Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
@cbusmetroparks.bsky.social
20 natural area parks with 230 miles of trails & over 28,000 acres of land in seven Central Ohio counties.
https://sprout.link/cbusmetroparks
https://sprout.link/cbusmetroparks
Join us for the Winter Hike Celebration on February 22nd at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course from 11am to 3pm❄️
If you can't make this event, no worries! Just follow the instructions on your card or in the app.
More info: https://bit.ly/3EdTHCi
#cbusmetroparks
If you can't make this event, no worries! Just follow the instructions on your card or in the app.
More info: https://bit.ly/3EdTHCi
#cbusmetroparks
February 4, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Join us for the Winter Hike Celebration on February 22nd at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course from 11am to 3pm❄️
If you can't make this event, no worries! Just follow the instructions on your card or in the app.
More info: https://bit.ly/3EdTHCi
#cbusmetroparks
If you can't make this event, no worries! Just follow the instructions on your card or in the app.
More info: https://bit.ly/3EdTHCi
#cbusmetroparks
Metro Parks are home to some incredible wetlands, and that's why we're celebrating World Wetlands Day 🐸 These water-rich ecosystems filter water, prevent floods, and provide homes for countless critters!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Killdeer at Glacier Ridge, Edith Wood
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Killdeer at Glacier Ridge, Edith Wood
February 2, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Metro Parks are home to some incredible wetlands, and that's why we're celebrating World Wetlands Day 🐸 These water-rich ecosystems filter water, prevent floods, and provide homes for countless critters!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Killdeer at Glacier Ridge, Edith Wood
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Killdeer at Glacier Ridge, Edith Wood
Cold days, cozy layers, and plenty to explore ❄️
February programs here! From guided hikes to Galentine's Day fun, there's plenty to explore this month at your Metro Parks 💕
Find more details and addresses by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
February programs here! From guided hikes to Galentine's Day fun, there's plenty to explore this month at your Metro Parks 💕
Find more details and addresses by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Upcoming Events - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Upcoming Events - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System -
bit.ly
January 31, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Cold days, cozy layers, and plenty to explore ❄️
February programs here! From guided hikes to Galentine's Day fun, there's plenty to explore this month at your Metro Parks 💕
Find more details and addresses by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
February programs here! From guided hikes to Galentine's Day fun, there's plenty to explore this month at your Metro Parks 💕
Find more details and addresses by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve is located within Highbanks, spanning 206 acres, along the Overlook Trail. This nature preserve features 100-foot high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River 🪨
#cbusmetroparks
Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve is located within Highbanks, spanning 206 acres, along the Overlook Trail. This nature preserve features 100-foot high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River 🪨
#cbusmetroparks
January 30, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve is located within Highbanks, spanning 206 acres, along the Overlook Trail. This nature preserve features 100-foot high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River 🪨
#cbusmetroparks
Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve is located within Highbanks, spanning 206 acres, along the Overlook Trail. This nature preserve features 100-foot high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River 🪨
#cbusmetroparks
Metro Parks staff have captured some gorgeous photos of the parks while they're out clearing snow this week ❄️
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Tall pines at Walnut Woods, Ranger Mindi; barn at Slate Run Farm, Alli Shaw; Innis House, Ranger Bryan; Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails, Quarry Trails staff
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Tall pines at Walnut Woods, Ranger Mindi; barn at Slate Run Farm, Alli Shaw; Innis House, Ranger Bryan; Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails, Quarry Trails staff
January 29, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Metro Parks staff have captured some gorgeous photos of the parks while they're out clearing snow this week ❄️
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Tall pines at Walnut Woods, Ranger Mindi; barn at Slate Run Farm, Alli Shaw; Innis House, Ranger Bryan; Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails, Quarry Trails staff
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Tall pines at Walnut Woods, Ranger Mindi; barn at Slate Run Farm, Alli Shaw; Innis House, Ranger Bryan; Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails, Quarry Trails staff
We heard 2016 was trending, so we're throwing it back 💚
Same parks, same love for the outdoors, just 10 years ago!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 toasting marshmallows at Scioto Grove, John Nixon; Yappy Hour at Scioto Audubon, Angela Latham
Same parks, same love for the outdoors, just 10 years ago!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 toasting marshmallows at Scioto Grove, John Nixon; Yappy Hour at Scioto Audubon, Angela Latham
January 28, 2026 at 6:42 PM
We heard 2016 was trending, so we're throwing it back 💚
Same parks, same love for the outdoors, just 10 years ago!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 toasting marshmallows at Scioto Grove, John Nixon; Yappy Hour at Scioto Audubon, Angela Latham
Same parks, same love for the outdoors, just 10 years ago!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 toasting marshmallows at Scioto Grove, John Nixon; Yappy Hour at Scioto Audubon, Angela Latham
From wartime strategy in the European Alps to an urban adventure right here in Columbus 🧗♀️ Learn the fascinating history behind via ferratas—and how Quarry Trails Metro Park became part of a nearly 200-year-old global legacy. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3NvGRY6
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
From War Strategy to Recreation: The History of Via Ferratas - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
From War Strategy to Recreation: The History of Via Ferratas - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - EVELYN P HILGEMAN Outdoor Adventure Programmer Via ferratas may seem like a modern adventurous p...
bit.ly
January 25, 2026 at 6:43 PM
From wartime strategy in the European Alps to an urban adventure right here in Columbus 🧗♀️ Learn the fascinating history behind via ferratas—and how Quarry Trails Metro Park became part of a nearly 200-year-old global legacy. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3NvGRY6
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
January's photo of the month comes from Slate Run Living Historical Farm, and features Chester the farm cat 🐈 You may see him roaming around the farmhouse while you're there!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Cyndi Griffith, via OuterSpatial
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Cyndi Griffith, via OuterSpatial
January 24, 2026 at 7:18 PM
January's photo of the month comes from Slate Run Living Historical Farm, and features Chester the farm cat 🐈 You may see him roaming around the farmhouse while you're there!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Cyndi Griffith, via OuterSpatial
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Cyndi Griffith, via OuterSpatial
Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
Clear Creek State Nature Preserve, a part of Clear Creek Metro Park, is Ohio's largest nature preserve, spanning 4,729 acres. Over 800 plant species have been recorded & 18 species of warblers!
#cbusmetroparks
Clear Creek State Nature Preserve, a part of Clear Creek Metro Park, is Ohio's largest nature preserve, spanning 4,729 acres. Over 800 plant species have been recorded & 18 species of warblers!
#cbusmetroparks
January 23, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks?
Clear Creek State Nature Preserve, a part of Clear Creek Metro Park, is Ohio's largest nature preserve, spanning 4,729 acres. Over 800 plant species have been recorded & 18 species of warblers!
#cbusmetroparks
Clear Creek State Nature Preserve, a part of Clear Creek Metro Park, is Ohio's largest nature preserve, spanning 4,729 acres. Over 800 plant species have been recorded & 18 species of warblers!
#cbusmetroparks
Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day 🐿️ Love them or laugh at them, squirrels are an important part of healthy park ecosystems. They help forests grow by burying seeds they don't always come back for!
📸 Josh Courtney, Christoper Brinkman, Adam Brandemihl
📸 Josh Courtney, Christoper Brinkman, Adam Brandemihl
January 21, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day 🐿️ Love them or laugh at them, squirrels are an important part of healthy park ecosystems. They help forests grow by burying seeds they don't always come back for!
📸 Josh Courtney, Christoper Brinkman, Adam Brandemihl
📸 Josh Courtney, Christoper Brinkman, Adam Brandemihl
February is the last month to complete our annual Winter Hikes series!
You can still get your card stamped or check in on the app until February 22nd. Join us at Blacklick Woods Golf Course on February 22nd to get your patch for hiking 7 parks ⛳
#cbusmetroparks
You can still get your card stamped or check in on the app until February 22nd. Join us at Blacklick Woods Golf Course on February 22nd to get your patch for hiking 7 parks ⛳
#cbusmetroparks
January 18, 2026 at 6:24 PM
February is the last month to complete our annual Winter Hikes series!
You can still get your card stamped or check in on the app until February 22nd. Join us at Blacklick Woods Golf Course on February 22nd to get your patch for hiking 7 parks ⛳
#cbusmetroparks
You can still get your card stamped or check in on the app until February 22nd. Join us at Blacklick Woods Golf Course on February 22nd to get your patch for hiking 7 parks ⛳
#cbusmetroparks
In 2025, surveyors counted over 5,000 species of birds in the Metro Parks, including three new species that we've never seen in the parks before 🐦
Read all the results of the 2025 surveys: https://bit.ly/456i8ji
#cbusmetroparks
Read all the results of the 2025 surveys: https://bit.ly/456i8ji
#cbusmetroparks
2025 Resource Management Annual Biotic Survey Highlights - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
2025 Resource Management Annual Biotic Survey Highlights - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - ELAINE HALL Assistant Resource Manager Each year, Metro Parks conducts a variety of biotic surveys t...
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January 17, 2026 at 7:02 PM
In 2025, surveyors counted over 5,000 species of birds in the Metro Parks, including three new species that we've never seen in the parks before 🐦
Read all the results of the 2025 surveys: https://bit.ly/456i8ji
#cbusmetroparks
Read all the results of the 2025 surveys: https://bit.ly/456i8ji
#cbusmetroparks
It's always a good day to be at the Metro Parks, but we think winter is extra special ❄️
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
January 16, 2026 at 9:13 PM
It's always a good day to be at the Metro Parks, but we think winter is extra special ❄️
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
📍 Alum Creek Greenway Trail, Three Creeks Metro Park
This trail follows Alum Creek & crosses a 300-foot bridge below the confluence of the Alum, Big Walnut, & Blacklick creeks. The section through Three Creeks is an easy 7 miles, where you can hike or bike!
#cbusmetroparks
This trail follows Alum Creek & crosses a 300-foot bridge below the confluence of the Alum, Big Walnut, & Blacklick creeks. The section through Three Creeks is an easy 7 miles, where you can hike or bike!
#cbusmetroparks
January 14, 2026 at 5:55 PM
📍 Alum Creek Greenway Trail, Three Creeks Metro Park
This trail follows Alum Creek & crosses a 300-foot bridge below the confluence of the Alum, Big Walnut, & Blacklick creeks. The section through Three Creeks is an easy 7 miles, where you can hike or bike!
#cbusmetroparks
This trail follows Alum Creek & crosses a 300-foot bridge below the confluence of the Alum, Big Walnut, & Blacklick creeks. The section through Three Creeks is an easy 7 miles, where you can hike or bike!
#cbusmetroparks
Winter brings all sorts of fun surprises on the trails🐾 From snowy prints to muddy tracks, animals are out exploring too. Next time you’re hiking, take a moment to spot the little footprints, who knows what adorable visitors you’ll discover! Happy exploring!
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
January 11, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Winter brings all sorts of fun surprises on the trails🐾 From snowy prints to muddy tracks, animals are out exploring too. Next time you’re hiking, take a moment to spot the little footprints, who knows what adorable visitors you’ll discover! Happy exploring!
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
Today is Save the Eagles Day 🦅
Bald Eagles have one of the best comeback stories in our country, going from an all time low of 417 known nesting pairs in 1963, to an estimated 71,400 nesting pairs in recent years!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 John Anderson
Bald Eagles have one of the best comeback stories in our country, going from an all time low of 417 known nesting pairs in 1963, to an estimated 71,400 nesting pairs in recent years!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 John Anderson
January 10, 2026 at 7:04 PM
Today is Save the Eagles Day 🦅
Bald Eagles have one of the best comeback stories in our country, going from an all time low of 417 known nesting pairs in 1963, to an estimated 71,400 nesting pairs in recent years!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 John Anderson
Bald Eagles have one of the best comeback stories in our country, going from an all time low of 417 known nesting pairs in 1963, to an estimated 71,400 nesting pairs in recent years!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 John Anderson
It's always a good day for a picnic at the parks - even kestrels enjoy lunch with a view!
These falcons are skilled predators, often catching prey like insects and small mammals.
#cbusmetroparks
📸 J Elwood Guy
These falcons are skilled predators, often catching prey like insects and small mammals.
#cbusmetroparks
📸 J Elwood Guy
January 9, 2026 at 8:53 PM
It's always a good day for a picnic at the parks - even kestrels enjoy lunch with a view!
These falcons are skilled predators, often catching prey like insects and small mammals.
#cbusmetroparks
📸 J Elwood Guy
These falcons are skilled predators, often catching prey like insects and small mammals.
#cbusmetroparks
📸 J Elwood Guy
Black bears are rare in Ohio, but reports do occasionally happen, and they are a part of a bigger story about how wildlife is slowly reclaiming space in our forests 🐻
Our latest blog breaks it all down: https://bit.ly/4jdRoDi
#cbusmetroparks
Our latest blog breaks it all down: https://bit.ly/4jdRoDi
#cbusmetroparks
Seen a black bear recently? - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Seen a black bear recently? - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - TIFFANY GUO Guest Blogger When I was a seasonal naturalist over this past summer at Glacier Ridge, I followed Catie, the senior n...
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January 6, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Black bears are rare in Ohio, but reports do occasionally happen, and they are a part of a bigger story about how wildlife is slowly reclaiming space in our forests 🐻
Our latest blog breaks it all down: https://bit.ly/4jdRoDi
#cbusmetroparks
Our latest blog breaks it all down: https://bit.ly/4jdRoDi
#cbusmetroparks
It's National Bird Day! From backyard songbirds to soaring raptors, birds help keep our ecosystems healthy, while connecting us to nature wherever we are 🐦
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Sarah Throckmorton
Birds, in order: Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, Northern Flicker
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Sarah Throckmorton
Birds, in order: Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, Northern Flicker
January 5, 2026 at 6:09 PM
It's National Bird Day! From backyard songbirds to soaring raptors, birds help keep our ecosystems healthy, while connecting us to nature wherever we are 🐦
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Sarah Throckmorton
Birds, in order: Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, Northern Flicker
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Sarah Throckmorton
Birds, in order: Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, Northern Flicker
Our Christmas Tree recycling program is back at Highbanks. Drop off your live Christmas trees from January 1st - 16th at the Mansion & Northern Shelters. These trees will be used to mulch the natural play area & other parts of the park.
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
January 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Our Christmas Tree recycling program is back at Highbanks. Drop off your live Christmas trees from January 1st - 16th at the Mansion & Northern Shelters. These trees will be used to mulch the natural play area & other parts of the park.
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
New Year, New Programs
Our January programs are live! Check out a few that we've highlighted in the post, or visit our website to find a full list.
Don't forget! We have Winter Hikes events every Saturday and Sunday in January. Find Winter Hikes events: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Our January programs are live! Check out a few that we've highlighted in the post, or visit our website to find a full list.
Don't forget! We have Winter Hikes events every Saturday and Sunday in January. Find Winter Hikes events: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
January 1, 2026 at 8:51 PM
New Year, New Programs
Our January programs are live! Check out a few that we've highlighted in the post, or visit our website to find a full list.
Don't forget! We have Winter Hikes events every Saturday and Sunday in January. Find Winter Hikes events: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Our January programs are live! Check out a few that we've highlighted in the post, or visit our website to find a full list.
Don't forget! We have Winter Hikes events every Saturday and Sunday in January. Find Winter Hikes events: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
We've had a ton of fun in 2025🎉This year has brought unforgettable moments - from exciting events to spontaneous outdoor fun. Here's to having even more adventures in 2026!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground, Summer Camp, Scioto Fest, Winter Hikes
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground, Summer Camp, Scioto Fest, Winter Hikes
December 31, 2025 at 5:48 PM
We've had a ton of fun in 2025🎉This year has brought unforgettable moments - from exciting events to spontaneous outdoor fun. Here's to having even more adventures in 2026!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground, Summer Camp, Scioto Fest, Winter Hikes
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground, Summer Camp, Scioto Fest, Winter Hikes
Winter looks even better through your lens ❄️ Thanks to everyone who shared photos from their winter hikes!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 (in order): Rick Shears, Jess Carvey, Karlie Svebakken, Kaleb Reed
#cbusmetroparks
📸 (in order): Rick Shears, Jess Carvey, Karlie Svebakken, Kaleb Reed
December 30, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Winter looks even better through your lens ❄️ Thanks to everyone who shared photos from their winter hikes!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 (in order): Rick Shears, Jess Carvey, Karlie Svebakken, Kaleb Reed
#cbusmetroparks
📸 (in order): Rick Shears, Jess Carvey, Karlie Svebakken, Kaleb Reed
Reposted by Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Not having a @cbusmetroparks.bsky.social in the top three is blasphemy! columbusunderground.com/the-top-10-c...
The Top 10 Columbus Parks of 2025 - Columbus Underground
When it's time to get off the internet and touch grass, where do you like to go? We asked our readers to share their favorite parks with us in our annual reader survey.
columbusunderground.com
December 25, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Not having a @cbusmetroparks.bsky.social in the top three is blasphemy! columbusunderground.com/the-top-10-c...
Got a Question About Nature? Ask a Ranger or a Naturalist!
Whether it's about wildlife, plants, park history, outdoor recreation, or the behind-the-scenes work, our staff is here to help you connect with the natural world.
Submit your questions: https://bit.ly/3YAeGtj
#cbusmetroparks
Whether it's about wildlife, plants, park history, outdoor recreation, or the behind-the-scenes work, our staff is here to help you connect with the natural world.
Submit your questions: https://bit.ly/3YAeGtj
#cbusmetroparks
Got a Question About Nature? Ask a Ranger or a Naturalist! - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Got a Question About Nature? Ask a Ranger or a Naturalist! - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - Curious about something you saw on the trail? Wondering why owls hoot at night, how salamanders fi...
bit.ly
December 28, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Got a Question About Nature? Ask a Ranger or a Naturalist!
Whether it's about wildlife, plants, park history, outdoor recreation, or the behind-the-scenes work, our staff is here to help you connect with the natural world.
Submit your questions: https://bit.ly/3YAeGtj
#cbusmetroparks
Whether it's about wildlife, plants, park history, outdoor recreation, or the behind-the-scenes work, our staff is here to help you connect with the natural world.
Submit your questions: https://bit.ly/3YAeGtj
#cbusmetroparks