Exploring Sharon Woods Metro Park
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Sharon Woods Metro Park

4.7
·4k reviews·Westerville, United States

A 761-acre preserve featuring playgrounds, fishing lake, and diverse trails for hiking, running, and biking.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more parking

CrowdLow
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Exploring Sharon Woods Metro Park

Sharon Woods Metro Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 761-acre preserve featuring playgrounds, fishing lake, and diverse trails for hiking, running, and biking.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"This park has it all, from bike paths to walking paths, a beautiful fishing lake, and multiple play areas."

Vertical photo
TIP

Tick Prevention is Crucial

Wear long sleeves & pants, use repellent, and check for ticks after visiting wooded areas. :bug:

Arrive Early for Parking

Popular spots fill fast on nice days. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to secure a good spot. 🚗

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 3,596 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inclusive Playgrounds

Inclusive Playgrounds

Multiple locations

Discover thoughtfully designed playgrounds welcoming all abilities, featuring ramps, sensory areas, and musical instruments.

TikTok+1
Scenic Walking Trails

Scenic Walking Trails

Throughout the park

Explore paved paths and rugged, wooded trails perfect for hiking, running, and nature walks.

Instagram+2
Catch and Release Lake

Catch and Release Lake

Central lake

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon fishing in the lake, with picnic areas and benches nearby.

Reddit
Natural Play Area

Natural Play Area

Designated area

Let kids explore and play in a natural environment with creeks and rugged terrain.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Tick Awareness is Key

While Sharon Woods Metro Park is beautiful, be aware of ticks, especially in wooded areas. Rangers suggest Glacier Ridge is worse, but caution is advised everywhere. Wear long sleeves and pants, and check yourself thoroughly after visiting. Reddit

Parking Can Be Tricky

On beautiful days, parking can fill up quickly, especially near popular spots like playgrounds and the lake. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from overflow parking areas. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more parking
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Enjoy the park before peak
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

NEW PLAYGROUND YES PLZ 📍Blendon Woods Metro Park Inclusive playground tucked back in the woods! One of the most thought out beautiful playgrounds I’ve ever seen! 🕰️ HOURS: Open to the public after 4pm Tuesday - Friday , 12-8 Saturday and ALL DAY Sunday and Monday! 🛝 Lots of crawling baby activities, little houses to play in or tunnels to crawl through at their level. Small slides or large slides w...
@brokenbreadblog
4.6K likes • 93.1K views

Tick Prevention is Crucial

Wear long sleeves & pants, use repellent, and check for ticks after visiting wooded areas. Reddit :bug:

Arrive Early for Parking

Popular spots fill fast on nice days. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to secure a good spot. Reddit 🚗

Play knows no limits 🛝 Metro Parks is excited to unveil a space where everyone can play, explore, and grow! The new Inclusive Playground at Blendon Woods Metro Park is designed to welcome all abilities. The area offers ramps, sensory areas, musical instruments, and more! Read more about the playground and how it will be used through the link in our bio 🔗 #cbusmetroparks
@columbusmetroparks
552 likes • 14.2K views
Let’s EXPLORE Sharon Woods Metro Park! So many fun and beautiful trails that are family friendly! #ohio #visitohiotoday #ohiotravel #metropark
visitohiotoday
6 likes • 213 views

Explore Multiple Playgrounds

Don't miss the various play areas, including the inclusive playground and natural play zone. Instagram :child:

Trail Etiquette

Be mindful of new lane markings for runners and bikers; stay aware of others on shared paths. Instagram 🏃

📌 Sharon Woods Metro Park - Westerville, OH We just went to one of the three playgrounds on this beautiful, sunny day. We can’t wait to go back and try the other playgrounds and the natural play area! #columbus #columbusohio #westervilleohio #park @cbusmetroparks
columbusohiomama
9 likes • 255 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Tick Prevention is Crucial

Wear long sleeves & pants, use repellent, and check for ticks after visiting wooded areas. Reddit :bug:

Arrive Early for Parking

Popular spots fill fast on nice days. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to secure a good spot. Reddit 🚗

Explore Multiple Playgrounds

Don't miss the various play areas, including the inclusive playground and natural play zone. Instagram :child:

Trail Etiquette

Be mindful of new lane markings for runners and bikers; stay aware of others on shared paths. Instagram 🏃

Pack for Creek Play

Bring water shoes and a change of clothes if your little ones want to explore the creek. Instagram :water_wave:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Sharon Woods Metro Park's diverse offerings, from its excellent playgrounds and scenic trails to its peaceful lake. While parking can be a challenge on busy days and some find fishing difficult, the park is widely praised for its natural beauty and family-friendly amenities. Reddit+1

"This park is amazing. Plenty of things to do whether you’re an adult or child. They have everything from bike paths to walking paths, a beautiful fishing catch and release lake, and multiple play areas for little ones and older kids as well. They offer lots of picnic areas and park benches, this park has it all. They have a natural play area too. They have walking trails through the woods and ones that are paved so truly something for everyone. It was busy but there’s so many different areas and they each of lots of parking so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot. They also have handicap parking spots too. I love that they have dog bags available for pet waste and plenty of trash receptacles too."

Lisa B

"A beautiful, spacious garden with walking paths and bicycle paths. It has a shelter, children's games, and bathrooms, but it needs more attention and cleanliness. It has a lake where fish can be caught, but with difficulty."

Boba FM

"I’ve been coming to Sharon Woods for years. I had a blast yesterday fishing, hiking, and enjoying the weather for the first time this year. I would definitely recommend it. The only con was that because it was such a nice day, there was very little parking available. Other than that I would have gave it five stars."

JoNo X

What People Like

Multiple playgrounds
Scenic walking trails
Catch and release lake

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Fishing can be challenging
Trail lane confusion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sharon Woods Metro Park is located in Westerville, Ohio. You can typically reach it by car via major roadways like I-270. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is generally recommended. Instagram

Yes, there are multiple parking lots throughout the park, serving different areas like the playgrounds, lake, and trailheads. However, parking can fill up quickly on busy days, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

The park offers paved walking paths and accessible parking spots. Some of the inclusive playgrounds are also designed with accessibility in mind. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome at Sharon Woods Metro Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dog waste bag stations are available throughout the park. Reddit

Metro Parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facility hours, like restrooms or shelters, may vary. It's best to check the official Columbus Metro Parks website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sharon Woods Metro Park, like all Columbus Metro Parks, offers free admission for all visitors. Instagram

There is no need to book tickets in advance as admission is free. You can visit anytime during park hours. Instagram

The Columbus Metro Parks often host various educational programs, guided walks, and family-friendly events. Check their official website or social media for schedules. TikTok

To avoid the largest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially on nice days, tend to be busier. Reddit

Yes, picnic shelters are available for reservation through the Columbus Metro Parks website. This is recommended for larger gatherings. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy hiking, running, biking on paved trails, fishing in the lake (catch and release), exploring playgrounds, and picnicking. There's also a natural play area for kids. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the park features multiple playgrounds, including a highly-rated inclusive playground designed for all abilities and a natural play area. TikTokInstagram

Sharon Woods offers a mix of paved multi-use trails suitable for walking, running, and biking, as well as more rugged, wooded trails for hiking and nature exploration. Instagram+1

Yes, fishing is permitted in the lake on a catch-and-release basis. You'll need a valid Ohio fishing license if required by state regulations. Reddit

Ticks can be present, especially in wooded areas. It's recommended to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and perform tick checks after your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants located directly within Sharon Woods Metro Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and utilize the picnic areas. Reddit

Absolutely! The park has numerous picnic areas with tables and benches, as well as reservable shelters for larger groups. Reddit

Westerville, the nearby city, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to family-friendly restaurants. Instagram

Typically, Metro Parks do not have extensive concession stands. It's best to pack all your snacks and drinks. Reddit

Grilling is generally permitted in designated picnic areas, but always check park signage or the Metro Parks website for specific rules and regulations regarding fires and grills. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake, wooded trails during autumn, the inclusive playgrounds, and open fields offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The 'golden hour' light is particularly stunning. Instagram

Yes, with its diverse habitats including forests, fields, and a lake, it's a great spot for capturing local flora and fauna, especially during spring and fall. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in Metro Parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Check the official Columbus Metro Parks policy for details. TikTok

General photography for personal use is usually allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Instagram

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

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