By Brittani Rable
Posted On: May 3, 2022
Want to do a little bit of rock climbing or kayaking, but don't want to make the hour-long drive to Hocking Hills? Say no more! Because you can do that - and more - right here in Columbus at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park.
Rock Climbing
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Scioto Audubon Metro Park is the outdoor rock climbing wall. You don't have to travel far to get your thrill. With three towers and two arches of the main climbing wall reaching a height of 35 feet and extending more than 7,000 square feet, the wall features bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. There are also four auto belays, in which climbers must bring their own climbing harness.
Note: Because of the 13-year-old age limit on climbing, there are also smaller 10-foot boulders with no age restriction available for kids to climb.
Biking
Enjoy a relaxing ride among the trees and a zoomed-out view of the city on your ride along the 10-mile Scioto Greenway Trail or the bite-sized 2.5 mile Connector Trails.
Water Activities
Is the water more your style? Get out the boat and sail away on the Scioto River (complete with boat ramp). If you prefer non-motorized water activities, bring your kayak or canoe and take a quiet, leisurely float on the water. Or reel in the fun and have a relaxing fishing session.
Nature Centers
Another feature of this park is the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. This nature center boasts 18,000 square feet and a handful of protected bird species, including the Bald Eagle. There are lots of kid-friendly programs at the nature center, but it's great place for people of all ages to get an opportunity to go bird watching and learn about some of the species.
Pets
Spend some time with your pet in the picnic area or along the trails (as long as they're leashed). Scioto Audubon also features a 2.5- acre dog park with an agility course so your dog can show off its skills.
Picnicking
Grill out with family and friends in one of three first-come, first-served picnic shelters full of tables and grills. In addition to dining features, picnic areas also feature an interactive electronic game, age-appropriate play equipment for kids, sand volleyball courts and playfields for soccer and other grass sports so you can have the ultimate family cookout.
Obstacle Course
If you're more adventurous, you may want to check out the Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course that features a quarter-mile running track plus a tire run and flip, 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, cargo climb, belly crawl, over/under and a log run. There's no better place to practice your skills!
With all of the actives the Scioto Audubon Metro Park has to offer, there's no reason not to spend an afternoon experiencing the great outdoors in the city.
For more outdoor recreational fun, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
