Scioto Grove Metro Park
A 620-acre riverfront park featuring a thrilling fire tower, scenic trails, and kayaking opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for fire tower climbs
Scioto Grove Metro Park
Best Time
Ideal for fire tower climbs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 620-acre riverfront park featuring a thrilling fire tower, scenic trails, and kayaking opportunities.
"Climb the fire tower for amazing city views and enjoy a great float down the Scioto River!"
🎯 Climb the Fire Tower!
111 steps to an amazing view. Great for kids facing fears!
🎣 Catfish Love Chicken Liver
For river fishing, try chicken liver for catfish.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Keystone Fire Tower
Central Park Area
Climb 111 steps for breathtaking views of downtown Columbus. A true adventure!

River Kayaking & Fishing
Scioto River
Explore the river by kayak or try your luck fishing for catfish. Scenic and adventurous!

Forested Trails
Various trailheads
Wander through beautiful forested paths, a mix of paved, gravel, and dirt trails.

Playground & Picnic Areas
Near main entrance
Perfect for families, with a playground, picnic shelters, and grills for a fun day out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Fire Tower
River Adventures Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb the Fire Tower!
111 steps to an amazing view. Great for kids facing fears!
🎣 Catfish Love Chicken Liver
For river fishing, try chicken liver for catfish.
🛶 Check River Levels
Water can be low, especially after dry spells. Plan accordingly!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Trails are varied: paved, gravel, and dirt.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb the Fire Tower!
111 steps to an amazing view. Great for kids facing fears!
🎣 Catfish Love Chicken Liver
For river fishing, try chicken liver for catfish.
🛶 Check River Levels
Water can be low, especially after dry spells. Plan accordingly!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Trails are varied: paved, gravel, and dirt.
👃 Be Prepared for Odors
Occasional sewer-like smells near the highway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Scioto Grove Metro Park for its diverse offerings, from the thrilling fire tower climb with city views to enjoyable river activities like kayaking and fishing. The well-maintained trails and ample picnic areas are also highlights. However, some guests note occasional highway noise and unpleasant odors near certain areas.
"It’s a great park with several different areas. There is an archery, disc golf course, a launching area for kayaking. Several overnight campsites, and lots and lots of picnic space there are grills covered areas shelters. The trails are very clean, paved and gravel. The best part was getting to go up the lookout tower and see downtown Columbus on a clear day."
Michelle Lesher
"It was an incredible adventure, filled with a wide variety of amazing animals. Have a wonderful day and you might even spot something new to you!"
King C
"Ponds and picnic areas. Fishing (release). Trails; paved, gravel, and dirt."
Shelley Brooks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scioto Grove Metro Park is located at 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park.
Public transportation options to Scioto Grove Metro Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access. Check local COTA bus routes for potential connections, though direct service may not be available.
The park features a mix of paved, gravel, and dirt trails, making it suitable for walking, running, and biking. Maps are available at the park entrance and online to help you explore different areas like the fire tower and river access points.
No, Scioto Grove Metro Park is free to enter and explore. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities without any admission cost.
Yes, Scioto Grove Metro Park is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on trails and in most areas, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Scioto Grove Metro Park is typically open from dawn to dusk daily. However, specific facilities like restrooms or shelters may have different hours. It's always a good idea to check the official Metroparks website for the most up-to-date information.
No, there are no tickets required to climb the Keystone Fire Tower at Scioto Grove Metro Park. It's a free attraction available to all visitors during park hours.
Scioto Grove Metro Park occasionally hosts events and programs. Check the Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks website for any upcoming activities, guided walks, or workshops.
Yes, picnic shelters at Scioto Grove Metro Park can be reserved in advance for gatherings and events. This is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to guarantee your spot.
Yes, Scioto Grove Metro Park offers overnight campsites for a more immersive nature experience. Reservations are typically required, so plan ahead if you wish to camp.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The iconic Keystone Fire Tower is a must-do for its incredible views. The Scioto River offers kayaking and fishing opportunities, and the park's extensive network of forested trails is perfect for nature walks.
You might spot a variety of wildlife, including eagles, various bird species, and potentially deer. The park's diverse habitats support a rich ecosystem.
Some of the paved trails at Scioto Grove Metro Park are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The gravel and dirt trails may be more challenging.
The park offers picnic shelters with grills, restrooms, a playground, disc golf course, archery range, and kayak launch areas.
Cell service can be spotty in certain areas of Scioto Grove Metro Park, especially deeper within the forested sections. It's advisable to download offline maps or inform someone of your plans before heading out.
🍽️ 🎣 Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Scioto Grove Metro Park. Visitors are encouraged to pack their own food and utilize the park's picnic areas and grills.
Scioto Grove has numerous picnic areas, many with shelters and grills, scattered throughout the park. The areas near the playground and river access points are popular choices for families and groups.
Yes, fishing is permitted in the Scioto River at Scioto Grove Metro Park. Popular catches include catfish, and anglers often use chicken liver as bait.
The nearest dining options are located a short drive away in Grove City or Columbus. You'll find a variety of fast-food and casual dining restaurants in these areas.
Water fountains are typically available at main facilities like restrooms and picnic shelters. It's always a good idea to bring your own water bottle, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Keystone Fire Tower offers stunning panoramic views, especially on clear days. The riverbanks, forested trails, and the playground area also provide picturesque backdrops.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the fire tower views are impressive regardless of the time.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check the Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks regulations regarding drone operation within their parks to ensure compliance.
Keep an eye out for wildlife like eagles, and during certain seasons, you might find interesting mushrooms or pawpaw trees. The contrast between the natural landscape and the distant city skyline from the tower is also a unique shot.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for general exploration. If you're interested in wildlife, a telephoto lens would be beneficial. For the fire tower views, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Paddlers
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit