Hours and Info

Year-round: 6:30am-dark

Phone: 614-329-1392

Programs at Slate Run

About

Slate Run features a variety of habitats ranging from the open areas of grasslands, wetlands and meadows to the forested areas of beech, oak, hickory and sugar maple. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at the 1,705-acre park. Sandhill cranes have nested in the 156-acre wetland and the northern bobwhite quail have been reintroduced in the park.

Photo: Cameron Svoboda

Photo: Andrea Krava

Park Map

Click the map below for a zoomed/enlarged version

Slate Run Parkmap

Trails

Bobolink Grassland

1.5 miles
Easy – ADA – Hike – Grass
Winds through grassland and leads to an observation deck overlooking the wetlands.
Interactive Map: Bobolink Grassland

Camp Starview

1.7 miles
Moderate to Difficult – Hike – Grass, Dirt & Gravel
Goes through ravines and over steep hills. Open only to groups renting the Youth Camp.
Interactive Map: Camp Starview

Covered Bridge

0.5 miles
Easy – Hike – Pets – Gravel
Goes through a covered bridge and connects with the Shagbark Trail.
Interactive Map: Covered Bridge

Five Oaks

1.5 miles
Moderate to Difficult – Hike – Gravel
Goes through a steep ravine with black shale outcrops.
Interactive Map: Five Oaks

Kokomo

1.5 miles
Easy – Hike – Grass, Dirt & Boardwalk
Winds through the wetlands with numerous observation decks for watching wildlife.
Interactive Map: Kokomo

Lake

0.3 miles
Easy – Hike – Pets – Paved
Leads to Buzzard’s Roost Lake.
Interactive Map: Lake

Sassafras

2.1 miles
Horseback Riding Only – Grass, Dirt & Gravel
Goes through forest and meadows.
Interactive Map: Sassafras

Shagbark

0.5 miles
Easy – Hike – Pets – Gravel
A loop trail at the end of the Covered Bridge Trail. Goes through forest and meadows.
Interactive Map: Shagbark

Sugar Maple

1.3 miles
Moderate to Difficult – Hike – Gravel
Crosses Slate Run Creek and several steep hills.
Interactive Map: Sugar Maple

Winter Hike at Slate Run
Photo: Andrea Krava

Photo: Mindi McConnell

Shelters

Non-Reservable Shelters

Photo: Andrea Krava

Shady Grove Picnic Area

Picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, small playfield, restrooms.
1 Open Shelter: 3 small grills, electrical outlets, seating 80

Picnicking at Slate Run's Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area
Photo Andrea Krava

Buzzard’s Roost Picnic Area

Picnic tables, grills, playfields, playground equipment, drinking fountain, restrooms and a 14-acre lake with two children’s fishing docks and lakeside boardwalk.
1 Open Shelter: 4 small grills, electrical outlets, seating a maximum of 200

Activities

Photo: Andrea Krava

Family looking at insect collection at Slate Run.
Photo: Andrea Krava

Scout Troops can reserve the 55-acre Camp Starview for day camping or overnight camping. Organized and sponsored youth and church groups can reserve it for day camping only.

A woman fishing at Buzzards Roost Lake at Slate Run Metro Park.
Photo: Mark Van Horn

On 14-acre Buzzard’s Roost Lake. Lake is stocked with blue gill and large-mouth bass. The lake has an observation deck with a spotting scope for watching wildlife.

Family Riders on Bridle Trail.
Photo: John Nixon

Sassafras Trail: 2.5 miles

Kiddies at Slate Run's natural play area.
Photo: Andrea Krava

A 7-acre area with wooded hillside bordered by a creek. Kids and their caregivers can connect with nature and discover the fun and adventure of outdoor play. Access from Shady Grove Picnic Area. Walk past the observation deck on the Five Oaks Trail and down to the bottom of the hill.

PET TRAILS

Covered Bridge Trail – 0.5 miles
Lake Trail – 0.4-miles
Shagbark Trail – 0.5 miles (must walk the Covered Bridge Trail to get to it)

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.

Grilling at Shady Grove in Slate Run Park
Photo: Lauren Metcalf

A shelter at both Buzzard’s Roost and Shady Grove picnic areas, with tables, grills and play equipment. Free and available for all to use on a first-come first-served basis.

Get Outside, It’s Your Nature!