Quarry Trails Metro Park

History and Landscape

Quarry Trails Metro Park is a 182-acre park located in Columbus, Ohio, opened in 2021 as the 20th Metro Park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The park is situated on the site of the former Marble Cliff Quarry, which was once the largest contiguous quarry in the United States.

This historic quarry provided limestone for many important structures in Central Ohio, including the Ohio Statehouse. The park features a unique landscape shaped by its quarrying history, with rugged terrain, limestone cliffs, and scenic lakes.

Natural Features

A centerpiece of the park is Millikin Falls, a 25-foot waterfall cascading into Roberts Millikin Ditch. Visitors can view the falls from an observation deck or descend a flight of limestone steps for a closer look.

The park includes several bodies of water, including Turtle Cove and Swan Lake, which are suitable for non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards. Fishing is permitted in these areas, with the lakes stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Catch-and-release fishing is allowed without a license along the shoreline.

Trails and Recreation

Quarry Trails offers approximately 6 miles of trails for hiking and walking, including paved paths and natural surfaces. The trail system provides visitors with opportunities to explore the park's varied terrain and observe its natural features.

Some trails offer views of the park's lakes and the remnants of the quarrying operations. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the park features a 0.75-mile single-track trail with challenging descents and jumps, designed for intermediate to advanced riders.

The trail system includes five routes totaling 7,000 linear feet of rugged terrain.

Development and Access

Quarry Trails Metro Park is still partially under development, with ongoing construction to add more amenities and expand recreational opportunities. The park is designed to provide outdoor recreation access to nearby urban residents.

Its strategic location places it within 5 miles of approximately 350,000 Franklin County residents.