Take a hike! 13 Wildflower Hikes in Columbus and Central Ohio

Springtime in Ohio may mean lots of rain, but the rain brings the wildflowers in bloom!

Plan some Wildflower Hikes in Columbus and Central Ohio at these parks, trails, and nature preserves. 

Ohio is home to many different types of wildflowers!

You’ll spot bloodroot, spring beauty, large-flowered trillium (Ohio’s state wildflower), lupone, Virginia bluebells, wild geranium, mayapple, and jack-in-the-pulpit, columbine, black-eyed Susan, coneflower, wild rose, and marigold. 

Grab your hiking boots, a camera, and check out some of the best locations for wildflower hikes in Columbus and Central Ohio. Make sure to protect yourself from ticks while exploring!

Wildflower Hikes in Columbus

From metro parks to nature preserves, there are trails for all skill levels that are bursting with wildflowers in the spring and summer months. 

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Just north of Columbus in Westerville, Inniswood Metro Gardens is a true gem for nature lovers.

Spanning over 123 acres, the park has several miles of trails, picturesque ponds, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

During spring, the woodlands are full of an array of wildflowers, including trilliums, violets, and Virginia bluebells. The Spring Woodland Garden

The Sisters’ Garden is a fun place to check out wildflowers!

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Situated on the western outskirts of Columbus, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is the largest of the Columbus Metro Parks system.

The park has more than 20 miles of trails, including the 2.5-mile Cedar Ridge Trail, which is a popular spot for wildflower viewing in the spring. Look for spring beauties, Virginia bluebells, and Dutchman’s breeches.

Blendon Woods Metro Park

Located in northeastern Columbus, Blendon Woods Metro Park is a great stop for wildflowers!

The park’s trails wind through stream-cut ravines with exposed ripple rock sandstone and open fields surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests. 

In the spring, the woodland areas come alive with blooms such as trillium, bluebells, and Dutchman’s breeches.

Don’t skip the 118-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge at Thoreau Lake, known for its vibrant displays of wildflowers. Open year-round, it features two elevated observation shelters with spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl.

Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Blacklick Woods Metro Park is a 643-acre park located in eastern Franklin County.

The park has more than 7 miles of trails, including the 1.2-mile Beech-Maple Trail, which is a popular spot for wildflower viewing in the spring.

Look for Mayapples, wild ginger, and trout lilies.

Highbanks Metro Park

Nestled along the eastern shore of the Olentangy River, Highbanks Metro Park is a must-visit destination for wildflower enthusiasts.

The park offers several miles of trails that wind through mature forests, meadows, and along scenic river bluffs.

During the spring months, hikers can revel in the beauty of Virginia bluebells, wild columbine, spring beauties, and jack-in-the-pulpits. For an elevated view of the wildflower displays, the Overlook Trail provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Shale Hollow Preserve

Located in nearby Delaware County, this 190-acre nature preserve features shale cliffs, streams and waterfalls, as well as a diverse wildflower populations.

Trails are well-maintained, and will take visitors through forests and meadows. You’ll discover wildflowers such as hepatica, trillium, wild ginger, and mayapple.

Clear Creek Metro Park

Located in Rockbridge, southeast of Columbus, Clear Creek Metro Park offers a scenic hiking experience.

The park has diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky cliffs.

In the spring, the wooded areas of Clear Creek, you’ll find Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, and wild geranium. The Hemlock Trail, Fern Trail, and Chestnut Trail are also great places to spot spring wildflowers.

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve

Just east of Newark, about an hour’s drive from Columbus, Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is a stunning destination for wildflower enthusiasts.

This 4.5-mile long gorge, carved by the Licking River, features towering cliffs, lush forests, and a picturesque bike trail that meanders through the heart of the preserve.

During springtime, hikers can enjoy a vibrant display of wildflowers, including Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauties, and Virginia bluebells.

Dawes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum is a 1,800-acre arboretum located in Newark, Ohio. With forests, wetlands, and prairies, the arboretum offers an exceptional setting for wildflower hikes. 

Dawes has more than 12 miles of trails, including the 1-mile Azalea Glen Trail, which is known for its wildflowers in the spring.

The Arboretum Loop Trail takes visitors on a journey through various habitats, where they can encounter an impressive variety of wildflowers, such as wild hyacinth, shooting stars, wild geraniums, and butterfly weed. 

Glen Helen Nature Preserve

Glen Helen Nature Preserve is a 1000-acre nature preserve located near Yellow Springs, Ohio. The preserve has more than 25 miles of trails, including the 1-mile Birch Creek Trail, which is known for its wildflowers in the spring.

Look for bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, and bloodroot.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is a 268-acre nature preserve located near Yellow Springs, Ohio.

The preserve has more than 2 miles of trails, including the 1.3-mile Gorge Trail, which is known for its wildflowers in the spring. Look for hepaticas, spring beauties, and Dutchman’s breeches.

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is a 450-acre nature preserve located near Urbana, Ohio.

The preserve has more than 4 miles of trails, including the 1.5-mile Cedar Bog Trail, which is a popular spot for wildflower viewing in the spring. Look for marsh marigolds, skunk cabbage, and yellow lady’s slipper.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

If you love nature, The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus is a must-visit destination!

Explore 88-acres of indoor and outdoor exotic plant collections and displays, including a stunning collection of wildflowers in season. There are so many things to do and see at FPC. Don’t forget to check out the Children’s Garden – whether or not you have kids with you!

Read more about visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory, including discounts and more.

Franklin Park Conservatory Free Community Day, discounts and more

Ohio State Parks

Don’t forget our Ohio State Park system! You’ll find miles and miles of trails, meadows, and other places to hike at Alum Creek, Cowan Lake, John Bryan, or Mt. Gilead state parks.

Check for ticks whenever exploring nature!

When venturing out on wildflower hikes in Columbus, Ohio, and Central Ohio, it’s essential to be aware of the potential presence of ticks. These tiny arachnids can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, so taking precautions for tick protection is crucial.

Read more about preventing tick bites when out and about in Columbus!

Staying safe from Ticks in Columbus and around Ohio

Find more outdoor fun in Columbus!