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Darby Bend Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in Hilliard, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Darby Bend Lake'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.
Natural acreage featuring lakes for canoeing, kayaking and fishing, plus trails for walking and hiking.
What runners say about Darby Bend Lake
“It's so peaceful here, and the lake scenery is absolutely gorgeous.”
“Its nice open spaces and calm waters are great for beginners like me to get their bearings.”
This is my favorite place in the world, no doubt in my mind. It's so peaceful here, and the lake scenery is absolutely gorgeous. Plenty of trails that lead out to the rest of Prairie Oaks Metro Park for all the hiking you might ever want to do. Good lakes for fishing, or just sitting out in a boat.
What an amazing new (to me) Metropark in Columbus! The water is incredibly clear, there are birds and flowers to see, and several trails to hike. You can canoe or kayak on some, but not all of the lakes. Fishing is permitted.
This is one of the better parks to go to in the central Ohio area. The trails aren't exactly difficult but they do provide a lot of walking if you want to walk fairly far like a couple miles or whatever.
I love bringing my kayak here. Nice and quiet and the park rangers are friendly and know the area very well. The three mile creek runs through the park and is also kayak accessible down the road. Great place to fish too! I come here at least twice a week always a great time
Trail conditions & character
“I walked around the lakes and saw people kayaking, and fishing, and they have a special area for dogs to get in the water.”
“It's so peaceful here, and the lake scenery is absolutely gorgeous.”
“Nice and quiet and the park rangers are friendly and know the area very well.”
“The three mile creek runs through the park and is also kayak accessible down the road.”
Plan your run at Darby Bend Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- 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+1 614-879-0020
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Hilliard
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Prairie Oaks Metro Park - Beaver Lake
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Prairie Oaks Metro Park
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Frank's Park
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