Shale Hollow Park
Discover Shale Hollow Park, a serene Delaware County gem with a wading creek, unique shale formations, and peaceful woodland trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool creek fun awaits!
Shale Hollow Park
Best Time
Cool creek fun awaits!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Shale Hollow Park, a serene Delaware County gem with a wading creek, unique shale formations, and peaceful woodland trails.
"A beautiful hidden gem with a creek that made the entire visit worth it!"
🥾 Bring Water Shoes!
Essential for creek play! Regular shoes will get soaked. Water shoes are highly recommended.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Many visitors bring their own food to savor.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Wading Creek
Main creek area
Splash and play in the shallow, slow-moving creek, a hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
Shale Rock Concretions
Along the creek and trails
Marvel at unique, prehistoric round rock formations scattered throughout the park, adding a geological wonder to your visit.
Woodland Trails
Various marked paths
Wander through serene, shaded woodland trails offering peaceful walks and opportunities for nature photography.
+1
Life on a Leaf Exhibit
McKay Lodge
An engaging, free summer exhibit where kids can imagine shrinking to insect size and explore a native plant world.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Creek Life
Discover Hidden Natural Wonders
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Bring Water Shoes!
Essential for creek play! Regular shoes will get soaked. Water shoes are highly recommended.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Many visitors bring their own food to savor.
Dog-Friendly Paths
Leashed dogs are welcome on gravel walkways, but not on the natural play areas.
Check Exhibit Dates
The 'Life on a Leaf' exhibit is seasonal. Verify dates before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Bring Water Shoes!
Essential for creek play! Regular shoes will get soaked. Water shoes are highly recommended.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Many visitors bring their own food to savor.
Dog-Friendly Paths
Leashed dogs are welcome on gravel walkways, but not on the natural play areas.
Check Exhibit Dates
The 'Life on a Leaf' exhibit is seasonal. Verify dates before your visit.
Explore Beyond the Creek
Don't miss the unique shale formations and peaceful woodland trails for a full park experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shale Hollow Park is widely praised as a beautiful, hidden gem, particularly for its creek and unique shale rock formations. Visitors love the opportunities for wading, hiking, and photography. While the natural play area is present, the creek and trails are the standout features that make the visit worthwhile for many families and nature enthusiasts.
"Very nice shaded park where you can take the family to go wading in slow moving stream and enjoy numerous prehistoric concretion formation. Depending on water levels you might see birds, wildlife and fish."
Martin González
"Great place to go with your family & friends. My 5 year old LOVED IT (& I definitely did too). Make sure you bring an extra pair of shoes or even better- WATER SHOES."
Katie Pecko
"Such a beautiful hidden gem. We loved the trails and the creek. The natural play area was ok, but the creek made the entire visit worth it"
Mariana Gavrila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shale Hollow Park is located in Delaware County, Ohio, just south of Hyatts Road off State Route 23. It's easily accessible by car.
Yes, there is parking available at the park, including near the lodge and trailheads.
Public transport options are limited for Shale Hollow Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
From Columbus, take US-23 North towards Delaware. The park is located just off US-23.
Yes, Shale Hollow Park is part of the Preservation Parks system, with other parks in Delaware County. Nearby is also the city of Delaware, Ohio.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Shale Hollow Park is free to enter and explore.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific exhibit hours, like the 'Life on a Leaf' exhibit, may vary.
No advance booking is required for general park entry. The 'Life on a Leaf' exhibit is also free.
Shale Hollow Park is suitable for all ages, with activities like creek wading and nature trails appealing to families and individuals.
The park is typically open on holidays, but it's always a good idea to check the official Preservation Parks website for any specific closures or schedule changes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy creek wading, hiking on woodland trails, exploring shale rock formations, and visiting the natural play area. Seasonal exhibits are also available.
Absolutely! Kids love wading in the creek, exploring the natural play area, and the 'Life on a Leaf' exhibit. +1
While swimming is not permitted, wading in the shallow creek is a popular and enjoyable activity.
Yes, restrooms are available at the park, typically located near the lodge.
The gravel walkways are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, but some natural trails may be uneven.
📸 📸 Photography
The creek with its rock formations, the shaded woodland trails, and the unique shale concretions offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, the park is home to various birds and other wildlife, offering chances for nature photography.
General photography for personal use is permitted. Commercial photography may require special permits.
A versatile setup is recommended. A wide-angle lens for landscapes and trails, and a macro lens for close-ups of rock formations and potential wildlife.
Drone usage may be restricted in park areas. It's best to check with Preservation Parks for specific regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the natural play area is present, the creek and trails are often the main attractions for younger visitors. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as picnicking is a popular activity here. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The shaded paths offer a serene environment for forest bathing and observing local flora and fauna. The unique shale rock formations provide interesting geological features to discover along the way. 📸 Photographers
The woodland trails offer beautiful light filtering through the trees, perfect for capturing atmospheric shots. Don't miss the unique shale concretions for close-up details. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Creek and Concretions
The best time to experience the creek is during warmer months, especially in the morning when the water is cool and refreshing.
While the creek is a major draw, remember to wear appropriate footwear like water shoes, as the creek bed can be slippery and uneven. Hiking and Nature Trails
+1 These trails are well-maintained and offer a different perspective of the park's natural beauty compared to the creek area. Visitors have praised the trails for their tranquility and the opportunities they provide for nature photography. The park's natural setting makes it a great spot for forest bathing and enjoying the sounds and sights of the natural environment.
Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna as you explore. The trails are also dog-friendly on the gravel walkways, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. Seasonal Exhibits and Natural Play
+1 This interactive exhibit allows children to imagine shrinking to the size of an insect and explore a native plant world from a bug's-eye view, complete with paper art and climbing structures. It's a fantastic way to blend educational fun with outdoor exploration.The park also boasts a natural play area, designed to encourage imaginative play using natural elements.
While some visitors found it 'okay,' the overall consensus is that the creek and trails offer the most compelling experiences. 
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