Highbanks Metro Park
Explore 11 miles of trails, dramatic river bluffs, and a fantastic natural playground at Highbanks Metro Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highbanks Metro Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 11 miles of trails, dramatic river bluffs, and a fantastic natural playground at Highbanks Metro Park.
"This Metro Park may have jumped to #1 on my list! The walking paths among the trees are spectacular!"
👟 Trail Ready
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, especially for Dripping Rock and Overlook trails. A walking stick is helpful on steeper paths.
🌳 Embrace Nature Play
The natural playground is a huge hit with kids! It's tucked away and perfect for unstructured fun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dripping Rock Trail
Southern section of the park
A moderate hike with natural trails leading to peaceful river views. Perfect for a quick escape.
Natural Playground
Big Meadows Picnic Area
An innovative, shaded play space encouraging climbing, digging, and imaginative fun for children.
River Overlook Trail
Near the Nature Center
Offers stunning views of the Olentangy River from high bluffs, showcasing the park's dramatic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Playtime Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Trail Ready
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, especially for Dripping Rock and Overlook trails. A walking stick is helpful on steeper paths.
🌳 Embrace Nature Play
The natural playground is a huge hit with kids! It's tucked away and perfect for unstructured fun. 
🐶 Leashed Pups Welcome
Most unpaved trails allow leashed dogs. Look for water stations and remember to pick up after your pet.
🐦 Birdwatching Hotspot
The Nature Center offers great birdwatching opportunities with feeders visible from inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Trail Ready
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, especially for Dripping Rock and Overlook trails. A walking stick is helpful on steeper paths.
🌳 Embrace Nature Play
The natural playground is a huge hit with kids! It's tucked away and perfect for unstructured fun.
🐶 Leashed Pups Welcome
Most unpaved trails allow leashed dogs. Look for water stations and remember to pick up after your pet.
🐦 Birdwatching Hotspot
The Nature Center offers great birdwatching opportunities with feeders visible from inside.
🗺️ Park Map is Key
Download or grab a park map to navigate the 11 miles of trails and find hidden gems like the natural playground.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Highbanks Metro Park's stunning natural beauty, diverse hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities, particularly the new natural playground. The high bluffs and river views are frequently praised, offering a sense of escape. Some find the river overlook scenery less impressive than the trail itself, but overall, it's considered a top-tier park.
"Stunning park with amazing trails. The nature center offers programming year round with 2 playgrounds. Super accessible for all ages and ablements. Highly recommend for anyone who loves creeks and a good trail."
Rachel Adibi
"What a wonderful surprise! This Metro Park may have jumped to #1 on my list! The welcome center is first class. The walking paths among the trees are spectacular! The water and high banks make one feel as if they are in a mountain top high! It is not far off of 270. Bring your walking stick, hiking shoes (or tennis shoes) and prepare for a treat! The welcome center is user friendly for children. There are floor to ceiling glass windows where one can watch a wide variety of birds come to the feeding area. I recorded the sounds of 3 or 4 birds I had not recorded at any other place. I even saw a Summer Tananger! Parking is easy to find. Access is easy. Bring lunch to share as you sit at the many picnic tables. A treat indeed!"
Robert Tolar
"Had very nice 2 mile hike at first parking lot to right after entrance on unimproved path. Saw a deer. Keep dog on leash. One of the few unpaved trails where dogs on leash are allowed. Had resting benches along the way. Had dog water station at beginning with poop bags available. Please pick up after your dog!!"
Kathleen Hackett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highbanks Metro Park is conveniently located just north of Columbus, easily accessible from US-270. Parking is generally easy to find at various trailheads and picnic areas.
Public transportation options to Highbanks Metro Park are limited. It is best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you do not have your own vehicle.
The park has several access points, with the main entrance often considered the one leading to the Nature Center and Big Meadows Picnic Area. Other trailheads are also clearly marked.
Yes, ample parking is available at designated lots throughout the park, including near the Nature Center, Big Meadows Picnic Area, and various trailheads.
Yes, Highbanks Metro Park is very close to the Polaris area, making it a convenient destination for those in that part of Columbus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Highbanks Metro Park, like most Columbus Metro Parks, offers free admission. There are no tickets or fees required to enter and enjoy the park's amenities.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like the Nature Center may have separate operating hours, which are best checked on the official Metro Parks website.
No advance booking is necessary for general park entry. However, if you plan to reserve a picnic shelter or organize a group event, you may need to make reservations.
Yes, the Nature Center often hosts year-round programming for all ages. Check the Metro Parks website for the latest schedule of events and activities.
While the park grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk, specific rules about after-dark access may apply. It's advisable to check the official park guidelines for any restrictions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Dripping Rock Trail for a moderate hike, the River Overlook Trail for scenic views, and the flatter paths in Big Meadow. There are over 11 miles of trails to explore. +1
Absolutely! The park features a fantastic natural playground, and many trails are accessible. It's a great spot for kids to explore and connect with nature.
Yes, Highbanks has numerous picnic tables and BBQ areas, especially around the Big Meadows Picnic Area, which also features a popular new natural playground.
Leashed dogs are welcome on most unpaved trails. Ensure your dog is on a leash at all times and clean up after them.
Expect high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River, wooded trails, and open meadows. It offers a feeling of being in a more mountainous or remote area.
📸 📸 Photography
The river overlooks, especially from the River Overlook Trail, offer dramatic views. The natural playground and the diverse flora and fauna also make for great photo opportunities.
Yes, the park's varied habitats attract a range of wildlife, including birds. The Nature Center's feeding area is a prime spot for bird photography.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating beautiful golden hour shots, especially along the river.
The high bluffs along the Olentangy River provide excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic landscape shots. The observation deck on Overlook Trail is also a key spot.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Metro Parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and to protect wildlife. It's best to check the official park regulations regarding drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+3Beyond the playground, consider the Coyote Run Trail for a family-friendly hike. The Nature Center also offers engaging programs and great birdwatching opportunities right from its windows.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Many of the unpaved trails are dog-friendly, provided your canine companion is kept on a leash. The park thoughtfully provides resting benches along some routes and even offers dog water stations and poop bag dispensers at the beginning of certain trails, emphasizing responsible pet ownership.
For those seeking a unique hiking experience, the Coyote Run Trail is another option mentioned by visitors, offering a family-friendly hike through the park's natural beauty.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some trails can be uneven or muddy after rain.Family Fun and Play
+3Beyond the playground, the park offers other family-friendly attractions. The Nature Center provides educational programming year-round, and its large windows offer a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with feeders attracting a variety of species.
With picnic areas and BBQ facilities readily available, families can easily spend an entire day enjoying the park's amenities. The accessibility of many areas ensures that visitors of all ages and abilities can partake in the fun.
Scenic Views and Natural Beauty
The diverse landscape of Highbanks Metro Park also includes lush woodlands and open meadows, contributing to its rich biodiversity. This variety in habitats supports a wide array of plant and animal life, making it a prime location for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The Nature Center serves as a hub for learning about the local ecosystem and often features feeders that attract numerous bird species, offering excellent opportunities for close-up viewing and photography.
While the river overlook scenery is a highlight, the journey along the trails themselves is equally enchanting. The peaceful, tree-covered paths offer a serene escape, especially during the warmer months when the shade provides a welcome respite from the sun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit