Spectacular stream cut ravines surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests highlight this 653-acre Metro Park. The 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge with its 11-acre Thoreau Lake provides a sanctuary for hundreds of birds and other wildlife. The refuge is open year-round and features two elevated observation shelters with spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl. More than 220 species of birds have been sighted at the park.

Explore the beautiful outcroppings of exposed bedrock as you hike more than 5 miles of trails.

BLENDON WOODS 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Road Westerville, OH 43081 (northeastern Franklin County) From I-270, take State Route 161 exit (30B) toward New Albany onto E. Dublin-Granville Road. Go 1.6 miles then take the Little Turtle Way exit and turn right. Go to Old State Route 161 and turn right. Entrance is 1/2 mile on left.

Four reservable picnic areas.

Disc Golf Course: The 3,500-foot, 18-hole course is open daily year-round (closes one hour before sunset.) Disc rentals available April through October. For information, call 614.890.7529 or visit www.bwdgc.com.

Camp Sugarbush: Available for rental to organized youth groups.

Nature Center: Your gateway to outdoor discovery. Ask a naturalist questions, discover nature through displays and view wildlife from the nature center's windows.

Monarch Mansion: From June through September, visit this screened-in gazebo outside the nature center, home to free flying monarch butterflies raised at Blendon Woods for release on the annual Monarch Day.

Skating Pond: Winter outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this one-foot deep pond.