I left Luna sleeping at home, heavy with regret, but the call of green canopies was stronger. The air was thick and warm, hinting that whatever we chased would carry moisture, shade, and quiet moments worth the distance. I climbed into Skylar’s car, phone in hand, and we set out.
Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk:
Our first stop was the new Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. This treetop walkway lifts you 40 feet above the forest floor, threading through maples, oaks, and hickories. Hammock nets, rope bridges, and treehouse zones turn the forest into a playground for anyone craving adventure.
From the top viewing platform, you can look out across the forest canopy. The day was hot, but the shade and soft green light cooled everything down. Pets aren’t allowed on the canopy walk, which is why Luna had to miss this adventure.
Hayden Falls — Dry but Still Haunting:
Next came Hayden Falls Nature Preserve. This pocket park usually offers a 30-foot waterfall tucked between suburban roads. This visit, though, the falls were dry.
The overlook deck still gave us a view of rock walls and shaded cliffs, and the walk down the wooden boardwalk reminded me that nature doesn’t always perform on schedule. Even without flowing water, the cliffs and moss carried their own quiet weight.
Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails:
From there, we headed to Quarry Trails Metro Park to see Millikin Falls. The falls tumble about 25 feet into a quarry pool, and the limestone steps nearby make it easy to get close.
This is one of the few falls around Columbus where you can wade in knee-deep, and on a hot 90-degree day it felt like a gift. The park itself, carved from an old quarry, blends rugged cliffs with new trails, showing how land can be reclaimed, repurposed, or even reimagined.
Columbus Park of Roses:
We wandered into the Columbus Park of Roses next, within Whetstone Park. This garden spans 13 acres with more than 11,000 rose bushes. Even in mid-September, blooms lingered, their scent tangling with herbs and late summer air.
We strolled about a mile of pathways, breathing in color and calm. The rose garden felt like the punctuation mark on our day. With crafted beauty, balanced against the wildness of falls and quarry stone.
Greek Fries Finale:
We finished with a comfort stop: Greek fries at a small spot near Bryce Road. Crisp potatoes, tangy feta, and warm seasoning grounded the day after so much wandering. Plus I was near g starvation!
Reflections:
Even when waterfalls run dry, the land holds memory. Forest canopies remind you to shift perspective. Old quarries can transform into havens for trails and water. Roses offer the softest end to a long, hot day.
I missed Luna at every step, but sometimes the road calls you into spaces pets can’t go. Days like this remind me why I chase trails, gardens, and the little hidden corners of Columbus.
Ready to Explore Columbus for Yourself?
If you’re planning your own day of adventure around Columbus, don’t stop with the obvious. Wander off the path so to speak, discover the places between, and end your trip with a flavor you’ll remember. Share this post with friends and let them know where you’re heading next.
