Advanced Hiking Near Me

Trails & Ales! Quarry Trails Metro Park / Knotty Pine Brewing

**History** Before [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) became a dynamic hub for outdoor enthusiasts, it was part of the historic Marble Cliff Quarry, which was once the largest contiguous limestone quarry in the United States. For over a century, workers excavated millions of tons of limestone from this massive site bordering the Scioto River. If you have ever admired the grand architecture of the Ohio Statehouse downtown or cheered from the stands at Ohio Stadium, you have already seen the very stone pulled from this ground. The quarry was an industrial powerhouse that literally laid the foundations for some of Columbus’s most iconic landmarks. As the 20th century progressed, the intense mining operations began to wind down, leaving behind a scarred, industrial wasteland of deep pits and rugged cliffs. For decades, this massive stretch of land sat largely forgotten and off-limits to the public, hidden just a few miles west of downtown Columbus. However, the leaders at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks saw immense potential in the abandoned terrain. They recognized a rare opportunity to reclaim a disrupted landscape and transform it into a unique urban oasis. By acquiring a portion of the historic quarry site, the park system set out to fulfill a long-term goal of putting a Metro Park within five miles of every Franklin County resident. The vision became a reality on November 30, 2021, when Quarry Trails officially opened to the public as Central Ohio's 20th metro park. The opening marked a dramatic shift in how the city approaches green spaces by blending rugged, repurposed industrial elements with modern park design. Instead of erasing the site's mining past, the park preserves the sheer limestone faces and deep water pockets left behind by decades of excavation. Central Ohioans quickly adopted the park, marveling at how a former industrial zone could be so quickly converted into a sanctuary for both wildlife and people. Among the park's most stunning features is Millikin Falls, a picturesque 25-foot waterfall that cascades over ancient limestone steps into a tranquil pool below. Visitors can walk along the ADA-accessible boardwalks, hike scenic loop trails, or search for prehistoric fossils embedded in the rock walls. The old quarry pits were filled to create pristine lakes like Swan Lake and Turtle Cove, which are now popular spots for catch-and-release fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The clever engineering repurposed the harsh terrain to give locals access to water sports and dramatic waterfront vistas right in their backyard. In May 2023, the park cemented its reputation for high adventure by opening the nation’s first urban Via Ferrata. This specialized climbing route allows thrill-seekers to traverse a 160-foot-tall canyon wall using steel rungs, ladders, and a suspension bridge dangling 100 feet in the air. Alongside a single-track mountain bike course, a sledding hill, and an off-leash dog park, Quarry Trails offers an array of specialized recreation rarely found near a major city center. Today, the park stands as a nationally recognized testament to urban renewal, proving that even the most heavily mined landscapes can be given a vibrant second life. **Maps of the Park** Here is the 2025 [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). Here is the 2026 [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/QTR_map_1980px_2026_RGB_vg.jpg). Ignoring the new names they've added to some things, you can see they've also added a new leg to the Redback Loop Trail, a new giant hammocks, and some new restrooms. **Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles, which is at the low end of what I typically like to do for a *Trails & Ales* hike. I generally shoot for around five miles. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out faster than other parks, probably because we actually spend so much time walking on pavement or solid gravel, and because of Quarry Trails' elevation changes. So try not to think of this as "only" a four-mile hike. It tests people. This might be the only place I hike where I rarely wear my [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W). **Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. We will meet at the Quarry Trails Lake Area, the actual address for which is [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). You can also use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and trust it to take you to the correct place; it might not. We will meet by the new restrooms they've just built here by the playground. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/) for [drinks](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/drink-selection) and [food](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1). Its actual address is [1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1765+W+3rd+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43212/@39.9852903,-83.0529464,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388e492557f22d:0x9b85a34e73c9216f!8m2!3d39.9852903!4d-83.0529464!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3zlktd?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTAxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's about an eight or nine minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. They have a nice covered outdoor porch if weather permits. The brewery has a small parking lot, but street parking if you need it shouldn't be excruciatingly difficult to find. And, unless they've added parking meters since last I was there, street parking is free. Please note that there is a business unrelated to the brewery that has its own parking lot right next to the brewery. Unless this business has recently changed its policy, they do not want people using their lot. I don't know if they're open on Saturdays to actually enforce this, but I personally am not interested in being the guinea pig to test their parking restrictions. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

Hiking at Sharon Woods

Meet at the Maple Grove picnic area for a 4 mile hike at 18 min/mile pace.

Blendon Woods Hike

Meet at the Nature Center parking lot at Blendon Woods to hike the Sugarbush, Hickory Ridge, Overlook, and Brookside trails approximately 4 miles at 18 min/mile pace. Optional lunch if there is interest :)

Hiking at Sharon Woods

Meet at the Maple Grove picnic area for a 4 mile hike at 18 min/mile pace.

Blendon Woods Hike

Meet at the Nature Center parking lot at Blendon Woods to hike the Sugarbush, Hickory Ridge, Overlook, and Brookside trails approximately 4 miles at 18 min/mile pace. Optional lunch if there is interest :)

Blendonwood Ravine Day Hike, 10:30 am

Two/five miles fitness hike at Highbanks (Oak Coves)

Free yoga

Hike Blendon Woods

Let's meet at the Nature Center parking lot to hike some miles. We'll string together trails to try to get to 4 miles and can always walk the road if anyone is interested in additional miles. I usually walk a 19-20ish minute mile; faster paces are always welcome. Optional lunch following at Harry Buffalo in Westerville at 6150 Souith Sunbury Rd, Westerville.

Hike Sharon Woods, 17-20ish pace

Hike Sharon Woods, we can meet at the Maple Grove Picnic Shelter. We can see how the group is feeling and go up to 4 miles. We can lunch at Northstar Cafe afterwards if there is enough interest.

NOTE NEW DATE!!! Old Beechwold; What You Don't Know May Surprise You

On this tour we'll enjoy a 2.5 miles stroll through beautiful Old Beechwold. We'll learn about its unique origin, discuss its transformations through time, and witness its hidden gems. Due to the lack of any sidewalks and the narrow, winding roads here the tour size is limited. If you have weak knees or balance issues please bring a hiking pole or two as we may go "off trail" for a bit of our tour, depending on interest. We can discuss lunch options afterward for those folks who would like to go to lunch nearby. I will cancel this tour in the event of likely rain.

Hike High Banks Metro Park

Let's hike approximately 4 miles at an 18 min/mile.