Run the Hills of Highbanks Metro Park

The variety of trails and trail lengths can be pieced together to create a longer run, if desired. Start at the Nature Center for access to three main trails: Dripping Rock Trail (2.5miles), Coyote Run Trail (3.5miles), or the Multi-Use Trail (1.25miles). For a six-mile trip, leave the parking lot heading east on the Coyote Run Trail. This trail is pet friendly, so heads up for families walking their little coyotes (puppies). Continue on Coyote Run until the fork in the road at the Adena Mound. Take a right, cross the connector to the Multi-Use Trail. Head west on this trail until the pavement stops and turns to a dirt path. This is the best part; all downhill through the cross-country ski portion of the park. This dirt path connector will spit the runner out at Big Meadows Picnic Area, a one mile loop around a lush field. Take a right at the Big Meadows Path fork and continue as it turns into the Scenic River Trail, a quick half-mile section that runs alongside the Olentangy River. This will spit the runner out at the far end of the Dripping Rock Trail loop. Hop onto this trail for tree-lined sharp hills. This loop will take the runner back to the Nature Center, but for better vistas, the Overlook Trail is the perfect way to finish the trip. This loop covers 2.3 miles of winding climbs and spits the runner out at a 110-foot overlook deck atop the Olentangy River and surrounding rolling countryside. Turn around, finish the Overlook Loop, connect with the Dripping Rock Trail again, and congratulate yourself for finishing a challenging course. Sidenote: take a break inside the Nature Center and peruse the extensive library of nature-related reference and guide books.