Daily Bulletin: Spring Hikes

If the warmer weather has put a spring in your step, consider heading to one of Central Ohio’s many public parks for a hike.

Many venues are heralding the season’s arrival with guided walks offering details about flora and fauna.

Here’s a sampling of April hikes at Metro Parks. Call or visit the website to confirm programs have not been changed or cancelled. For more event ideas, go to metroparks.net or columbusparent.com/calendar.

Vernal Pool Hike

When: 7:30 p.m. April 9

What: Take a 3-mile hike and look for salamander larvae in the vernal pool. Be prepared to get muddy and wet.

Where: Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 U.S. Route 23 N., Lewis Center 43035. Meet at the Nature Center.

Family Lantern Hike and Campfire

When: 8:30 p.m. April 14

What: Go on a family-friendly, 1.5-mile lantern-led hike followed by a campfire and s’mores.

Where: Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg 43068. Meet at Ash Grove Picnic Area.

Lantern Stroll

When: 8:30 p.m. April 21

What: Candle lanterns will light the way on a 1-mile stroll through the woods as visitors listen to the night sounds of spring.

Where: Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Road, Plain City 43064. Meet at the bulletin board at the Picnic Shelter. 

Spring Wildflowers Hike

When: 1 p.m. April 29

What: Participants on this 2-mile hike will look for trillium, trout lilies, Dutchman’s breeches and other wildflowers.

Where: Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway 43119. Meet at the ranger station.