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Date: 07/12/2023 – Distance: 3.38 mi – Elapsed Time: 2.25 hr – Ascent: 233 ft – Descent: 233 ft – Difficulty: Easy

Situated north of West Jefferson, Ohio and just west of Columbus is Prairie Oaks Metro Park. It is 500 acres of “remnant” prairie restored to it’s tall grass ecosystem. The state scenic river Big Darby Creek flows through the middle of it. On the north end of the park is an old quarry with a few lakes. Shawna and I hiked a few miles here with the dog. There is also a dog beach where dogs can play in the water along with other dogs.

Map of the park. Sorry it’s not better quality.
We started at the picnic area at the end of the drive from the main entrance off of Plain City – Georgesville Road.
Prairie Dock.
Monarch Butterfly.
Teasle.
Common Milkweed.
Close up of Common Milkweed.
Queen Anne’s Lace.
Birdsfoot Trefoil.
Dogbane Milkweed.
Thistle.
Watch where you step, there are horses here.
Bridge over Big Darby Creek.
Big Darby Creek.
Cool dead tree.
About Big Darby Creek.
Lake 2 at Darby Bend Lakes.
Darby Creek Greenway Trail.
American Germander.
Close up of American Germander.
Carolina Horsenettle. Beware the fruit looks like a cherry tomato, but is toxic.
Teasle.
Pokeweed.
Thistle.
Thistle seed heads.
Alfalfa.
White Sweetclover.
Chicory.
Red Clover.
Morning Glory.
Morning Glory.
Adena burial mound.
The First Ohians.
Beautiful yellow feather.
Blackberries.
We can see the dog beach from across Lake 1.
Swallow nesting structure.
Education about the structure.
Swallow nest.
We made it to the dog beach.
The Lost and Found is if you find something.
Lots of tennis balls. The dogs had a ball swimming out to fetch them.
Parking at Darby Bend Lakes.
Map of Darby Bend Lakes.
A little about the area.

Overall it was a good hike. It was very hot but the trails were flat and easy.

Waypoints:

Links:

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2 responses to “20230712 – Prairie Oaks Metro Park”

  1. Loved all the wildflowers!

    1. Me too. Wildflowers are my love and specialty.

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