Discover Char-Mar Ridge Park in Westerville, Ohio — a small but scenic Metro Park featuring a 1.5-mile loop trail, family-friendly play area, and connection to the Ohio-to-Erie Bike Path. Perfect for hikers, families, and runners alike.

Our next adventure kept us closer to home in Columbus, this time visiting a local park in Westerville, Ohio called Char-Mar Ridge Park. Char-Mar is a smaller park nestled off Lewis Center Road between the suburbs of Westerville and Sunbury. Due to its location, it’s no surprise that it isn’t a big park—but it is beautiful.

As you pull into the parking lot, you’ll notice that although small, it has some nice amenities, including a rather large public restroom and drinking fountains. This was a pleasant change from our recent hikes, which were far more secluded and offered no such comforts. Nestled right next to the restroom, under the shade of the tree line, begins the park’s single trail: The Glacier Ridge Trail.

The Trail

The Glacier Ridge Trail is short—only about 1.5 miles total—and forms a loop that brings you back to the start. The path winds through lush forest so dense that it muffles the traffic noise from nearby State Street. The terrain is fully gravel, making it accessible and easy to navigate.

I always mention the trail surface because it matters: it affects your footwear choice, and personally, I love the sound of gravel crunching underfoot. There’s just something about it that adds to the hiking experience.

Unique Features

Char-Mar Ridge offers a few neat extras beyond the trail itself. Right at the start is a natural play area that kids will love. A beautiful archway made of logs and branches leads to a play space featuring log obstacles, teepees, and even access to a small creek where little explorers can check out local water life.

About a third of the way through, you’ll find a wildlife viewing blind overlooking a small pond. We didn’t spot anything too exciting during our visit, but the blind displays photos of wildlife that frequent the area—deer, turtles, colorful birds, and the occasional muskrat. (I’m fine skipping that one!)

A Trail for All Activity Levels

The hike itself is easy, with light elevation changes through gentle rolling hills. Benches line the trail for anyone needing a rest, and each one features a posted workout challenge. I counted ten in total—complete them all and you’ve got yourself a solid outdoor fitness circuit.

We also saw quite a few runners enjoying the trail. At 1.5 miles, it’s a perfect spot for training loops. And if you don’t like looping (I get it), there’s even better news: towards the end of the trail, a branch connects to the Ohio-to-Erie Bike Path. That means endless running or biking miles without retracing your steps. This feature alone makes Char-Mar a hidden gem for local runners.

Final Thoughts

Char-Mar Ridge Park might be small, but it’s a peaceful, well-kept space that offers a nice break from busier trails. The scenery may not be unique compared to other Central Ohio Metro Parks, but it delivers calm, wildlife, and accessibility.

If you’re local—or a runner looking for a shady, low-traffic trail—definitely check it out. It’s the perfect place to get in a few miles or simply enjoy a quiet walk in nature.

Quick Tips for Visiting Char-Mar Ridge Park

• Location: 7741 Lewis Center Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
  
• Trail Length: 1.5-mile loop (gravel surface)
  
• Amenities: Public restroom, drinking fountains, benches
  
• Kid-Friendly: Natural play area and creek access
  
• Wildlife Viewing: Pond and viewing blind with posted species
  
• Runner Perk: Connects to the Ohio-to-Erie Bike Path for longer runs

Interested in adventuring more? Check out all of our articles!