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Highbanks Metro Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,373 Google reviews · Running trail in Lewis Center, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Highbanks 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.
Native American burial grounds, 100-ft.-high bluffs with river views & 11 miles of hiking trails.
What runners say about Highbanks Metro Park
“Really love this place, and you will, too, if you like well maintained trails through beautiful forests and around natural prairie and meadowland.”
“Beautiful trails and very scenic, lots of varieties of tree canopy cover birds a plenty and lots of flowers and ground cover as well as mushrooms and bugs.”
“We crossed paths with a few other people along our hike, but it wasn't crowded, we had a peaceful, quiet time.”
What a wonderful surprise! This Metro Park may have jumped to #1 on my list! The welcome center is first class. The walking paths among the trees are spectacular! The water and high banks make one feel as if they are in a mountain top high! It is not far off of 270.
A fantastic park! Multiple trails slow you to visit natural and historic features. The playground provides another option for kids to play. The nature center has a window on wildlife, an extensive library, and indoor play are, in addition to hosting educational programs.
Great hiking trails. Friendly encounters likely on trails, but never busy, except on Mothers' day. Can get lost and still find your way back. Gorgeous scenery. Interesting birdsong, although of course can be hard to spot some of those birds.
Scenic and enjoyable hike throughout the park. Great Native American historic sections. Great riverside views and an amazing overlook. Pool family cemetery is peaceful with the amazing centuries old trees nearby. Awesome arched wood bridge.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful trails and very scenic, lots of varieties of tree canopy cover birds a plenty and lots of flowers and ground cover as well as mushrooms and bugs.”
“We crossed paths with a few other people along our hike, but it wasn't crowded, we had a peaceful, quiet time.”
“This metro park also has plenty of parking and is cleaner than most in and around the city of Columbus.”
“Highbanks is one of the busier metro parks, so obviously most people like it already…but I want to give a special shoutout to the Christmas lights they did this year.”
“Very well kept,lots of restrooms, playground, picnic, nature center.”
“The trails are a little muddy, but this temperature isn't bad to get outside today.”
“There are designated trails and areas for bringing along your dog.”
Plan your run at Highbanks Metro Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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, water — 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+1 614-906-3149
- 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 Lewis Center
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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