Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail

The trail is located within Blacklick Woods Metro Park in central Ohio. You can access the trail conveniently near the park's nature center and picnic areas, where parking is available.

Yes, this trail is rated as easy and is very suitable for beginners, families, and even those with strollers or wheelchairs. Its relatively flat terrain and well-maintained paths make it accessible for a wide range of visitors.

The terrain primarily consists of gravel and hard-packed double-track, with some paved sections. A distinctive feature is the presence of elevated wooden boardwalks, particularly in swampy areas, which help you traverse wet sections of the trail comfortably.

You'll experience a rich and varied landscape, including beech-maple forests, hardwood swamp forests, and wetlands. The park is known for its diverse terrains and old-growth forests, making it an excellent spot for bird and wildlife watching. Look out for beautiful spring wildflowers if you visit at the right time.

The trail offers beauty year-round. Spring is particularly lovely for viewing wildflowers, while the diverse forest canopy provides vibrant colors in autumn. The elevated boardwalks make it accessible even in wetter conditions, and it's a good option for winter hiking too.

While the provided information does not explicitly state the dog policy for this specific trail, most metro parks in Ohio allow leashed dogs on trails. It's always best to check the official Blacklick Woods Metro Park website for their current pet regulations before your visit.

Generally, Ohio Metro Parks, including Blacklick Woods Metro Park, do not charge entrance fees or require permits for day use. Parking is typically free. However, it's always a good idea to check the park's official website for any updates or specific event-related fees.

Yes, the Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trails can be combined with the Walter A. Tucker Trail to form a loop of approximately 2 miles. The route also passes through sections of the Maple Loop, Beech Trail, and Walter A Tucker Trail.

The trail is located within Blacklick Woods Metro Park, which is a National Natural Landmark and part of the Old-Growth Forest Network. A significant highlight is the Canopy Walk, a 600-foot boardwalk reaching 40 feet into the treetops, offering a unique perspective of the forest canopy with adventure elements and ADA accessibility.

The Buttonbush, Maple, and Beech Trails are individual trails that can be hiked as separate shorter loops or combined with the Walter A. Tucker Trail to create a larger loop of approximately 2 miles.

While Blacklick Woods Metro Park has other trails, the Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trails are particularly known for being more scenic and secluded than the park's longer Multipurpose Trail. They offer a deep dive into diverse forest ecosystems, including one of Ohio's few remaining Buttonbush swamps, and feature extensive boardwalks through wet areas.