As autumn graces Columbus with its brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold, it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s beautiful parks and trails with your four-legged friend. Fall is a wonderful season for outdoor adventures, offering crisp air and stunning scenery. If you’re looking for the best spots to enjoy the fall foliage while giving your pet some exercise, here are some top pet-friendly parks and trails in Columbus from your friends at Healthy Pets:
1. Scioto Mile
Location: Downtown Columbus
Why It’s Great: The Scioto Mile offers a scenic urban escape with its picturesque riverfront and well-maintained paths. The wide walkways along the Scioto River are perfect for leisurely strolls, and the area features beautiful autumn colors reflecting off the water. The park is also equipped with ample green space where pets can enjoy some off-leash playtime in designated areas.
Pet Perks: Plenty of space to explore, water fountains, and clean-up stations make this a great spot for a fall outing with your pet.
2. Whetstone Park of Roses
Location: 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Why It’s Great: Known for its stunning gardens and spacious lawns, Whetstone Park of Roses is an ideal destination for enjoying the fall colors. The park’s walking trails wind through beautiful rose gardens and open fields, offering a serene setting for you and your pet to take in the season’s beauty.
Pet Perks: The park is dog-friendly, with ample open space for your pet to roam and plenty of pathways to explore. There are also designated pet waste stations to help keep the park clean.
3. Columbus Park of Roses
Location: 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Why It’s Great: This park features extensive walking trails and a variety of landscapes, from wooded areas to open fields. The fall foliage here is particularly striking, and the trails offer a peaceful retreat from the city. It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk with your dog, especially as the park transitions through the fall colors.
Pet Perks: The park provides a dog-friendly environment with ample space for exploration. The trails are well-marked, and there are waste stations available.
4. Alum Creek State Park
Location: 3305 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Why It’s Great: Just a short drive from Columbus, Alum Creek State Park offers a diverse landscape that includes wooded trails, open meadows, and scenic views of Alum Creek Lake. The park’s trails are perfect for longer hikes, and the autumn scenery is truly breathtaking.
Pet Perks: Dogs are welcome on most of the park’s trails, and there’s plenty of space for them to run and play. Be sure to keep your pet leashed and respect the park’s rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
5. Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Location: 6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Why It’s Great: This Metro Park is known for its natural beauty and extensive trail system. The fall foliage here is spectacular, with trails that meander through forested areas and along the Blacklick Creek. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy a walk with your pet, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves.
Pet Perks: The park is pet-friendly with plenty of trails to explore. There are designated dog-waste stations and a large area where dogs can be off-leash, making it easy to enjoy a day out with your furry friend.
6. Inniswood Metro Gardens
Location: 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Why It’s Great: Inniswood Metro Gardens offers beautifully landscaped gardens and wooded areas that are perfect for a fall outing. The trails here are well-maintained and provide a serene setting to enjoy the changing leaves. The gardens also feature a variety of plants and trees that showcase the season’s colors.
Pet Perks: Leashed pets are welcome, and the gardens are equipped with clean-up stations to help keep the area tidy. The park’s tranquil environment makes it a great place for a leisurely walk.
7. Hayden Falls Park
Location: 423 Hayden Run Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Why It’s Great: This small park is home to a picturesque waterfall and offers a short but scenic trail. The fall colors around the waterfall provide a beautiful backdrop for a walk with your pet. It’s a hidden gem in Columbus that’s worth exploring during the autumn season.
Pet Perks: The park is pet-friendly with a short, manageable trail that’s easy for pets of all sizes. It’s a great spot for a quick getaway to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Autumn in Columbus is a splendid time to explore the city’s parks and trails with your pet. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll along the river, a hike through wooded areas, or simply a peaceful park to enjoy the fall colors, these pet-friendly spots offer something for everyone. Remember to follow park rules, keep your pet leashed where required, and bring along waste bags to keep the parks clean and enjoyable for all visitors.
So, grab your leash, pack some water, and head out to enjoy the fall foliage with your furry companion. Happy exploring!