic View: The valleys and hills of the Appalachians, bird watching and scenic view of the Columbus skyline.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Look for albino squirrels at this park.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Canal Winchester
700 W Waterloo Street
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Telephone: +614 953 2204

Where to Eat:

Canal Wigwam
4 South High Street
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Telephone: +614 837 0202

This eatery has been serving homestyle food since 1899. Check out their daily specials. My favorite was the Chicken Noodles over mashed potatoes.

What to Read:

Chestnut Ridge website
Chestnut Ridge Trail Map
Chestnut Ridge MetroPark Events Calendar
TrekOhio: An Overview of Hiking Trails in Fairfield County
TrekOhio: Fairfield County Parks and Nature Preserves
American Chestnut, by Wikipedia
ABC News: Reviving the Chestnut Tree
American Chestnut Restoration Project, by US Forest Service
American Chestnut Seedling, by the US Army Environmental Command

Tag Archives: Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

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Chestnut Ridge and the Albino Squirrel