Deer Hunting
Meet other local people interested in Deer Hunting: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Deer Hunting group.
120
members
1
groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out deer hunting events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the deer hunting events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find deer hunting events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Deer Hunting Events Today
Join in-person Deer Hunting events happening right now
High Interaction Board Games at Western Market
We play a variety of games with a focus on high interaction Euros.
Events will start with quick games while people arrive and eat lunch. We will start longer games between 1:30pm and 2pm. While the official end time is 5pm, people are welcome to continue playing games afterwards. Western Market closes at 7pm on Sundays.
This page has more examples of high interaction Euros: [Old-school German-style Games](https://boardgamegeek.com/guild/view/3948). Here are some games that have been played at past events:
High Interaction Euros
* [Medici](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/46/medici)
* [Catan](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/13/catan)
* [Hansa Teutonica](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/43015/hansa-teutonica)
* [Puerto Rico](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3076/puerto-rico)
* [Concordia](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/124361/concordia)
* [Power Grid](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2651/power-grid)
* [Brass: Birmingham](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/224517/brass-birmingham)
Other high interaction games
* [Innovation](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/63888/innovation)
* [Imperial](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/24181/imperial)
There are a variety of food and drink options. Western Market is allowing us to use the space for free. Please reciprocate by purchasing something, even if it is just a soda.
Directions
If you're taking the Orange, Silver, or Blue lines, exit at the Foggy Bottom metro station and walk two blocks to the east. If you are taking the Red Line, Farragut North is an approximately a 15 minute walk away.
There is also free street parking to the north.
(RENTALS AVAILABLE) Anacostia River Paddle to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
This is the first event of the year where you can rent a canoe or kayak. Scroll down for more information on renting from Prince George's County.
Postponing this by a week, so hopefully the forecast is warmer and less breezy. I've adjusted the times so there will still be plenty of water to explore Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.
We'll shove off from Bladensburg Waterfront Park promptly at 1:30pm and head downstream towards Kenilworth, about two miles downstream. We'll do a loop around the wetlands and hopefully see some early blooms and plenty of birds. Once everyone regroups, we'll turn around and paddle back to Bladensburg, arriving before 4pm to accommodate rental returns.
This is event is suitable for paddleboards (including iSUPs), recreational/touring kayaks, and canoes, but not inflatable kayaks. Everyone must WEAR, not just bring a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD.
**RENTERS**
The Prince George's County Parks Department rents single and tandem kayaks or canoes at this launch. You MUST reserve beforehand (several days before a nice weather weekend). Rentals run from 1pm-4pm. We will start paddling at 1:30 and be back at the ramp just before 4. **As a reminder, this group is geared towards paddlers with at least a modest amount of experience.** We do not offer instruction and highly advise against joining any of these events if you have never paddled before.
[Double check the date and reserve boats here.](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=kU6I180Y6V00232Y1Q452Q4D5X5Z545S0A6Y605H5P73595T6I4G035O645C656Q5X4J5C576L5S4B6H4V6R5V4J6P5271544Z565805534O4X53016E4Q5A5A076S405G&begindate=05%2F10%2F2026&enddate=05%2F10%2F2026&type=&subtype=&category=&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+All&features=&quantity=1&secondarycode=&features1=&features2=&features3=&features4=&features5=&features6=&features7=&features8=&blockstodisplay=24&begintime=01%3A00+pm&endtime=04%3A00+pm&primarycode=BWP+Rentals&timeblocksearch=&display=Graphical&layer=42018&module=RN&multiselectlist_value=&rnwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)
Single Kayaks: $25 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $33 for non-residents
Tandem Kayaks & Canoes: $30 for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents; $39 for non-residents
Sunset Picnic + Deep Conversations
Wind down and get ready for the week ahead by spending some time reflecting through intentional conversation and watching the sunset. There is free parking, a restroom, and water station at this park.
Some example topics of conversation:
1\. Where have you felt the most alive lately?
2\. Is there anything in your work/life that has felt unresolved\, and why?
3\. Who has had the most influence in your life lately\, and what have they contributed?
4\. What was the most memorable moment of the last week?
Please bring:
\- Snacks and drinks to share
\- A blanket \(some will be provided as well\)
**To ensure an accurate headcount, you MUST respond to the question in the invite. Those who sign up without answering will be removed from the guest list.**
NOTE: Because this event is outside, the date and time is subject to change due to weather. Please check your email and/or the Meetup app for updates!
Sundays In The Park series
We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route.
Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip
We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.
Deer Hunting Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Hike: Dickey Ridge, SNP, VA
(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike III: Enjoy the Springtime in Shenandoah Forest. This hike includes wildflowers, wonderful views, a peaceful waterfall, and bright blue skies (we hope). Long hikers start at the intersection of Dickey Ridge trail at Skyline Drive and follow Dickey Ridge trail to Fox Hollow trail, where they will ponder an old cemetery as they loop around to Dickey Ridge trail. Meanwhile Moderate hikers start at the Dickey Ridge Visitor center and go south on the Dickey Ridge Trail. They join long hikers at Fox Hollow trail and all hikers follow Dickey Ridge trail to Sneed Farm Road. Moderate hikers cross the road and continue on the Dickey Ridge trail, passing views of the Shenandoah valley below. Long hikers will go left on Sneed Farm Road and take the Snead Farm Loop Trail, passing farm ruins on their right, as they loop around to the Dickey Ridge trail where they will join moderate hikers. All hikers will continue on the Dickey Ridge trail to a parking lot where they will go down the gravel road to Lands Run waterfall about a half mile from Skyline Drive. After enjoying the waterfall, all hikers backtrack on the Dickey Ridge Trail to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Est.: 12.0 miles, 2200 ft. elevation and 8.5 miles, 1400 ft. elevation. There are optional hikes that include an Extra Long hike of 14 miles and shorter moderate hikes ranging from 0-7.5 miles. PATC map 9. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass.
VA Hikes. ***Map and hike description are posted under Photos***
**[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am.
* **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181
*
* Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot.
**RESERVATIONS**
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. Space permitting, walk-ons are permitted at the second pick-up point. Your hike fee will be paid to one of the hike leaders in either cash or check (we're working on Venmo / Zelle).
**FIRST-TIME HIKERS**
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.
Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
**CANCELLATION POLICY**
Cancellations sometimes play havoc with our hiker accountability as the hike leaders print out the rider list from the MeetUp sign-up website. If the RSVP is not complete or up-to-date, neither is our check-in list.
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less the MeetUp $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on the MeetUp website before NOON on the Friday **before the hike**. If you change your RSVP afterwards, no refunds will be issued.
While Metro/carpool/trailhead hike cancellations will not be issued a financial refund, hikers on either bus or trailhead hikes are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at either bus stops or the trailhead.
**COVID, RSV, or seasonal FLU precautions** . . . Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)
Ultimate Frisbee - All Levels
Just good ole Ultimate Frisbee. Tons of fun. Great group. No stacks. No pick calls (but no picks!!!). Fair warning to those totally new to ultimate: it's a lot of running.
\*\*Please pay close attention to the rule #6 listed below.
*What to DEFINITELY bring*
1. Running shoes/Cleats
2. One white shirt *and* one dark shirt !!!! See this one !!!!
\-\-\- IMPORTANT you can play both dark and white so we can make teams when we get there; just pickup after all 😎
3. Water
*What you can ALSO bring*
4\. Snacks & Drinks
5\. Gloves \(winter\)
6\. Sunscreen \(summer\)
7\. Sunglasses 😎
House Rules -
1. Starting Play: Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of opposite end zone lines. The defense throws ("pulls") the disc to the offense.
2. Scoring: Each time the offense catches a pass in the defense's end zone, the offense scores a point. The teams switch direction after every goal, and the next point begins with a new pull by the team that just scored.
3. Movement of the Disc: The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count.
4. Change of Possession: When a pass is not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception, stalled), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.
5. Substitutions: Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout. (Modified depending on the number of the attendees)
6. Non-contact: Players must attempt to avoid physical contact during play. Picks and screens are also prohibited.
7. Fouls: When a player initiates contact that affects the play, a foul occurs. When a foul causes a player to lose possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player that the foul was called against disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
8. Self-Officiating: Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. The host will also step in if it is needed.
Please message the event host for any questions or concerns.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Smiley Social documents:**
1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg)
2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)
Great Falls, MD Gold Mine Trails (Rating: B)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
**Hike Overview:** This will be a 10-mile hike in and around Great Falls, Maryland, with about 800 feet of elevation gain. We will be hiking in the woods, not along the towpath. The trail can be rocky and uneven at times. Plan for some small hills and stream crossings. I hike at a moderate to fast pace of 2.5-3.0 miles per hour.
**Park Entrance Fee**: None.
**Trailhead:** The trailhead / hike starting location is at the far end of the upper parking lot across from the Old Angler's Inn. The restrooms at the other end (by the entrance) should be open.
**Duration**: Approximately 5 hours
**Route**: We’ll hike up to the Gold Mine Loop, circle around the east side, make our way down to the towpath, and then visit Olmsted Island for a lovely view of the falls. Once back at the towpath, we'll head past the visitor center and parking lot north to the Ford Mine Loop. After finishing this loop, we'll retrace our steps to the visitor center, hike along the Overlook Trail and around the Gold Mine Loop and back to the parking lot. Highlights include: the falls overlook, Civil War trenches, gold mine sites, and a pretty stream.
**Type**: Our path will be roughly in the shape of a barbell.
**Hiking Speed**: We'll hike at a speed of 2.5-3.0 mph (moderate to fast).
**Pets:** Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with NVHC's dog policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). The dog must be on a leash, and you must let the hike leader know in advance. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk to Olmsted Island, so any hikers with a dog would have to wait at the entrance while the group goes to view the falls.
**Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:**
[https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf)
Introductory Clinic
As a reminder, since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave).
We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes.
For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route.
This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate.
This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate!
Route:
[http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831](http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831)
Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join.
Helmet and pads are required. Skate at your own risk.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session
VSDC Biking - Bethesda to DC
Please join us for the first ride of 2026 from Bethesda to Hains Point and back.
We will be starting from the [Park and Ride for Capital Crescent](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKo6KKeexQPENXHEA) trail in Bethesda. The meeting spot provides ample free car parking, and also it is convenient to get to from Bethesda Metro. Going to Georgetown will be a piece of cake (it is downhill). Coming back we will be digesting the cakes we eat.
Before signing up, please make sure you will be able to sustain at least 10 mph average speed for this lengthy ride.
Meeting point: [Park and Ride for CC Trail](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8icfVLC4mdfagQj6)
Date: Sunday, May 10 at 10 am
Route: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/njF8xXDfrH8kvVP96](https://maps.app.goo.gl/njF8xXDfrH8kvVP96)
Length: 24 miles
Difficulty level: **strenuous**
Elevation change: 420 ft up & down
Time: \~3 hours at moderate pace
Pace: moderate \~10 mph
Biking surface: paved
Route type: mostly paved trails, some roads and sidewalks
Metro accessible: yes (with an additional 1 mile of ride)
Snack spot: we will be stopping in Georgetown for a snack. Multiple vegetarian options available:
\- Chaia Tacos
\- South Block
Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snacks and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy. Please carry plenty of water!
Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page.
*For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).*
***Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.***
*Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below*
RULES
* Pets are not allowed
* Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event.
* Practice safe biking habits including:
* Wearing a bike helmet
* Keeping safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes)
* Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity
**VSDC: More Than A Meetup**
We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](http://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?
With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
The VSDC membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/).
**Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct**
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/).
**VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**
SOCIAL SIPS & BITES 🌊🍸 WATER TAXI DAY EXPERIENCE
Social Sips & Bites family - this is the kind of day we do best.
Easy, fun, and full of connection. We’re taking things to the water with a full afternoon of cruising, exploring, eating, and just enjoying the moment together. No stress, no rush… just good vibes and great people from start to finish.
⸻
**MEET UP — 12:00 PM**
L’Enfant Plaza (D & 7th St Exit)
Metro: Orange, Blue, Silver
Drive: 400 7th St SW (free parking on Sunday nearby)
⸻
**THE RIDE 🚤**
We’re cruising the Potomac together
Wharf → Alexandria: 12:45 – 1:15
Alexandria → Wharf: 5:00 – 5:30
**Round Trip: $44**
Grab your ticket:
https://share.google/MR4rRnrVghl6t56e8
⸻
**ALEXANDRIA VIBES** 🍕🍦
We step off the boat and the day just flows
1. Walk the waterfront. Take in the views
2. Andy’s Pizza — one of the best slices around
https://share.google/TOnyMxiqTkhTYGXBF
3. Before heading back…
Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream
https://share.google/hWiZ8i8M06mayPbxM
⸻
This is one of those effortless, perfect SSB days
Sunshine, water, food, laughs, and that signature SSB energy
🥾 Sunday Morning Trek: Rock Creek Hike & North Italia Lunch!
Ready to trade the pavement for some forest trails? We’re heading into the heart of DC to tackle the **Western Ridge & Valley Trail Loop**. It’s the perfect moderate hike to get the heart rate up before we refuel with some Mediterranean goodness.
📍 **The Game Plan**
***The Hike:*** We’ll meet at 8:00 AM to start the loop. It’s a beautiful 6.3km (3.9 mile) trail with enough elevation to feel like a workout, but plenty of scenery to keep it social.
***The Lunch:*** Post-hike, we’re heading over to **North Italia** for some well-earned recovery food!
🗺️ **Trail Logistics**
***Distance:*** 6.3km / 3.9 miles
***Difficulty:*** Moderate (Expect some hills!)
***Duration:*** Approx. 1.5 – 2
***Route:*** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-and-valley-trail-loop?u=m&sh=3kaumz
***Start Point:*** https://maps.app.goo.gl/u4MfDrTJQqZ7YGLc7?g_st=ic
🍔 **Food**
***Location: ***https://maps.app.goo.gl/Diga1kjYBx4ey2WcA?g_st=ic
✅ **What to Bring**
* Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers.
* A water bottle.
* Some light snacks like fruits, fig bars or protein bars to keep your energy levels up
* Your appetite!
🅿️ **Parking**
***Hike:*** https://maps.app.goo.gl/kBkp8jKVkMH21zeH9?g_st=ic (Note: this is a 2 minute walk from the start point)
***Food:*** Parking structure near restaurant
Deer Hunting Events Near You
Connect with your local Deer Hunting community
Westerville Queer Coffee Meetup
WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.
Women’s Night Out: Boots, Bites & Good Vibes
Who’s up for a fun night out?
Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun!
Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together.
• Lively atmosphere with country vibes
• Delicious food + drinks
• Music, dancing, and lots of laughs
• Great conversation and new connections
COUNT monthly event: Kitchen service at Van Buren Center's shelter
Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above.
There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change.
The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/).
Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers.
For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**History**
The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville.
Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people.
As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support.
The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.
In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks.
**Where We'll Meet**
We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center.
**After the Hike**
Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

















