Local Love: Scioto Grove Metro Park

One of the great things about a city like Columbus is that depending on what vibe you’re looking for out of the city on a particular day, you can pretty much find it.

Looking for a fun arts & shopping scene? Hit up the short north.

Looking to hob knob with the powerful suits of the world? Hit up a coffeeshop around the statehouse.

Want to explore the best of nature without driving too far? Visit one of the newest Metro Parks.

Officially open since last Friday, Scioto Grove Metro Park is geographically just a mere 15 minutes south of Downtown. But if an escape into nature is what you’re after, it’s a world away.

The entire park is nestled up against the Scioto River and because of its placement it’s more than just the trails and hikes that we’ve come to love from our Metro Parks. Bring your sense of adventure to Scioto Grove, start at the park’s north end and you can kayak or canoe 3.5 miles down the river of the entire park.

Quite possibly my favorite feature of Scioto Grove is the REI urban backpacking trail. Just what is urban backpacking? It’s a specific trail for first-timers to see if they like backpacking and camping, or for seasoned pros who don’t want to travel several hours to their campsite. Scioto Grove’s campsites are some of the first in Ohio and are FREE to rent. Yes, free thanks to the park's friendship with REI. Just call the parks to reserve yours every other weekend this summer until October 1st.

I had the opportunity to preview the park last October through a group called the Friends of the Metro Parks, and can attest that even then, the park is BEAUTIFUL. Here’s a look at Scioto Grove in all of her autumn splendor, but now that the park is officially open, stop there any time for your chance to escape.