Exploring Alum and Big Walnut Creeks
Exploring Alum and Big Walnut Creeks
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
Columbus Wired continues their goal to bring you fresh content and ideas for family trips.
As you know; the current state of affairs has many folks stir crazy.
There are many outdoor and safe options to enjoy natural beauty and attractions.
Here are just a few to give you a possible day trip with your family.
You might even have a day to yourself and able to enjoy Central Ohio’s many green spaces.
Three Creeks Metro Park
Three Creeks Metro Park
3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
(Confluence Trail Trailhead, Shelters and Picnic Areas)
This Metro Park; founded in 1998; doesn’t seem like it fits surroundings.
Wedged in between Alum Creek Drive, I-270, and Hamilton Road.
Most Central Ohioans think of the area as industrial and commercial development.
That is why both Franklin County Metro Parks and Columbus Dept. of Parks and Recreation gained the 1,100 acre space.
Retaining the natural beauty of Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick Creek’s confluence was a big draw to protect the owls, herons, forest land and waterways.
With connecting the large Alum Creek Greenway trail system; this vast land has everything.
The park staff do clean the restrooms. This also has the rangers and park volunteers keep the shelters, paly areas and trails very clean. (With a touch of leafs occasionally falling to the ground, of course)
This could be a day trip within itself.
Creekside at Gahanna
https://visitgahanna.com/shop-discover/shop-and-discover-details/creekside-district-creekside-park
Main Parking Area
117 Mill Street
Gahanna. Ohio 43230
Along the the north central section of Big Walnut Creek; Creekside at Gahanna is a multi-use entertainment and park district done right.
12 restaurants, winding trails, scenic falls and overlooks add to the flavor of Big Walnut Creek’s beauty.
The commercial side blends with the creek area of rustic and brick lined condos, offices, and shops.
It also includes a common area with a large fountain and waterfalls returning right back to Big Walnut Creek.
A Coldstone Creamery, several other dining choices and shops ; there are many options after exploring.
A side stop; brief at that, is the original Port Columbus Air Terminal.
Nearby Gahanna off 5th Avenue, this historical building is worth stopping for for 5-10 minutes to look at this Central Ohio Icon.
Be mindful to park in the parking lot and no where near the John Glenn International fencing.
This building has been purchased by a historical trust group. It is their hope in the future to open it to artisans and private groups in the future.
Final stop on our tour along Alum and Big Walnut Creeks is my hometown of Westerville.
Alum Creek Park North
Alum Creek Park North
221 West Main Street
Westerville, OH 43082
https://parks.westerville.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/14/2430
This small gem of a park is nestled west of the Otterbein University campus.
For as small as this park is; it offers a lot.
It has easy access to Westerville’s vast bike and hike trail system. The nearby dam and falls have been a hidden treasure for fishing enthusiasts for years.
When the main restrooms are closed for the season; porta potties are available.
A large playground and nearby picnic areas are maintained by Park and Recreation staff.
If you follow current health standards and be able to head outside; you have many options to enjoy great natural beauty.
A link to our Facebook page shows a virtual tour of our journey from a early November jaunt.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3647713678626602&type=3
