You may also want to see About Outings
for description of Outings, Friday Night Hikes, and the Outings Rating System (E/S).
Friday, November 27 -- Friday Night Hike, Old Westerville, Ratings: E/S 2/2
Join us for a 3+ mile hike in Old Westerville. We will be walking through some of Old Westerville’s quaint neighborhoods and around the charming Otterbein College campus. Our hike will end with an optional dinner at a popular area restaurant. Meet at 7 pm in the parking lot located behind Graeter’s Ice Cream Parlor at the corner of State St. and College Ave. Bring a flashlight, wear light reflective clothing, and wear sturdy footwear as we may encounter some wet and muddy areas. Contact leader for further information.
The forest and park are nestled in the high ground of the Appalachian foothills rising above the Scioto River Valley. This historic area was home of the Shawnees as late as the 1700’s and saw the arrival of early American explorers who traveled up the Scioto River. This hike of 11+ miles has most trails in the forest and is comprised of rugged terrain that rapidly descends or rises. While offering expansive views of the area, this is strenuous hike and may have additional weather related challenges. Bring water, lunch, suitable attire and meet at 9 am behind Tim Horton’s in the Great Southern Shopping Center on U.S. 23 just north of I-270. Contact leader for further information.
Friday, December 4 -- Friday Night Hike, Bexley, Ratings: E/S 1/1
Meet at 7 pm in the Bexley Public Library parking lot at 2411 E. Main Street. We will walk 3-4 miles through this quaint college town, past the mansions that line Alum Creek and on nature trails at Jeffrey Park. Surfaces may be uneven or unpaved. Light, reflective clothing is recommended. Dinner option afterwards. Contact leader for further information.
Sunday, December 6 -- Alum Creek State Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/3
This is a dog-friendly hike. Alum Creek State Park is just a 10 minute drive from our meeting place. This 9-mile hike will take us over a variety of terrains from wooded trails to open meadows, wetlands, beaches and a marina. We'll also learn some interesting historical facts about the area and how Alum Creek Dam is part of the flood control plan for the Ohio River Basin. Meet at 10 am in the parking lot of Wal-Mart on the Northeast side of Route 23 just north of Powell Road. Hiking boots are a must as we may encounter some wet and muddy areas on the trail. Bring a snack and water. Contact leader for further information.
Friday, December 11 -- Friday Night Hike, German Village, Ratings: E/S 2/2
Join us for a walk through historic German Village. We will walk around the German Village neighborhoods and visit Fetch Park. Meet at Schiller Park (Deshler and Jaeger) at 7 pm. We will be walking about 3 miles and will stop for an optional dinner at a local area restaurant. Wear sturdy footwear appropriate for uneven walking surfaces. Light, reflective clothing is recommended. Contact leader for further information.
Sunday, December 13 -- Slate Run Metro Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2
We’ll hike approximately 6 miles through Slate Run Metro Park. The hike will cover a variety of terrain including forest, meadows and wetlands. We’ll also stop at the Slate Run Living Historical Farm for a quick visit. Bring water and lunch or a snack, and be prepared for whatever weather December may bring. Meet at 10 am at the Shady Grove picnic area. Directions: From I-270 take U.S. 33 east toward Lancaster to the Canal Winchester/S.R. 674 exit. Turn right onto Gender Rd./S.R. 674 and go about 2 miles until it ends at Lithopolis Rd. Turn left and go about 1/2 mile to S.R. 674. Turn right and go about 4 miles to the entrance on the right. Once inside the park, take the first left past the ranger station and park in the picnic area at the end of the road. Leaders: John and Marilyn Fiske. Contact leaders for further information.
Friday, December 18 -- Friday Night Hike, Worthington Holiday Lights, Ratings: E/S 2/2
We will be walking 3+ miles to view the holiday lights in downtown Worthington, the Rush Creek area and the Village of Riverlea. Please wear light reflective clothing. Meet at 7 pm in front of the Villa Nova Restaurant on High St. one mile north of Morse Rd. There is ample parking on the side streets close to Villa Nova, where we will have an optional dinner after the hike. Contact leader for further information.
Sunday, December 20 -- Tar Hollow State Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 4/4
Tar Hollow is an area of many ridges and valleys carved by erosion of the western portion of the Appalachian Plateau. This 11+ mile hike will take us through the North Loop of the Logan Trail that stretches throughout the park and forest. The area’s deep ravines, valleys, ridge-tops and recent logging may pose hiking challenges. Bring water, lunch, suitable attire and meet at 9 am behind Tim Hortons in the Great Southern Shopping Center on U.S. 23 just north of I-270. Contact leader for further information.
