Glen Echo Park

Steep stairs with good railing. 24 steps to the 1st landing. 24 more down to the tunnel.

I feel guilty writing this review... This park is a little bit of a local secret, hidden in plain sight. The Glen Echo Ravine is a restoration park from a previous industrial complex, service road, and a water run off. I don't know the full history, but I do know the results are a hybrid aesthetic of fairy tale and dystopian future, that results in some unique sights. There are some shallow lazy streams, small waterfalls, and wild life from squirrels to deer. There's shale everywhere and you can see a ton of layers from eons of sediment. Ancient, cracked roads and dirt paths wind through this forested area, with multiple landscaped gathering areas, and crumbling industrial structures in the process of returning to nature. This place is probably most known for its Bird Tunnel, a giant tunnel from a bridge that the local art council worked with a local artist to paint a giant bird mural, that has subsequently been accented by years of graffiti. While we passed plenty of people, we often had space to ourselves. We came across lots of kids running around, people walking their dogs, and retired locals taking in the wild life. It's not the largest park, but there are some steep trails because it is in a deep ravine in the middle of a neighborhood that provides decent exercise. You can park for free on the streets, one of the few places in Columbus, and there are multiple entrances into the park. There was some trash that had found it's way from the roads above. Near the train tracks there were tents that looked like someone may have been living there. And, there are houses overlooking the entire place.

Stairs were closed for winter and the alternate entrance (a paved walkway on a hill) was so iced over it was nearly impossible to walk. I think there is a trail going up the hill but it splits so many ways it might not have been legitimate (connecting to neighbors or homeless hangouts?) also the paved walkway just ends at the bird bridge. It was surprisingly nice though overall

Glen echo park is a great little ravine tucked away in the city. Used to go on walks there, and last weekend we went to bird tunnel party which was awesome! Lots of stairs though, and no paved walkways so not the most accessible and even if you have no mobility issues you should still be mindful in footwear choice. My friend regretted her platform heels immediately.

This was an overall okay experience. The park itself is not huge. I did enjoy the trail which is paved. There seems to be a lot of trash along the creek bed. That said there is lots of floura to see in the spring so it is worth a look if you have the time.