Blacklick Woods Metro Park Winter Nature Center & Canopy Boardwalk

About this adventure

As the very first park established in the Columbus Metro Parks system in 1948, Blacklick Woods in Reynoldsburg spans 643 acres of ancient beech-maple woods and seasonal buttonbush swamps. In winter, the park's standout feature is the brand-new Canopy Walk—a fully accessible, elevated wooden boardwalk that rises gently 35 feet into the tree canopy, offering children and parents a bird's-eye perspective of frost-covered branches and wildlife without climbing any stairs. Back on terra firma, the heated Nature Center is one of the coziest winter spots in the county. It features a massive 40-foot plate glass observation window facing woodland bird feeding stations, where families can sit in comfortable armchairs watching downy woodpeckers, bright red cardinals, white-breasted nuthatches, and energetic squirrels feed just inches away. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: The Canopy Walk is engineered with gradual ADA-compliant ramps, wide boardwalk planks, and high protective safety mesh; nature center paths and loop trails are flat and paved. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated Nature Center provides plush viewing chairs, quiet corners for infant feeding, and modern ADA-accessible restrooms with baby changing stations. • Age Suitability: Fun for infants in strollers, toddlers navigating the tree-height boardwalk, and school-age nature lovers. • Sensory Tips: Quiet, tranquil woodland sanctuary; viewing winter birds up close through sound-dampened glass offers an engaging yet calming experience for sensory-sensitive children.