Highbanks Metropark: Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails (Blog Hike #100)

Trails: Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails

Hike Location: Highbanks Metropark

Geographic Location: north side of Worthington, OH (40.15017, -83.02715)

Length: 4.5 miles

Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)

Dates Hiked: July 2001, July 2016

Overview: A fairly easy, pleasant walk along wide, gravel trails to the High Banks overlooking the Olentangy River.

Park Information: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/

Hike Route Map: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=155397
Photo Highlight:

Directions to the trailhead: On the north side of Columbus, take I-270 to US 23 (exit 23).  Exit and go north.  Take US 23 north 4 miles to the park entrance on your left.  Enter the park and take the main park road to the Oak Coves Picnic Area on your left.  Turn left and park in the first parking lot on your left.

The hike: For centuries the High Banks of the Olentangy River have been a gathering place for people all of which have left a mark on the land.  As early as the time of Christ, Adena Indians inhabited the area, leaving behind two burial mounds contained within the park boundaries.  The nearby Olentangy Indian Caverns is open for guided tours and contains some artifacts these early settlers left behind. 

            In the early 1700’s, white settlers began to invade the Ohio River valley from the east, cutting down trees for use as homes and clearing land for cultivation.  Some gravestones of the area’s early settlers, an old barn, fields, and succession forest remind us of this era of the land’s history.  The High Banks today are an interesting site for geologists.  The exposed Ohio black shale that comprises the High Banks yield interesting fossils and concretions, created when rock forms around another object.

            Ordinary citizens also enjoy a trip to the High Banks, which are now contained within High Banks Metropark, a member of the Metroparks of Columbus.  The park offers numerous picnic shelters, a nature center, and a well-groomed 10-mile system of hiking trails.  Our hike combines two of these trails and passes most of the highlights within the park.

Trailhead: Dripping Rock Trail

            From the parking lot described above, the blacktop trail enters the forest on the north side of the picnic area to the left of the nearest shelter.  Immediately the trail turns to gravel and descends slightly to a trail intersection.  Turn left at this intersection and hike a short connector trail to the Dripping Rock Trail, a 2.45 mile loop trail marked with the outline of a bird.  Turn right on the Dripping Rock Trail and begin hiking west through beautiful, mature oak-maple-hickory forest. 

            Cross the first of several wide, high, well-constructed wooded bridges to arrive at an intersection with the Overlook Trail, which is blazed with arrowheads.  Turn left here to begin the Overlook Trail, a linear trail with two branches.  The trail cuts through a small field ablaze in late summer with the gold of black-eyed Susan and the white of daisies.

            After crossing another small drainage, the trail climbs slightly to a fork where the trail splits.  The two trails rejoin in 0.5 miles, so one could go either way here.  This set of directions will turn right and use the left fork as the return route.

Bridge on Dripping Rock Trail

            The forest is now younger with numerous small maple trees and some paw-paw bushes populating the understory.  Do not miss a side trail going to the left, as it leads to the gravestones of the Pool family.  Living in the early 1800’s, the Pool family is believed to be one of the first white residents of the Highbanks area.  Their gravestones were found just south of the present-day metropark.  They have now been erected in memory of these early settlers on park property.  An interpretive sign gives some more information on the Pools.

            Back on the main trail, the trail curves left and crosses a deep ravine on a high wooden bridge before rejoining the other arm of the loop.  Turn right here and pass through one of two Adena burial mounds.  This nine foot high mound is in the shape of a horseshoe broken into several segments.  The trail passes between segments so as not to harm the mound.  This arrangement gives the hiker an interesting view of this historic earthwork.

            Past the mound, the trail descends gently to arrive at a two-tiered wooden platform overlooking the Olentangy River.  You are now standing on top of the famous High Banks with the river 100 feet below you.  Stop here for a moment to rest and admire the view of the river valley.  The view is unobstructed by brush, and only a couple of roads visible in the distance tarnish the natural setting.  Especially watch for hawks and waterfowl circling and swooping over the river below.

Olentangy River valley

            The trail ends at the platform, so you must retrace your steps to the burial mound and continue straight at the intersection to begin the return route. The trail winds through the upper reaches of several ravines in young forest.  Ignore a side trail going right and rejoin the outward loop in 0.5 miles.  From here, retrace your steps to the Dripping Rock Trail, turning left when you reach it.

            The Dripping Rock Trail heads west, passing through a small picnic area.  Park maps are available here if you do not already possess one.  The trail reenters the woods without crossing the park road and begins heading downhill toward the river.  Notice the steep ravines to the left of the trail formed by powerful, rushing water.  The Olentangy River itself, now only some 20 feet below the trail’s elevation, shortly comes into view to the left.

            Before reaching the river, the trail turns right and passes beside a small stream underneath a main park road overpass.  A small ridge is topped to reach a pair on intersections with trails that go left down to the river.  Continue straight at the first intersection, but a right turn is required at the second one to remain on the Dripping Rock Trail.  Remember to follow the trail markings so as not to miss this turn.

Gradual climb on Dripping Rock Trail

            The trail now begins a long, gradual ascent out of the river’s floodplain through young forest bordered by field.  After passing a wooden fence to the left, the trail skirts a ravine on the right to arrive at a short side trail leading to a wooden observation deck overlooking a field.  This platform makes an excellent spot for viewing birds, butterflies, and small mammals.

            Continue past the observation platform for 0.5 miles to cross the Arch bridge, another wide, wooden bridge.  This one gets its name from the shape of its curved wooden beams under the bridge visible from the banks.  At the next trail intersection, turn right, cross the park road, then stay left as the paved Oak Coves Trail exits to the right.

            The gravel trail once again enters mature forest and curves east past the other Adena burial mound.  Turning right again to head west, the trail passes between two shallow ravines to arrive at the short side trail on which this hike was begun.  Turn right here and shortly return to the Oak Coves Picnic Area to conclude your hike.