Explore the scenic trails, wildlife, and nostalgic charm of Blendon Woods Metro Park in Columbus, Ohio. Follow along on our hunt for wild turkeys, discover the park’s best trails, and get tips for your next visit. An adventure full of nostalgia, nature, and Thanksgiving-season charm.

Our next adventure was a nostalgic one for me personally, as we explored and—in the spirit of the holiday—hunted for wild turkey at Blendon Woods Metro Park. Located along East Dublin-Granville Road in Columbus, this small yet vibrant metro park was practically my backyard growing up. I spent countless hours here climbing playgrounds, running trails, watching wildlife, and yes—keeping an eye out for its famously robust wild turkey population. Perfect timing for Thanksgiving season, right?

Now, to be clear, we weren’t doing any actual hunting. Our mission was simply to spot one of those chunky, waddling birds in honor of the holiday. Even now, every time I visit Blendon Woods, I’m blown away by how lush, peaceful, and full of wildlife it remains. Nostalgia or not, it’s one of the metro parks that truly feels alive.

Starting the Hike: The Brookside Trail

We began our adventure at the first main parking lot. If you’re visiting, just take a right as you enter the park, then an immediate left, and you’ll land right at the trailhead for the Brookside Trail.

Most trails at Blendon Woods are gravel, short, and beginner-friendly—many come in under a mile. But what sets this park apart (and many Columbus metro parks in general) is the connected trail network. One trail branches into several others, creating an almost choose-your-own-adventure feel. The Brookside Trail is the best example: it’s well-marked and leads to multiple crossroads, each with a map to help you decide your next move.

Brookside connects directly to:

• Overlook Trail — with a dramatic, elevated view of a deep, shadowy valley.
  
• Hickory Ridge Trail — short but scenic.
  
• Ripple Rock Trail — tiny but essential, linking you to other areas.
  
• Paths leading to the nature center, overlook shelters, and the pet-friendly trail.

It’s the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the whole park.

Why Brookside Is My Personal Favorite

As a kid, Brookside was the start of every adventure. Stepping onto the trail is like walking into a tunnel—towering trees surround you, filtering the sunlight and enclosing you in a world that feels far from Columbus city life.

The gravel’s crunch underfoot mixes with the snap of sticks and the rustle of unseen creatures darting through the brush. Soon you hit a crossroads, but if you continue straight you’ll find yourself walking beside the babbling brook that gives the trail its name.

When I was younger, the brook was hard to reach without scraping your way through brush or hopping a fence. Nowadays, park rangers have embraced the natural beauty of the area and created a side trail that leads directly to the water. It’s a fun little detour, full of untouched scenery and quiet pockets of wildlife.

Past the brook, the trail begins to climb. Blendon Woods has a surprising number of rolling hills—none too strenuous, but perfect for training. As you head uphill, the tree canopy gradually opens and sunlight pours in, creating a noticeable (and magical) shift in atmosphere, like stepping from one forest realm to another.

Eventually, you reach another set of crossroads: one way to the nature center, the other deeper into the woods toward the Overlook Trail. We opted for the latter—our turkey mission demanded the best odds.

The Great Thanksgiving Turkey Hunt (That Didn’t Pan Out)

Having spent countless hours in this park throughout my life, I’ve always had excellent luck spotting turkeys along this stretch. In fact, the area is usually teeming with them. But on this particular day? Nothing. Not a single feather.

It was like every turkey in the park had studied the calendar, realized Thanksgiving was approaching, and decided to go underground.

My wife—who didn’t grow up around these hilariously expressive birds—was especially disappointed. We searched for nearly two hours, scanning trails, listening for gobbles, checking clearings. But luck wasn’t on our side.

Even so, it was a beautiful hike and a much-needed dose of nostalgia for me. Turkey or no turkey, Blendon Woods always delivers.

More Than Hiking: Extra Amenities at Blendon Woods

Blendon Woods doesn’t stop at gorgeous trails. The park also offers:

• Ice Skating Pond (Winter Only)

When the weather gets cold enough, a designated pond opens for ice skating—one of the more unique features in the metro park system.

• Disc Golf Course

I’ve played this course many times, and it’s a blast—short holes, but tight fairways lined with dense woods. Accuracy is everything. Years ago, a small shed provided rentals, but today the course is free and self-serve (bring your own discs!).

• Reservable & Non-Reservable Shelters

Blendon Woods has several private reservable shelters perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or small events. They’re tucked away, offering surprising privacy. Non-reservable shelters are also available, complete with three walls for weather protection and grills for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Blendon Woods has always been one of my favorite places in Columbus. With its lush forests, abundant wildlife, and endless pockets of quiet beauty, it’s hard to believe it sits so close to downtown.

We didn’t spot a turkey on this trip, but we had a great hike—and I’m not giving up. Maybe once Thanksgiving passes, those chunky birds will finally come out of hiding.

Quick Tips for Visiting Blendon Woods

• Best Starting Point: Begin at the Brookside Trail for maximum trail connections.
  
• Difficulty: Easy; most trails are gravel and under a mile.
  
• Parking: Ample space near the main entrance and nature center area.
  
• Amenities: Disc golf, nature center, winter ice skating, shelters, pet-friendly trail.
  
• Wildlife: Great for spotting deer, birds, and usually turkeys!
  
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for quiet trails and better wildlife sightings.

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