Don’t let April showers keep you inside, use these trails and keep your feet dry

Credit: Jan Underwood

Credit: Jan Underwood

We’ve all heard the old saying April showers bring May flowers, but the upcoming rainy season doesn’t have to stop us from getting outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Looking for a natural surface trail for hiking  you won’t be bogged down in after a spring rain? Need a suggestion for a paved trail for walking, biking or pushing a stroller? The folks at Five Rivers MetroParks have some ideas.

Be sure to plan ahead before you head out. All indoor spaces have been closed in the parks – this includes restrooms. 

For the most up-to-date information on trail closures, park visitors and trail-goers can visit:

www.metroparks.org/alerts.

Natural surface trails

Keep your shoes dry while hiking, backpacking or trail running.

Taylorsville MetroPark has two trails that can be navigated in wet weather. The yellow trail is 1.2 miles long and the shorter green trail is 0.4 miles.

Germantown MetroPark's green trail is 1.4 miles long. The park is known for its preserved mature and old-growth woodland.

Paved recreation trails 

Take a stroll, push a youngster or hop on a bike.

Wander along the Mad River trail through picturesque Eastwood MetroPark. If you are ambitious, this paved trail will take you all the way to Huffman MetroPark.

The Great-Little Trail is 2.25 miles of paved trail running through Medlar Conservation Area. Need to get your heart pumping? There's a big hill on the way back up for a good workout.

Credit: Jan Underwood

Credit: Jan Underwood

Need a short trip? Visit Hills & Dales MetroPark and travel from Paw Paw shelter along the Adirondack trail out and around scenic Dogwood Pond.

The 7-mile Iron Horse Trail, perfect for long walks and bike rides, runs along the eastern border of Woodman Fen Conservation Area.

A segment of the Wolf Creek Trail starting west of Trotwood at Vickwood Lane, follows a historic rail corridor. This portion is relatively flat and travels along Sycamore State Park.

View an interactive map of the 340 miles of paved, multi-use recreational trails here.

Guidelines

Things to keep in mind when using the trail system and MetroParks:

- Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.

- Observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing (6 feet) from other persons at all times.

- Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.

Credit: Jan Underwood

Credit: Jan Underwood

- Be prepared for closed public restrooms, water fountains and playgrounds.

- Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence when you pass.

- Do not use picnic tables, benches, swings, handles or handlebars.

Trash

MetroParks has limited the number of trash cans in the parks and ask that visitors follow a “carry-in, carry-out” trash policy.

Parking

MetroParks is monitoring and may limit the number of visitors at high-use parks, such as Cox Arboretum and Sugarcreek MetroParks, to protect the health and safety of our community and employees.

Social distancing is difficult when the park is crowded. The most effective way to reduce the number of visitors is to reduce the amount of parking available.

Currently, parking has been limited at Cox Arboretum MetroPark and may be limited at other parks if needed to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff.

About the Author