HomeOhioCarroll › Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 806 Google reviews · Running trail in Carroll, Ohio · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Chestnut Ridge Metro Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

MixedLoopLit at nightScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAHillyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Mountain-biking routes and boardwalk trails join for a hilly park with picnic tables, playgrounds and a pond.

What runners say about Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (806 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 7 mentions

“I wasn't sure how much this park would have to offer being on the smaller side but was impressed with the trails and how clean everything was.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“Nice park Ohio this is absolutely gorgeous, picnic area beautiful sensory kids can play and there was an ODNR officer on grounds, we truly have excellent parks 🤎🤎🤎”

I've hiked the trails at Chestnut Ridge before but never really took the time to explore the wetlands area of the park. Today I did and was surprised by how beautiful and well maintained it is.

★★★★★ — Rjd , Mar 2022

If you want a beautiful and challenging trail, go here. I did 2.5 miles but walked up hill which equaled out to about 25 flights of stairs. It was mostly shaded and plenty of benches to sit and rest (I needed it lol). Very beautiful and will definitely come back.

★★★★★ — Rochelle , Jun 2022

One of the best metro parks in the Columbus system. I especially like to walk there in the fall. Seeing the leaves here is spectacular.

★★★★★ — William , Mar 2025

We love this park! It's is so beautiful! You have several options for the trail. You can take the long trail or cut it short for little legs. We like to walk the trail, see the many look outs then off to the playground. The playground was updated a few years ago and is really nice for the kiddos.

★★★★★ — King , Apr 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 806 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 13 mentions

“Nice park Ohio this is absolutely gorgeous, picnic area beautiful sensory kids can play and there was an ODNR officer on grounds, we truly have excellent parks 🤎🤎🤎”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 7 mentions

“5 miles but walked up hill which equaled out to about 25 flights of stairs.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 3 mentions

“The trails has steep hills and gravel so be careful but it’s a great view!”

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🪵 Boardwalk 3 mentions

“The hiking up through the trees on the boardwalk was magical!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Note: Pets and bikes are not allowed on the nature trail itself but it did look like there was a path for dogs.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“It also features several picnic tables, and is far enough from the pond, but close enough to the bathroom.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

“The trails and pond here are the best very well maintained and stroller friendly.”

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💡 Lit for night running 2 mentions

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🔁 Loop trail

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitemetroparks.net
  • Phone+1 614-208-4298
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Chestnut Ridge Metro Park

8445 Winchester Rd NW, Carroll, OH 43112

Get directions

Running trails near Carroll

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

McGill Park

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PavedLit

Park, featuring picnic spots, playgrounds and nature trails for soccer fields and pickleball.

3.0 miles away

Walnut Creek Trail

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Busey Road Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 41 reviews

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Crushed gravelDog-friendly

3.5 miles away

James H Kelley III Nature Preserve

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

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3.6 miles away

Howe Pond

4.5 ★★★★★ 34 reviews

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Peaceful park where people can go fishing, particularly for catfish.

3.7 miles away

Westchester Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 187 reviews

Canal Winchester, OH

ShadedDog-friendly

Park with a shaded playground, a walking path and space for kite-flying.

4.0 miles away

All running trails in Carroll, OH →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.