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