Prairie Oaks features nearly 500 acres of lush prairies and grasslands. In late summer and early fall, visitors can see fields of beautifully flowering ashy sunflower, royal catchfly and purple coneflower against a backdrop of big and little bluestem and Indian grasses.

The spectacular and lush scenery of the Big Darby State and National Scenic River, which flows through the park, provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventure.

The Sycamore Plains Trail system offers a spectacular trek along Big Darby Creek through a mature wooded floodplain.

Prairie Oaks operates a Carry In - Carry Out program to help conserve natural resources. Visitors are given bags and asked to take their trash home, helping to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Hiking trails   Pet trail Picnicking Nature programs Biking Rollerblading Natural Play Area

Fishing Canoeing Cross-country skiing Bridle trail Darby Bend Lakes Boating (non-motorized) Dog swimming

To Sycamore Plains Trail Access (2009 Amity Road, Hilliard):
From Route 142 (Plain City-Georgesville Road) go about 0.25 miles south of I-70 exit. Turn left on High Free Pike. Go about one mile to Roberts Road and turn left. Go about one mile on Roberts Road to Amity Road and turn left. Entrance is on the left.

To Darby Bend Lakes (2755 Amity Road, Hilliard):
From I-270, take I-70 west to the West Jefferson / Plain City exit, turn right onto Plain City-Georgesville Road / State Route 142. Go about 2.25 miles to Lucas Road (passing the main park entrance) and turn right. Go across Big Darby Creek and turn right at the stop sign onto Amity Road. Entrance is about 0.5 miles on right.

Darby Bend Lakes is a water recreational area, featuring three beautiful lakes. Visitors can enjoy trails, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, non-motorized boating and picnicking. There is even a dog-swimming area for your pet.

Darby Bend Lakes features two picnic shelters. There are also shelters at the Whispering Oaks and Prairie View picnic areas, and three picnic tables at the Sycamore Plains Area.

Natural Play Area: Kids and adults can go off-trail and interact with nature in a more direct way than usual, by climbing trees and rocks, digging in the dirt, playing in streams and generally having fun.