Hours and Info

Year-round: 6:30am-dark

Phone: 614-208-4298

Programs at Chestnut Ridge

About

Chestnut Ridge is the first ridge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The ridge spans about 4,500 feet and rises to about 1,116 feet. Black oak, shagbark hickory and northern red oak trees grow on the upper slopes of the ridge and enhance the woodland beauty of the 486-acre park. Sugar maples and American beech are plentiful on the lower slopes.

Photo: Robert Shunk

Photo: David Jolley

Park Map

Click the map below for a zoomed/enlarged version

CHR_map_Feb 2021 - 11x17

Trails

Homesite

0.4 miles
Moderate to Difficult – Hike – Gravel
Goes through woods and fields, past an orchard and remnant homestead, connects Ridge and Meadows trails.
Interactive Map: Homesite

Meadows

1 mile
Moderate to Difficult – Hike – Gravel
Follows the edge of a high meadow, crosses a stream and passes through the woods.
Interactive Map: Meadows

Milkweed

0.6 miles
Easy to Moderate – Hike – Pets – Natural
Pet trail features a half-mile loop around fields with a short section through the woods.

Ridge

1 mile
Moderate to Difficult – Hike – Gravel & Boardwalk
Includes a gradual 150-foot ascent through the woods to the top of the ridge.
Interactive Map: Ridge

Mountain Bike

10.5 miles
Mountain Biking Only – Dirt
Features steep climbs and descents through deep woods. The 12 to 18-inch-wide trail has a narrow creek bridge, banked turns, and a couple of short sections of sandstone cobble. A 5-mile inner loop is the beginner/intermediate trail and the outer 4-mile loop is the advanced trail.
Interactive Maps: Intermediate | Advanced
Virtual Ride: Gravity Track

Photo: Andrew Boose

Shelters

Non-Reservable Shelters

Photo: Ken Preston

General Use Picnic Areas

Sandstone Picnic Shelter: Large Charcoal Grill, Seating for 40

Springhouse Picnic Shelter: Large Charcoal Grill, Electricity Available Upon Request, Seating for 40, ADA accessible, Picnic Tables, Grills, Playground Equipment, Vault Restrooms

Activities

Photo: Veronica Schreck

Boy fishing at Chestnut Ridge
Photo: Don Danielson

Visitors of all ages can fish for bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish at the 2-acre fishing pond.

Competitors on the Mountain Bike Trail at Chestnut Ridge during a COMBO event
Photo: Rick Jordon

The 10.5-mile Mountain Bike Trail (for mountain biking only) goes through the woods and provides a terrific workout for mountain bike enthusiasts of all abilities. The 12- to 18-inch-wide trail is on an all-natural surface and features a 230-foot change in elevation. The trail was designed and built by volunteers with the Central Ohio Mountain Bike Organization (COMBO). There is also a Pump Track, a loop of dirt berms and rollers, and is great for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

PET TRAILS

Milkweed Trail
0.6 miles – easy
Loops around a field with a short stretch through the woods.

Domesticated dogs and cats are also permitted in picnic areas, parking lots and on roadways. Pets shall be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Picnic shelter near fishing pond at Chestnut Ridge.
Photo: Ken Preston

Two picnic areas, each with a shelter, tables and grill, available free on a first-come first-served basis. Play areas nearby.

Get Outside, It’s Your Nature!