Adventure Activities Near Me

Trails & Ales! Scioto Grove Metro Park / Grove City Brewing

The only Metro Park with a fire tower! **History** [Scioto Grove Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/) officially became the 19th park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system when it opened to the public on May 6, 2016. Located along a scenic bend of the Scioto River in Grove City, just south of Columbus, the 620-acre park was designed to blend preservation with modern recreation. Long before it became a park, this river corridor served as a vital footpath and trade route for Indigenous communities. Decades later, the mature forests and dramatic river bluffs caught the eye of conservationists looking to expand regional green spaces. The grand opening was a major milestone, drawing over 19,000 visitors in its very first weekend. The creation of the park was made possible through a sequence of land acquisitions and strong community partnerships. In October 2009, Franklin County voters approved a critical property tax levy that funded the initial purchase of 66 acres. Shortly after, the City of Grove City generously donated nearly 193 acres of land, previously known as Talbot Park, to anchor the project. Additional parcels were acquired using state grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, successfully closing the gap between properties by December 2012. This collaborative funding model ensured that pristine wilderness areas remained completely protected from commercial development. From its inception, the park aimed to introduce innovative amenities to the regional park system, most notably the concept of "urban backpacking". Through a key partnership with the outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op, the park established the scenic REI River Trail. This trail features five rustic, reservation-only campsites along the river, specifically designed to give newcomers a safe place to practice backpacking close to home. Additionally, planners prioritized making the park fully pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs across all trails and areas. This open-pet policy uniquely distinguished Scioto Grove from many other traditional Columbus Metro Parks. As the park grew in popularity, community members established special commemorative landmarks to honor local lives. In June 2019, a dedicated memorial garden was unveiled near the park entrance in memory of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student. The serene space features a central pond bordered by bright blue flowers, representing her favorite color. A primary buckeye tree stands alongside a dedicated plaque, surrounded by four additional buckeye trees to represent her immediate family members. This addition transformed a portion of the park into a meaningful place for community reflection, healing, and peace. The historical depth of the park took a significant leap forward with the relocation of a massive piece of Ohio history. In August 2023, Metro Parks officially unveiled the Keystone Forest Lookout Tower, which had been carefully moved from Jackson County, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1942 by the Aermotor Windmill Company, the 82-foot-tall metal structure spent decades guarding southern Ohio’s vast forests from devastating wildfires. Workers painstakingly disassembled, re-galvanized, and reassembled the historic landmark at Scioto Grove. Today, visitors can climb its 111 steep steps to experience a panoramic view stretching all the way to the downtown Columbus skyline. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Scioto Grove](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SGR-map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** We will hike around 5 miles on the Overlook, REI River, Mingo, and Arrowhead Trails. While the configuration of the trails can lead us to occasionally taking longer hikes than at other parks, Scioto Grove is not generally a very strenuous place to hike. If you use hiking poles and inadvertently forget them, this is not a park where you're likely to end up caring that much. That said, Scioto Grove is one of the better Metro Parks for hiking as well as other things. They are the only Metro Park with five camping areas where you can literally pitch a tent and sleep for the night. You must contact the park and reserve these in advance; they are however free. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, near the restrooms and playground. Arrowhead is the main picnic and parking area of the park, and it also has the only water fountain at Scioto Grove. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Grove City Brewing](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/menu). They have pretty good hamburgers. I was mortified to discover that I've never had their [Grove City Hooyah](https://www.beermenus.com/beers/486553-grove-city-hooyah) before, but I will correct that during this event. The actual address of the brewery is [3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3946+Broadway,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8836912,-83.0919635,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88389b3a28d0f4ad:0x3d85c41f608406c6!8m2!3d39.8836912!4d-83.0919635!16s%2Fg%2F11g8dh6h1_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park!🌳🐾

Sunset / Full Moon Paddle Series - Buck Moon

Hike High Banks - 9:30 AM START

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Hiking at Sharon Woods

Meet at the Maple Grove picnic area for a 4 mile hike at 18 min/mile pace.

Boat Day

Hike High Banks - 10:00 AM START

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Friday Happy Hour Hike

Blendon Woods Hike

Meet at the Nature Center parking lot at Blendon Woods to hike the Sugarbush, Hickory Ridge, Overlook, and Brookside trails approximately 4 miles at 18 min/mile pace.

Sunset / Full Moon Paddle Series - Sturgeon Moon

Bible Camp Retreat: Camp4Jesus

## Time & Location Thursday Sep 03, 2026, 5:00 PM – Sunday Sep 06, 2026, 10:00 AM Columbus, Columbus, OH, USA ## About the event **Camp4Jesus is the kind of weekend your heart has been craving.** Join 14 other women over Labor Day weekend for a luxury all-inclusive Bible camp retreat designed to help you step away from the noise, feel close to God, and reconnect with the joy, wonder, and lightness you may not have felt in a long time. Set on a property with the perfect mix of luxury and nature, this retreat brings together the best parts of what made girlhood feel so special: laughter that comes easily, late-night conversations, deep belly laughs, a sense of belonging, and the freedom to just be. But this time, it’s wrapped in the depth, peace, and intention of celebrating the women we are today. Think delicious meals prepared by a private chef, meaningful connection, cozy nights, faith-filled worship, little surprises, and space to rest, have fun, and feel like yourself again. After attending women’s retreats over the past five years, I’m creating Camp4Jesus with the very best parts of what I’ve experienced and loved most. My number one goal is to give you the chance to come back to the parts of yourself that feel soft, open, joyful, and fully alive. The part of you that still wants wonder. The part of you that wants real sisterhood. The part of you that wants to be with God in a way that feels honest, peaceful, and close. **No outside noise. Just space re-charge the soul battery, play like a kid, and HAVE FUN.** **WHAT'S INCLUDED:** * 3 nights in a luxury nature home * worship + bible study groups * private chef + all-inclusive meals & drinks * planned camp activities * fitness classes + workshops * wild swimming pool + man made slide * hottub + oversize indoor jacuzzi * acres of private walking trails + grounds * surprise guests & speakers * individual photoshoots (optional) * gift bag and merch **WHO IT'S FOR:** * Women 21+ * Women who are at any stage of their faith * Women who love girlhood and meeting new friends * Women who don't mind being outside for activities * Women looking for something to wake their soul UP! **FAQs:** * Wear will I sleep? - We offer private and shared rooms with provate shower + bath (you'll be treated like royalty) :) * Can I bring a friend? - Yes of course! In fact if you select a private room, you can bring a friend for a discounted price. * Can I drive there? - Yup. There is plenty of parking available. If you're flying in, we can help you arrange a ride from the airport. * Do I need to bring food? - No way! We got you covered and in fact will be spoiling you all weekend. Don't worry bout a thang! * What should I pack? - Keep it simple. Once you purchase your ticket, we'll send you our style + packing guide. **[APPLY FOR OUR 2026 RETREAT](https://forms.gle/Jxm9jpomK13e6tTD7)**

Tuesday Night Bike Ride