Hours and Info

Year-round: 6:30am-dark
Phone: 614-208-4329

Programs at Pickerington Ponds

About

Pickerington Ponds is a premier spot for birdwatching, with more than 260 species seen. The combination of seasonal ponds and rich wetland vegetation, with bordering woodlands, serve as a magnet for migrating waterfowl, shore birds and land birds. Deer, beaver, fox and other wildlife can be seen near the ponds and adjoining woods and fields of this 1,608-acre park.

Photo: John Bonnett

Photo: David Hoffman

Park Map

Click the map below for a zoomed/enlarged version

PKP-parkmap-2021-1x1

Trails

Arrowhead

1.7 miles
Easy – Hike – Grass
Goes through fields and forest and crosses George Creek.
Interactive Map: Arrowhead

Blacklick Creek Greenway

16 miles
Easy – Hike – Bike – Pets – Paved
Connects three Metro Parks and several small parks from Reynoldsburg to Groveport.
Interactive Map: Blacklick Creek Greenway

Killdeer

1.1 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel
Goes around Blue Wing Pond and leads to an observation deck overlooking Pintail Marsh.
Interactive Map: Killdeer

Meadowlark

1 mile
Easy – Hike – Grass
Follows Pickering Creek and loops around grassland.
Interactive Map: Meadowlark

Yellowlegs

0.5 miles
Easy – Hike – Gravel
Crosses Pickering Creek and goes through a wetland.
Interactive Map: Yellowlegs

Burning Lake

1.5 miles
Easy – Hike – Bike – Pets – Paved
Loops through wildflower fields and a small woodland, passes wetlands.

Photo: Don Danielson

Shelters

Non-Reservable Shelters

Glacier Knoll Picnic Area

Area has access to Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail. Features an observation deck and has a drinking fountain and restroom.
1 Shelter: 38 Parking spaces plus two handicapped parking spaces, Electricity, Large charcoal grill, Picnic tables, Seating 60

Wood Duck Picnic Area

Area has two observation decks overlooking ponds and marshes
1 Shelter: 30 Parking spaces plus two handicapped parking spaces, Charcoal grill, Picnic tables, Seating 20

Photo: Don Danielson

Activities

Photo: Caleb Holman

Roller-bladers and a cyclist about to pass each other on the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail in the north west part of Pickerington Ponds.
Photo: Don Danielson
Blacklick Greenway Trail: 16 miles
Connects three Metro Parks and several small parks from Reynoldsburg to Groveport.

Great blue heron at Pickerington Ponds. Photo by Dan Ferrin.
Photo: Dan Ferrin

A 418-acre state nature preserve includes a buttonbush swamp, marshes and ponds. Marsh plants, grasses and sedges provide ideal habitat for many species of birds. Features four observation decks overlooking ponds and marshes. A fifth observation deck overlooks Arrowhead Marsh.

Walkers with their dogs on the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail at Pickerington Ponds.
Photo: Don Danielson

PET TRAILS

Blacklick Greenway Trail: 16 miles
Connects three Metro Parks and several small parks from Reynoldsburg to Groveport.

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.

 Visitor cooking on a park grill at the Glacier Knoll Picnic Area in Pickerington Ponds.
Photo: Scott Felker

Two picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. They feature tables and grills.

Get Outside, It’s Your Nature!