Slate Run Metro Park
Ashville, Ohio
Hike and Horseback
Slate Run Metro Park isn't resting on slate rock -- settlers mistook the dark soil for 350-million year old slate. It's actually shale, a soft rock made from clay deposited by water about 350 million years ago. Slate Run features a variety of habitats ranging from the open areas of grasslands, wetlands and meadows to the forested areas of beech, oak, hickory and sugar maple.
More Information
Slate Run - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Slate Run features a variety of habitats ranging from the open areas of grasslands, wetlands and meadows to the forested areas of beech, oak, hickory and sugar maple. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at the 1,705-acre park. Sandhill cranes have nested in the 156-acre wetland and the northern bobwhite quail have been reintroduced in the park.
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Ashville, Ohio
- Head west on Plum St toward Long St (128 ft)
- Turn right onto Long St (0.6 mi)
- Turn right onto OH-752 E (4.5 mi)
- Turn right to stay on OH-752 E (2.1 mi)
- Turn left onto OH-674 N (2.4 mi)
- Turn leftDestination will be on the left(72 ft)
From I-270, take U.S. 33 east toward Lancaster to the Canal Winchester/S.R. 674 exit. Turn right onto Gender Road/S.R. 674 and go about two miles until it dead-ends into Lithopolis Road. Turn left and go about 1/2 mile to S.R. 674. Turn right and go about four miles to the entrance on the right. Once inside the park, go past the ranger station and take the first road left and follow the signs to the farm.
Other Hiking Trails and Horseback Trails Nearby
Battelle Darby Creek
Grove City, Ohio
22.1 miles NWThe largest Columbus Metro Park at over 7,000 acres — 20-plus miles of riparian forest along the nationally noted Big and Little Darby Creeks, rich in aquatic and terrestrial diversity.
Cross-country Ski, Hike
Blendon Woods Metro Park
Westerville, Ohio
22.5 miles NSpectacular stream-cut ravines in a beech-maple forest, a 118-acre waterfowl refuge with spotting scopes, 220 bird species sighted, and over 5 miles of trails to explore.
Cross-country Ski, Hike
Deer Creek State Park
Mount Sterling, Ohio
24.2 miles WA 2,337-acre resort park centered on a 1,700-foot swimming lake with two boat ramps, 232 campsites, 7 miles of trails, an 18-hole golf course, and a full marina with boat rentals.
Camp, Disc Golf, Hike, Mountain Bike, Sled, Swim
Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Hilliard, Ohio
26.9 miles NWNearly 500 acres of lush prairies bursting with ashy sunflower, royal catchfly, and purple coneflower, set against the scenic Big Darby State and National Scenic River.
Cross-country Ski, Hike, Horseback
Hocking Hills State Park
Logan, Ohio
27.4 miles SESandstone rock outcrops, deep cool gorges, and waterfalls define six scenic park areas in Hocking Hills, where white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and box turtles are regular sightings.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike
Heritage Trail Park
Hilliard, Ohio
28.6 miles NWA 4-acre off-leash dog park with tunnels, hills, agility features, and a dog sprinkle area, plus 7 miles of heritage rail trail through Franklin and Madison Counties.
Cross-country Ski, Hike, Horseback
Highbanks Metro Park
Lewis Center, Ohio
29.1 miles NA 100-foot shale bluff towering over the Olentangy Scenic River, with deep ravines, exposed fossils, large concretions, and a National Natural Landmark designation.
Cross-country Ski, Hike
Sugar Maple Hiking Trail Madison Lake State Park
London, Ohio
30.2 miles WA peaceful half-mile Sugar Maple Hiking Trail winds through woodlands and along the shoreline of small, serene Madison Lake — a quiet Darby Plains escape for anglers, canoeists, and rowers.
Hike
Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Plain City, Ohio
31.9 miles NWA restored 250-acre wetland, a 25-foot observation tower, a boardwalk through the marsh, and trails through aster and goldenrod fields in this glacier-heritage Metro Park.
Hike, Horseback
Delaware State Park
Delaware, Ohio
45.1 miles NDense woodlands, expansive meadows, and a shimmering 1,300-acre reservoir combine in this 1,686-acre park that offers camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Camp, Cross-country Ski, HikeNearby Campsites
Deer Creek State Park
Mount Sterling, Ohio
24.2 miles WA 2,337-acre resort park centered on a 1,700-foot swimming lake with two boat ramps, 232 campsites, 7 miles of trails, an 18-hole golf course, and a full marina with boat rentals.
Camp, Disc Golf, Hike, Mountain Bike, Sled, Swim
Hocking Hills State Park
Logan, Ohio
27.4 miles SESandstone rock outcrops, deep cool gorges, and waterfalls define six scenic park areas in Hocking Hills, where white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and box turtles are regular sightings.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike
Berkshire Lake Campgrounds
Galena, Ohio
32.6 miles NA family-owned campground 10 miles north of Columbus with full hookups, a swimming pool, fishing lake, restaurant, kids' activities every Saturday, and year-round camping options.
Camp
Cross Creek Camping Resort
Delaware, Ohio
33.8 miles NA family-oriented camping resort in Ohio rated highly by Woodalls, Trailer Life, and Good Sam — themed weekends, beautiful surroundings, and lasting campfire memories.
Camp
Alum Creek State Park
Delaware, Ohio
34.6 miles NA 3,000-foot swimming beach, 286 electric campsites with Wi-Fi, and a 3,300-acre lake open to all watercraft — Alum Creek delivers a full-featured outdoor day or weekend.
Camp, Cross-country Ski, Mountain Bike
Delaware State Park
Delaware, Ohio
45.1 miles NDense woodlands, expansive meadows, and a shimmering 1,300-acre reservoir combine in this 1,686-acre park that offers camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Camp, Cross-country Ski, Hike
Buck Creek State Park Campground
Springfield, Ohio
49.7 miles WA 2,120-acre lake surrounded by wetlands, meadows, and diverse wildlife anchors this 1,896-acre park rich in Ohio history and endless water-based recreation.
Camp, Swim
