Blacklick Creek Trail

The Blacklick Creek Trail spans nearly 18 miles (17.8 miles to be exact). It is primarily a paved multi-use path, offering a smooth surface suitable for cyclists, runners, and walkers. While mostly flat, it does feature some sloping hills and meanders through varied landscapes, including wooded areas and open fields. There is a short dirt section through Portman Park that can become muddy after rain.

The Blacklick Creek Trail is a key part of the central Ohio Greenways network. At its western end, within Three Creeks Metro Park, it seamlessly merges with the Alum Creek Greenway Trail, allowing for extended rides into Columbus and its northern suburbs. It also connects with the Foor Leisure Path, which extends south into Groveport's residential core, offering extensive opportunities for longer excursions.

Yes, the trail offers diverse scenery. It parallels Blacklick Creek for much of its length, providing picturesque views of the creek corridor. You'll pass through wooded areas, spacious fields, and cross six bridges and seven underpasses. Within Blacklick Woods Metro Park, the trail traverses a rare beech-maple forest, a buttonbush swamp, and areas with various oak and maple trees. Wetlands and seasonal ponds support amphibians and aquatic life, making it excellent for nature observation and birdwatching.

Parking is conveniently available at multiple points along the trail. Key access points include Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Glacier Knoll Picnic Area within Pickerington Ponds Metro Park in Canal Winchester, and Three Creeks Metro Park in Groveport. While specific public transport routes directly to trailheads may vary, local bus services in the Columbus area can provide access to communities near the trail, from which you might connect via local streets.

Yes, the trail is generally considered family-friendly due to its mostly paved and smooth surface, making it suitable for strollers and younger cyclists. For those with dogs, the trail is dog-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are expected to clean up after them. The varied scenery and connections to parks offer plenty of opportunities for enjoyable outings with both children and pets.

The trail passes through diverse habitats, especially within Blacklick Woods Metro Park, which are excellent for wildlife observation. Visitors often spot various bird species, including those in the buttonbush swamp and beech-maple forest. Mammals like fox, rabbits, and white-tailed deer are also frequently seen, particularly in the quieter, wooded sections of the trail.

The Blacklick Creek Trail connects several communities, including Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, and Groveport, which offer various amenities. You can find cafes, restaurants, and pubs in these towns, often just a short detour from the main trail. For accommodation, there are hotels and motels available in the surrounding areas, particularly in Reynoldsburg and Columbus, catering to different budgets.

Blacklick Creek was named by Native Americans who observed animals licking its black-colored salt stones. The area has a rich history, with Blacklick Woods Metro Park, through which the trail passes, being the first park in the Metro Parks system, opening in 1948. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Prehistoric circular earthworks from the Late Woodland pre-Columbian peoples were even discovered in 2017 within the park. The Blacklick Creek Watershed Association has also worked to improve water quality in the creek since 1993.

The Blacklick Creek Trail is highly regarded for its unique combination of diverse scenery, extensive length, and seamless connectivity. While other local trails might offer specific features, Blacklick stands out for its nearly 18 miles of mostly paved surface, winding through three major Metro Parks (Blacklick Woods, Pickerington Ponds, and Three Creeks) and offering direct links to the Alum Creek Greenway Trail for even longer excursions. Its varied terrain, from wooded corridors to open fields, provides a well-rounded outdoor experience for different activities and skill levels.

The Blacklick Creek Trail can be enjoyed in winter, offering a different, often serene, experience. However, conditions can vary. While the paved surface makes it accessible, snow and ice can accumulate, especially after storms, making some sections slippery. Maintenance for snow removal may not be as frequent as for roads. Hikers and cyclists should exercise caution, dress appropriately for cold weather, and be aware of potential icy patches. It's advisable to check local weather and trail conditions before heading out in winter.

The Metro Parks connected by the Blacklick Creek Trail, including Blacklick Woods, Pickerington Ponds, and Three Creeks Metro Parks, generally operate from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific park's official website for the most current operating hours, especially during holidays or for any seasonal adjustments, to ensure uninterrupted access to amenities and parking.