You may also want to see About Outings
for description of Outings, Friday Night Hikes, and the Outings Rating System (E/S).
Sunday, November 8 -- Delaware State Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 2/2
This is a dog-friendly hike of 5-8 miles depending on the weather and trail conditions. The wooded terrain is mostly flat with a few rolling hills. Be prepared for the possibility of wet, muddy, snowy, or icy conditions, and pack water and lunch for the trail. Meet at 9 am at the west end of the Wal-Mart parking lot in North Pointe Plaza shopping center, which is on the east side of US RT 23 about 1/2 mile north of SR 750 (Powell Road). Contact leader for further information.
Friday, November 13 -- Friday Night Hike, Grandview, Ratings: E/S 1/1
We will hike on one of our favorite neighborhood walks through Grandview. Meet promptly at 7 pm in the parking lot of the Grandview library on First Ave, two blocks west of Grandview Avenue. After the hike, we will have dinner in one of the Grandview restaurants. Light, reflective clothing is recommended. Contact leader for further information.
Sunday, November 15 -- Clear Creek Metro Park Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 3/4
We’ll start at the Creekside Meadows picnic area and hike the Hemlock and Chestnut trails to the west end of the park. We’ll return via the Chestnut trail and then walk the Cemetery Ridge trail. The total distance is approximately 10 miles. The terrain at Clear Creek is hilly and the trails are often uneven, so good hiking boots are a must. Be prepared for wintry weather. Bring water and lunch and meet at 9 am behind the McDonald’s at Winchester Square, at the intersection of U.S. Rte 33 and Gender Rd. Contact leader for further information.
Friday, November 20 -- Friday Night Hike, Old Worthington, Ratings: E/S 2/2
Join us for a 3 mile hike starting in downtown Worthington and taking in some of the nearby neighborhoods and areas of interest. There will be an optional dinner at a Worthington area restaurant after the hike. Meet at 7 pm at the parking lot behind Dairy Queen, located 2 blocks north of Route 161, on the east side of the High Street. Please wear appropriate footwear, as we may encounter muddy, frozen or snowy areas. A flashlight and light, reflective clothing are recommended. Contact leader for further information.
Sunday, November 22 -- Hocking Hills Day Hike, Ratings: E/S 3/4
This is a dog-friendly hike. The scenery in and around Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Rose Lake, and Ash Cave is unequaled for its beauty and serenity. You will see and learn about the gritty, reddish stone, called Blackhand Sandstone, and how it was left behind more than 200 million year ago when Ohio’s ancient ocean drained from the land. We will be hiking 12 miles at a brisk pace and tackling some challenging hills, so please be aware of your hiking abilities and limitations. Bring lunch, water and hiking boots and meet at 9 am behind McDonald’s at Route 33 and Gender Rd. Contact leader for further information.
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.
