Scioto Grove Metro Park Backpack Trail
BackpackOhio.com status: Trail hiked September, 2021 Trail Report – NEW
County: Franklin
Nearest town: Grove City
Total distance: 5.3 miles
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours as a day hike or 2 days for an overnight hike. Reservations required for overnight.
Trail conditions: Very good; a mixture of paved, gravel and natural trail surfaces
Blazes: Orange Carsonite posts and signage
Water: Available seasonally at the restroom facility located in the Arrowhead picnic area
Highlights: Scioto River, floodplain forest, restored prairies, easy trail for beginners
Maps: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks: Scioto Grove Park Map
Contact info: Scioto Grove Metro Park, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City OH 43123; Ranger cell phone: 614-949-1078
Internet: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Getting there: The North Canoe Access Parking Lot allows overnight parking for backpackers. From I-71, take Exit 100, Stringtown Road and go east about 1.2 miles. Turn right on OH104/Jackson Pike. Park entrance is 1.4 miles on left.
Trailhead coordinates: N39° 51.615′ W83° 01.338′
The Trail: The hike is located southwest of Columbus within Scioto Grove Metro Park; operated by Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks. The hike consists of several trails that can be linked together. The specific route described below totals 5 ½ miles and utilizes the REI River Trail, Mingo Trail and Overlook Trail. Much of the route travels through floodplain forest along the Scioto River. In addition, parts of the Mingo Trail cross a large meadow away from the water and the aptly named Overlook Trail runs along the slightly higher ground above the river itself. If desired, other trails in the park can add a few more miles to the hike.
Camping on one of the backpacking sites is a bit different from many Ohio options. Specifically:
- The sites are only available on Weekends, mid-April through October. They must be reserved in advance, though no fee is charged.
- Firewood is provided by park staff.
- You must check in and meet with the Park Ranger before heading back to your site.
- A full list of regulations is available, along with the reservation process, at metroparks.net.
While the surroundings are interesting, the main takeaway is Scioto Grove is a simple and relatively easy hike. Being flat and short, this trip could work well for those testing some equipment or perhaps looking for an option to ease into the sport….
