Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail

The full Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail spans approximately 14.7 to 18 miles. While komoot estimates a hike of about 3 hours and 40 minutes for a 14.3 km section, the total time will vary depending on your pace and how much of the trail you cover. Given its length, many users choose to hike sections rather than the entire route in one go.

The trail features a diverse and generally easy terrain. It is predominantly paved, making it smooth for walking, running, and cycling. Some sections consist of hard-packed crushed limestone, and there's a short dirt segment through Portman Park that can get muddy after rain. The route is largely flat with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for most users.

Yes, the trail is considered easy and is very suitable for beginners and families. Its largely flat and paved surface, combined with minimal elevation gain, makes it an excellent choice for those new to hiking or with young children. The diverse scenery and connection to metro parks also offer plenty of interest for all ages.

You can expect picturesque views as the trail largely parallels Blacklick Creek, offering glimpses of the water, wooded areas, and open fields, often maintained in a natural prairie state. This green corridor provides a tranquil escape through diverse landscapes and connects several small parks, as well as three major regional parks: Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, and Three Creeks Metro Park. Blacklick Woods Metro Park is particularly known for its unspoiled prairies, wetlands, and groves of maple and beech tree woodlands.

The trail is enjoyable throughout the year, with each season offering its own unique charm. Spring brings new growth and blooming wildflowers, while summer offers lush greenery. Fall is particularly scenic with vibrant foliage, and even winter provides a peaceful, quiet experience. For birdwatching, the abundant tree canopy in Blacklick Woods Metro Park makes it excellent during migration seasons.

The trail connects to several metro parks, which provide ample parking and convenient trailhead access. You can find parking at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, and Three Creeks Metro Park, among other smaller parks along the route. These locations often offer additional amenities like restrooms.

Yes, the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail is dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all trail users and wildlife.

No, there are generally no fees or permits required to access the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail itself or to enter Blacklick Woods Metro Park. The metro parks are free and open to the public, providing accessible outdoor recreation for everyone.

Yes, the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail is a significant component of the central Ohio Greenway Network. It connects to other trails, such as the Alum Creek Greenway Trail, allowing for extended explorations. The route also passes through sections of the Blacklick Creek Trail, Beech Trail, and Buttonbush Trail.

Yes, the trail's integration with multiple metro parks means that hikers have access to amenities. Restrooms and running water are typically available at various trailheads located within Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, and Three Creeks Metro Park.

The diverse habitats along the trail, including wooded areas, prairies, and wetlands, support a variety of wildlife. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, in particular, is an excellent location for birdwatching due to its abundant tree canopy. You might also spot small mammals, various insects, and aquatic life in Blacklick Creek.