20200509 – Clear Creek Metro Park

Date: 05/09/2020 – Distance: 12.3 mi – Elapsed Time: 6.5 hr – Ascent: 2464 ft – Descent: 2395 ft – Difficulty: Hard (distance and hills)

Clear Creek Metro Park is a 5300 acre Columbus park but is located in the northern Hocking Hills Area just off 33. It is one of Columbus’ largest parks, and is also the largest State Nature Preserve. It features many hills, ravines, woodland, and even a few prairie and wetland areas.

Today I hiked 12.3 miles and saw a couple wildflowers which I haven’t seen so far this year including the rare Yellow Lady Slipper Orchid and the Fire Pink. I also saw numerous Showy Orchis Orchids. I have been to this part a few times in the past and have hiked all of the trails at least once.

I began my hike at the Fern Hill Picnic Area parking lot. From there I headed east along the Creekside Meadow Trail to the Hemlock Trail. From the Hemlock Trail, I briefly took the Fern Hill Trail to the Cemetery Ridge Trail. I then took the Chestnut Trail toward the Valley View Picnic Area where I took a short break. I then did the Lake Trail and returned along the Chestnut Trail to the Cemetery Ridge Trail. From there, I took another part of the Fern Hill Trail back to the parking area. I also took a short drive to the Creekside Meadows Picnic Area where I took a short hike up the other end of the Cemetery Ridge Trail because someone on the trail told me about the Yellow Orchid there.

Waypoints:

• Parking – Fern Hill Picnic Area – N39° 35.308′ W82° 35.667′

Links:

• More Photos
• Clear Creek Metro Park