Posted in Columbus September 15, 2017 by

The Hiking Trail Hiding In Columbus That Will Transport You To Another World

If you’re looking for an unbelievable trail to hike in Columbus, check out the Sycamore Plains Trail at Prairie Oaks Metro Park. Sitting just outside I-270 and 25 minutes away from downtown, the park has nearly 500 acres of prairies, grasslands, and woods, all restored using seeds native to the area.

Prairie Oaks has many hiking areas, as well as a designated dog swimming area on the north end of the park. The southwest side has a wooded bridle trail, but the southeast side is where the best trails hides: the Sycamore Plains Trail.

Prairie Oaks Metro Park is located at 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Rd., West Jefferson, OH 43162.
Google Maps
It's a big park, so if you want to hike the Sycamore Plains Trail, park at the Sycamore Plains entrance.
Columbus Metro Parks
This trail includes the Sycamore Plains, Osage Orange, and Tallgrass Trails. The whole trail is 2.2 miles long.
©Sonya Afanasyeva
In the wooded portions, you will walk through gorgeous, tall sycamore trees with small creeks and quaint bridges along the trail.
Bob Green/Flickr
You will also frequently pass Darby Creek.
©Sonya Afanasyeva
Leashed dogs are permitted on this trail, so this can be a fun opportunity for your four-legged friends to splash in the water!
Once you're out of the woods, you will find lush grasslands.
Bob Green/Flickr
Take the time to appreciate the incredible native wildflowers that grow along the trail!
©Sonya Afanasyeva
If you're lucky, you might spot some deer!
Mark Romesser/MetroParks
Deer are frequently spotted in many of Columbus's metro parks, and Prairie Oaks is no exception.
Take in the beauty of the luscious sycamore trees.
©Sonya Afanasyeva
On a hot sunny day, you will almost feel like you are in a dense jungle. Sycamore trees are known to be a good shade provider. Make sure you look up to get a glimpse of their gorgeous canopy.
The Sycamore Plains Trail always offers a unique experience.
Mark Thomas/MetroParks
If you've hiked it during the day, next time come during the sunset or in the early morning for a whole different trip!

View a more detailed park map of Prairie Oaks for more details and get exploring!

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Address: 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Rd., West Jefferson, OH 43162