- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Prairie Oaks Metro Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
3 reviews for Prairie Oaks Metro Park
3 reviews in English
-
Review from Meredith M.
Columbus, OH
Updated - 10/27/2008
The park was great this weekend and because it was not busy due to the WAG Festival we got to explore much more. We hiked about 3 of the trails. We ran into a fisherman who was not having any luck but said he does frequent here and is usually successful-the lakes contain Perch, Trout, Catfish, and Crappy.
I checked out the bathroom and they were open and clean.
I also learned that one of the trails is open for XC Skiing in the winter-Can't wait to try that!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/11/2008 First to Review
Terrific park for dogs! Park choices are pretty limited on the Westside for dogs. In fact most of… Read more »
-
-
Review from Mike E.
Columbus, OH
1/20/2011
Prairie Oaks Metro Park is a very nice location for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding. I went recently for one of the "Winter Hikes" put on by the Columbus Metro Parks and I was pleasantly surprised by my great experience. Keep in mind that there are a few different entrances to the park, which should not matter on most occasions. However, you won't mistake the main entrance as anything but, as there are three big parking lots and a pavilion to indicate it as the main entrance. By the pavilion there is a fire pit as well, which comes in handy when you are on a "winter hike," be it official or unofficial.
There are long and winding paths for hiking, and some designated specifically for horseback riding. Be sure to really sit and study the maps, however, as the trails are very confusing (they really need to make their maps not so confusing...maybe I am just a bit dense with directions). There are also two big ponds, one of which is specifically for dogs to swim in (or for them to frolic on top of when it is frozen over in the winter).
The scenery is fantastic here...the lakes make everything look and feel calm and serene, and the trails have great views (none of which involve skyscrapers...you can't complain about that). The path crosses over the Big Darby Creek via a pretty impressive bridge...and the paths wind through open fields and forested areas alike.
Head outside the 270 Loop and get some fresh air at Praire Oaks Metro Park! -
Review from Carla D.
Columbus, OH
1/21/2009 3 photos
There are a few of the metro parks that you might not think that you are still in the Columbus area. Prairie Oaks Metro Park is one of those. This park is on the fringe of the metropolitan area where the farmland starts and because of that is serenely silent except for the sounds of nature. A name like Prairie Oaks is deceiving as the landscape is rolling hills with lots of wooded area, lakes as well as the Big Darby Creek. Don't get me wrong, there are some open grassy areas. It was named for the many bur oak trees and prairies that once thrived in the area, which is known as the Till Plains and was created by glaciers many, many moons ago. Spring and summer bring vast arrays of wildflowers, such as ashy sunflower and royal catchfly. Wildlife is rich at Prairie Oaks with birds, mice, squirrels, coyote and deer.
Hiking is a major activity and the rolling hills provide some resistance for a cardio workout, especially when there's snow on the ground. Unlike the more urban parks, these trails are not paved. The trails vary in degree, from fairly level like the Bridle and Coneflower Trails, to steep hills and uneven terrain like the Osage and the Sycamore Plains Trails. At Prairie Oaks you can bike, horseback ride and cross country ski, but not on all trails. Pets are allowed on some trails, but must be on leashes. Canoeing and fishing can be done in the lakes and Big Darby Creek. Programs include hikes like a lantern walk, coyote calling and star gazing.
