HomeOhioWesterville › Parkhill Park

Parkhill Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Westerville, Ohio · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Parkhill 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.

ScenicDog-friendlyTrailhead parking

What runners say about Parkhill Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (41 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“It is literally one of the most beautiful places I have seen in this state, and you would have no idea that it even existed just driving by.”

Park used to be known as Walnut St. Park… this is one of the most wonderful, expansive trails I have seen in Columbus. When you first pull in it just looks like a small gravel driveway, but if you walk to the right into the large pines, the trail takes you down a steep ravine over a babbling brook into an old growth…

★★★★★ — Jessica , Aug 2025

Dare I say this is the most beautiful park in Columbus? Unmarked trail to the right of the parking lot takes you through a magical pine forest which then leads you down to a beautiful view of the reservoir. Doesn’t feel like Ohio.

★★★★★ — Mark , Feb 2023

This is not really a park, but City of Columbus owned land adjacent to the city reservoir that is open to the public for recreation. The city keeps the open areas mowed, but doesn't maintain any trails or restrooms on the property.

★★★★☆ — Stephen , Mar 2022

Great, quiet park nestled in the woods around Hoover reservoir. Trails could use a little love, but the focus on natural areas is nice. Small parking area and narrow driveway, so use caution coming and going.

★★★★☆ — Kyle , Mar 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 41 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.

🐕 Dog-friendly 10 mentions

“Small area for a hike, but lots of space to play with your dogs if you want.”

More trails like this →

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“It is literally one of the most beautiful places I have seen in this state, and you would have no idea that it even existed just driving by.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Unmarked trail to the right of the parking lot takes you through a magical pine forest which then leads you down to a beautiful view of the reservoir.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Parkhill Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Phone(614) 648-6019

Hours

Monday 7 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–11 PM
Thursday 7 AM–11 PM
Friday 7 AM–11 PM
Saturday 7 AM–11 PM
Sunday 7 AM–11 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Parkhill Park

4480 E Walnut St, Westerville, OH 43081

Get directions

Running trails near Westerville

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

Hoover Dam Nature Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 443 reviews

Westerville, OH

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Popular park featuring a lake and trails, plus picnicking and a disc golf course.

under a mile away

Hoover Reservoir Dam, Park & Dock

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,571 reviews

Westerville, OH

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Large natural space with a lake offering boating, fishing & bird-watching including bald eagles.

1.2 miles away

Spring Grove North Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 133 reviews

Westerville, OH

Shaded

Public green space featuring a basketball court, playground, picnic tables, and restrooms.

1.4 miles away

Johnston-McVay Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 66 reviews

Westerville, OH

Public park featuring 3 playgrounds, a story trail, hammocks and a stream.

1.6 miles away

Inniswood Metro Gardens

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,541 reviews

Westerville, OH

BoardwalkShadedScenic

Nature preserve featuring formal gardens & lawns, a trail, with a center for workshops & a library.

2.1 miles away

Boyer Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 147 reviews

Westerville, OH

LoopBoardwalkShadedScenic

Ponds, wetlands, a stream, and boardwalk highlight this small nature preserve surrounded by a neighborhood.

2.4 miles away

All running trails in Westerville, 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.