Sharon Woods Metro Park Autumn Lake Loop & Edward S. Thomas Nature Preserve

About this adventure

Spanning 761 acres in northern Franklin County, Sharon Woods Metro Park is a cherished family retreat anchored by the 11-acre Schrock Lake. During Thanksgiving week, the 3.8-mile paved Multi-Purpose Trail offers families an ideal venue for holiday bicycling, roller-skating, and leisurely stroller walking beneath amber oak and golden beech trees. Wooden observation platforms extending over Schrock Lake allow children to observe migrating ducks, grebes, and Canada geese in clear autumn waters. For deeper wilderness immersion, the Edward S. Thomas Nature Preserve features scenic woodland footpaths through undisturbed oak-hickory groves. The park also boasts an all-inclusive accessible playground, a sledding hill ready for early flurries, and heated restroom pavilions. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: The Multi-Purpose Trail is completely paved, level, and wide, making it exceptionally comfortable for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Modern heated restrooms located at the Spring Hollow lodge and Schrock Lake picnic shelters offer clean baby-changing facilities and shaded porches. • Age Suitability: All ages; the flat lake loop suits toddlers and infants, while elementary children love the expansive playgrounds and wooden lake decks. • Sensory Tips: Gentle lakeside breezes, rustling leaves, and waterfowl calls create a calming outdoor environment; early mornings offer peaceful solitude.