Inniswood Metro Gardens

Photos by OHventures

Inniswood Metro Gardens
940 S. Hempstead Road
Westerville, OH 43081

Flowers, waterfalls and statues are amongst the beautiful scenery that make Inniswood Metro Gardens stand out from the rest of the Central Ohio Metroparks. Located in Westerville, in northern Franklin County, Inniswood has always jumped from the pages in all of the photos I have ever seen, and I knew I had to make a trip to see for myself the lavish landscaping up close and personal.

Inniswood is one of those places that is so gorgeous that it is difficult to find words to accurately encapsulate its beauty (which is why I have dedicated a photo blog solely to this park). The hiking paths found at Inniswood are mostly man-made boardwalks, which makes exploring the area easy for all types of hikers of all ages and abilities. Despite rigorous or challenging hiking trails (the six trails total 2.25 miles in length), there is much to be seen and should not be passed by if you are a fan of nature.

Some of the must-see highlights of the Central Ohio park include: the cascading waters at the stunning rock garden, the handsome trellises and brick walkways that make up the rose garden, and the kids' treehouse fort that can be found in what is known as the Sister's Garden. Curiously, a bee garden (pictured above) is a feature of the park, so beware if you are allergic that you steer clear!

Although I went on a scorching hot summer day, I was able to cool off while hiking along the Brookwood Trail and Spring Run Trail, both nestled deep in the woods and sheltered by adequate shade. Being near the streams and fountains also helped me to cool down! As on any hike, however, bringing with me hiking essentials such as a water bottle and map was crucial.

Access to the park is free of charge. Pets are allowed only outside of the formal garden area. Food is also not allowed, so, sadly, picnics are out of the question. Even though it is the smallest of all of the Central Ohio Metro Parks, Inniswoods has a lot of great things to see and is a worthwhile trip.