Buttonbush Swamp
It was a sunny mid-March morning and I decided to hike Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. With six trails, I wanted to hike back to the Nature Center that would eventually lead me to the Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve.
I began by parking near the Ashton pond where I picked up the Beech trail, a half a mile loop. I found a trail head for the 4.1 mile multipurpose trail a few minutes into the hike, leading me to a connector trail at the nature preserve. Once I met up with the half mile Buttonbush Trail, I was heading in the right direction towards the nature center.
The forests here are primarily made up of beech-maple trees and are perfect for bird-watching. There are a couple of swamps where boardwalks were created to bring an up-close, personal look at the plant and animal life in this type of environment. In addition to birds, deer and fox, other wildlife make their home in this fascinating preserve.
Blacklick Woods was the first of Columbus’ MetroParks, opening in 1948. First set among 113 acres, the park has grown to include picnic areas, a lodge and an 18-hole regulations course, making it, today, a 643-acre park. This is a perfect place to bring your family for an afternoon of animal watching.
At the nature center, I spent a few moments inside, watching the animals and birds enjoying an afternoon lunch of seeds provided by the park personnel. It felt warm and cozy inside as the temperature outdoors was still cool during the early spring months. The sun shone into the lodge casting shadows on the floor. Squirrels and chipmunks entertained us as they chased away the birds attempting to reach the feeders. I was taken back to my childhood when my family would visit the parks, the trails and the campgrounds throughout Ohio. I remembered the spring smells and the sounds of birds filling the air as I began my walk back to the pond and vowed to continue our family tradition. Such fond memories….
Do you have a favorite metro, state or national park that you love to visit? I would love to hear about it in the comments below! Many Thanks for reading about my afternoon spent at Blacklick Woods Metro Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Blacklick Woods Metro Park
6975 Livingston Avenue
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Telephone: 614 208 4247
- Hours: The park is open from 6AM to 10PM April through September and from 6AM to 8PM, October through March.
- Amenities: Trails, shelter and lodge rentals, biking, golfing, picnicking, nature centers and sledding
- Scenic View: Views of wildlife from the nature centers
- Length of Visit: Determined by the activities
- Tips for Your Visit: During the winter months, the park offers sledding as well as cross-country skiing. Visit the Columbus Metro Parks website for information about the many parks in the area.
Where to Stay:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport East
6305 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43213
Telephone: 614 322 8000
Where to Eat:
Barrel & Boar
8 N. State Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Telephone: 614 300 5014
I started my meal by ordering the Carolina Hush Puppies served with honey butter. The pulled pork came with garlic toast and a choice of two sides, so I ordered the Mac & Cheese and the Creamy Cole Slaw which were phenomenal. I look forward to returning for brunch to experience the Bloody Mary Bar and another future visit for the Brisket Cubano.
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