Char-Mar Ridge is part of Delaware County’s preservation park system. It features a wooded trail that passes over gently rolling hills. The trail itself is packed earth and gravel that remains in good condition even when it’s rainy. A 0.25 mile trail connects the parking lot to a loop trail. The loop trail is 1.5 miles and is very popular with joggers who often do multiple laps. Like most of Delaware County’s parks, visitors are allowed to bring their leashed dogs along with them. “Mutt mitts” are provided at the entrance to facilitate clean-ups. I almost always encounter people walking their dogs there, and they have been doing a super job of keeping the trail clean.
The trail goes by a wooden staircase that leads up to a wildlife blind. Depending on your luck you may be able to spot birds, turtles or other wildlife if you approach the blind quietly. Peering through the slots of the blind reveals the pond featured in the topmost photo of this post.
You might see other wildlife to the side of the trail as you continue on your way.
In the spring you are likely to see some wildflowers.
In the winter cross-country skiers are welcome.
Back at the parking lot there is currently a port-a-john, but the park officials are currently building rest facilities with plumbing. If it is like the ones that I’ve encountered at other Delaware preservation parks, it will have wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, plus provide a water fountain outside.
Location
The park is located in Genoa Township, but it’s also convenient to northern Westerville. By getting on the Genoa Township Bike Path near the Kroger on Maxtown, Westerville cyclists can ride their bikes to Char-Mar Ridge Preserve in less than three miles. If you are going by bike, when you reach the point where the bike path crosses Lewis Center Rd., turn right onto Lewis Center Rd and go a short ways and Char-Mar Ridge will be on your left. Bicycle racks are provided, but don’t take them on the preserve’s trail.
More on Delaware County
New Nature Club in Central Ohio
Stratford Woods
Autumn Visit to Char-Mar Ridge Preserve
Morning at Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk
Deb, you and Bob do such a nice job of pictures and definitions. We hope to visit this park very soon 🙂
Gail T.
Thank you, Gail. Maybe we could go together one of these days. 🙂
very nice park, especially can visualize myself walking the winter trail with the low beams of sunlight through the trees. lovly.
Thank you, Roberta. I’m glad you were able to accompany me on my virtual tour. 🙂