Hiking

* **Date :** Dimanche, 26.04.2026 * **Horaire :** 11 AM * **Durée :** 5h * **Lien vers VisioRando :** [https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-la-foret-de-rambouillet-a-velo/](https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-la-foret-de-rambouillet-a-velo/) * **Stratégie / Matériel / Pour le bon déroulement / A ne pas oublier :** 1. Kit de réparation 2. Gonfleur 3. Garmin, compteur GPS - Trajet 4. Veste imperméable - sportif à vélo 5. Application Strava 6. Téléphone 100% 7. PowerBank 100% 8. Cartes bancaires 9. 2 Sandiwsh, 10. **Source de protein et d'énergie :** Eau, 3 Banane, 2 sandwish * **POST activités :** 1. Photographie 2. Découverte 3. Picnic (optionnel) 4. Café (optionnel) * **Pour s'inscrire :** https://chat.whatsapp.com/HfRC9fm8L8i4wNUdhmbu4n?mode=gi_t

**No pressure. No plans. Just new friends ✨** Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time, just arrived, or simply love meeting curious, open-minded people, this bi-weekly **Just Gutsy** meetup is an easy way to share stories, make friends, and explore the city together. **Who it’s for?** • Solo travelers • Expats & digital nomads • Locals who love meeting travelers **What to expect?** ✨ Relaxed, **self-led** gathering 🤝 Small group energy 🌍 Travel stories, tips & shared adventures 🍹 Grab a drink or snack if you like **How it works?** This is a self-led meetup, meaning I set it up for you but the magic happens between you. To make sure everyone finds each other smoothly, please follow these simple coordination steps: 1️⃣ **RSVP** Thoughtfully If you’re planning to come, tap “Going.” It helps others feel confident joining and builds momentum before the meetup. Even if you’re 80% sure, RSVP. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so others aren’t expecting your attendance. 2️⃣ **Confirm 2 Hours Before** (Essential) To ensure the meetup runs, please comment on this event page at least 2 hours before the start time: “Confirmed for today 😊” This allows everyone to see, ahead of time, who is actually coming. The meetup moves forward when at least 2 people confirm 2 hours before the event. If fewer than 2 confirmations are posted by then, attendance may be low that day. This avoids anyone showing up uncertain. 3️⃣ **Signal Your Arrival** When you arrive, comment on this event page: “Arrived” + where you’re sitting + what you’re wearing Example: “Arrived. Sitting outside near the entrance. Wearing a black t-shirt.” This ensures everyone can easily find each other. Recognition Tip Having a clear profile photo on Meetup is highly encouraged — it makes recognition effortless and helps the group form faster. **When & Where?** 📅 Day: Every Monday & Thursday 🕓 Time: 4:00 PM local time 📍 Meeting point: In front of **Costadoro Social Coffee.** **Arrive on time,** smaller groups make it easier to connect. **Why join Just Gutsy?** • Meet open-minded people who genuinely want to connect • Feel at home anywhere in the world • Be part of a growing global solo travel community • Early members get lifetime premium access to the future Just Gutsy app 🚀 Join here 👉 https://justgutsy.com/ **About Just Gutsy** **Just Gutsy** is a global community for solo travelers who are free spirited, love exploring the world believe that real connections make the best memories. Hi, I am Syrine, I started solo traveling in 2018 and it changed my life, from introvert to extrovert. Along the way, I loved meeting people, but also felt how hard it can be to find connection when traveling alone. I’m building Just Gutsy so no one has to feel alone on the road — and so anyone who’s still shy to take that first step has a welcoming place to start. 💛

**Groupe PEM whatsapp 0683208657** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gzyefv4Ev2bKE1JY3DExIN](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gzyefv4Ev2bKE1JY3DExIN) (pour recevoir le programme de la semaine et avoir la localisation du groupe) 3 500 abonné(e)s **Paris et l'île de France en 177 parcours (numéro 5 / 177)** **Promenade LE MARAIS et ses lieux insolites** 13h30 / 16h15 environ Départ : métro Pont Marie, sortie 1 (ligne 7) Arrivée : métro République (lignes 3, 5, 8, 9 et 11) **Price / prix : 10 euros** **(Tarif 18/25 ans de 5 euros sur justificatif)** Le règlement de nos événements peut se faire sur place en espèce **Quelques endroits où nous allons passer** (comme toujours en fin de parcours nous irons prendre un verre dans un bar) : * le village Saint-Paul, * le boulet oublié, * quel écrivain ? * l'enceinte de Philippe Auguste, * le monde des épices, * le marché des enfants rouges, * le Paris coquin, * le jardin caché, * les crêpes d'un autre pays, * 2 des plus anciennes maisons de la capitale, * la pâtisserie jaune, * le concept des artisans, * le bar insolite, * le potager des oiseaux, * le jardin des archives, * ... Les événements que vous pouvez déjà réserver et payer en ligne : https://www.billetweb.fr/pro/pem **Il est aussi possible de prendre un abonnement annuel ou mensuel** à la date d'achat, qui revient à 25 euros par mois pour l'abonnement annuel et 42 euros par mois pour l'abonnement mensuel : [https://www.billetweb.fr/pro/pem](https://www.billetweb.fr/pro/pem) **Aujourd'hui Rythme Niveau 5 : autour de 4,5 km heure ( Moyen - ) \*\*** \*\* Les niveaux des promenades et des randonnées : Niveau 1 + de 6,2 km heure (Power Hike / Commando...) Niveau 2 : 5,7 km / 6,1 km heure (Rapide, pratiquement aucun arrêt du début à la fin) Niveau 3 : 5,2 km / 5,6 km heure (Soutenue, pratiquement aucun arrêt du début à la fin) Niveau 4 : 4,8 km / 5,2 km heure (Moyen +) **Niveau 5 : 4,5km / 4,9 km heure (Moyen -)** Niveau 6 : 3,9 km / 4,4 km heure (intermédiaire) Niveau 7 : Autour de 3,5 km heure (cool) Niveau 8 : Sous 3,5 km heure (méga cool) **Le concept :** PEM axe + ses sorties sur les lieux insolites, les découvertes, la nature et le sport sur Paris et l'île de France. PEM organise pas de promenades ou de randonnées dans le style des conférenciers, ils sont assez nombreux sur Paris, ils sont très bons dans leur domaine et leurs tarifs, les durées de leurs événements et leurs vitesses de marche ne sont pas les mêmes que nous. Si possible à chaque fin de parcours nous allons prendre un verre. Vous aurez pas au cours d'une promenade ou d'une randonnée une conférence sur "l'histoire de France" ou sur "l'histoire d'un quartier". Un guide papier avec l'historique du parcours vous sera donné en début de sortie. Le but premier c'est de discuter et d'échanger avec des personnes dans le groupe qui viennent de tous les univers et d'un peu partout dans le monde tout en découvrant une exposition cachée, un bar insolite, une pâtisserie qui sort de l'ordinaire, un trompe l'oeil, des enseignes classées, un musée inhabituel, des graffitis pratiquement illisibles, un marché improbable, une forêt, une ferme...... :-) Nous sommes un groupe atypique. Au plaisir de vous voir lors d'un prochain événement :-) Pour recevoir le programme de la semaine vous pouvez aussi nous rejoindre sur le **Groupe PEM Telegram**[masked] : https://t.me/+S4tmmrfjwkYZzjOl Sur le **Groupe PEM Signal** : https://signal.group/#CjQKIJ0hU-el8dg9MS6z7WMSOJ746G68Kkc_tqc7orwMRHPLEhD3HbTMv2mCvbcWvSi808mC Sur le **Groupe PEM Viber** : https://invite.viber.com/?g=K3Z3oJaCmVEOWcAMXKNPqmGrkPmPIOtP Sur la **Page** **Instagram PEM** pour voir les photos et les vidéos des événements passés : https://www.instagram.com/pariseventsmeetup/?hl=fr **"La Plateforme PEM 2026"** : [https://linktr.ee/ParisEventsMeetup](https://linktr.ee/ParisEventsMeetup) A bientôt :-)

🥾 🌿 🥂 Join us for a spring hike through forest and park. We will start by crossing the hilly forest of Verrières. We will then continue in the Parc de la Noisette along the river des Godets, a Bièvre affluent. We will come out on the green corridor before joining the magnificent park of Sceaux, designed by Le Nôtre, the Palace of Versailles gardener. After a stroll in the park, we will share a drink under the cherry blossoms to celebrate spring and friendship as the Japanese know well how to do it. 📌 **INFO:** * Level: Intermediate (blue) * Distance: 14 km * Duration: Around 3 hours and half + apéro * Starting point: At Massy Palaiseau station, RER B, Exit 4 (Porte Vilmorin) * Finishing point: La Croix de Berny, RER B * Meeting time: 3:00 p.m. * Departure time: 3:10 p.m. Fee: 10 EUR (cash or with the app. Lydia at 0685237028) Hiking leader: Valérie, mobile: 06 85 23 70 28,[ ](http://intrepidhikersfr@gmail.com)email: [intrepidhikersfr@gmail.com](http://mailto:intrepidhikersfr@gmail.com) 🎒 **WHAT TO BRING:** * Water (at least 1.5 litre), * Something to share for an apéro together (drink, food), * Umbrella or poncho, * Suitable clothing, * Hiking shoes. If you signed up, but can't make it, remember to change your reservation to "Not Going", thank you. For payments by Lydia, here the refund policy: [https://tinyurl.com/mt7sa23j](https://tinyurl.com/mt7sa23j) To learn more about the hike level of difficulty, see here: [https://www.ibpindex.com/index.php/en/](https://www.ibpindex.com/index.php/en/) Please read the terms and conditions carefully before making a reservation: [https://tinyurl.com/tfkub43d](https://tinyurl.com/tfkub43d) *** 🥾 🌿 🥂 Rejoignez-nous pour une randonnée printanière à travers forêt et parc. Nous commencerons par traverser la vallonnée forêt de Verrières. Nous continuerons ensuite dans le parc de la Noisette en longeant le ru des Godets, affluent de la Bièvre. Nous déboucherons sur la coulée verte avant de rejoindre le magnifique parc de Sceaux, dessiné par Le Nôtre, le jardinier du château de Versailles. Après une balade dans le parc, nous partagerons l’apéro sous les cerisiers en fleurs pour célébrer le printemps et l’amitié comme les Japonais savent si bien le faire. 📌 **INFO:** * Niveau : Intermédiaire (bleu) * Distance : 14 km * Durée : Environ 3 heures and half + apéro * Point de départ : A la gare de Massy Palaiseau, RER B, sortie 4 (Porte Vilmorin). * Point d’arrivée : La Croix de Berny, RER B * Heure du rendez-vous : 15h00 * Départ à : 15h10 Prix : 10 EUR (espèces ou avec l’app. Lydia au 0685237028) Accompagnatrice : Valérie, mobile : 06 85 23 70 28, email : [intrepidhikersfr@gmail.com](http://mailto:intrepidhikersfr@gmail.com) 🎒 **CE QU'IL FAUT APPORTER :** • de l’eau (au moins 1.5 litre), • de quoi pour partager ensemble un apéro (boisson, nourriture) • parapluie ou poncho, • des vêtements adaptés, • des chaussures de randonnée. Si vous vous êtes inscrit, mais que vous ne pouvez pas venir, n’oubliez pas de changer votre réservation sur "N'y va pas", merci. Pour les paiements par Lydia, voir ici les conditions de remboursement : [https://tinyurl.com/mt7sa23j](https://tinyurl.com/mt7sa23j) Pour en savoir plus sur le niveau de difficulté de la randonnée, voir ici : [https://www.ibpindex.com/index.php/fr/](https://www.ibpindex.com/index.php/fr/) Veuillez lire attentivement les termes et conditions avant de faire une réservation : [https://tinyurl.com/262n4uez](https://tinyurl.com/262n4uez)

Let’s explore the forests of the **Chevreuse Valley** on a scenic spring hike from **Bures-sur-Yvette** to **Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse.** We’ll walk through **lush green forests** in full spring atmosphere, with fresh leaves, vibrant vegetation, and a calm, refreshing feel throughout the trail. Passing through the charming village of **Courcelle-sur-Yvette**, we’ll follow sections of the GR® routes that cross the valley, combining peaceful woodland paths with occasional open viewpoints. The route takes us through the **Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse**, with a mix of shaded forest and rolling countryside. Along the way, we’ll pass near small hamlets and quiet rural paths typical of the region, before reaching Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, where the landscape opens up with wider views over the valley. 📍**Meeting Point** **Sunday, April 26, at 10:50 AM** Bures-sur-Yvette RER B - Exit 1 RER B: Châtelet les Halles 10:08 AM - 10:47 AM Bures-sur-Yvette RER B 🎯**Ending Point** Gare de Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse at 15:30 PM. RER B: Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse - Châtelet les Halles (back in Paris) at around **17:00 PM.** 📏**Hike Details** * Distance: **\~16 km** * Elevation gain: **+350 m** * Duration: \~4h30 (including stops and lunch) * Difficulty: Moderate. (we are walking at a 4.5 km/h pace, for you reference) * Lunch: We’ll stop for lunch in the forest, so please **bring your own food and water.** * Language: **English** – ideal for expats and anglophones living in or visiting Paris. You are responsible for your own actions — please ensure you feel comfortable with the distance, and you act responsibly. 🎒**What to Bring** * Small backpack * 1L of water * Lunch/snacks * Comfortable walking shoes * Rain jacket or umbrella ⭐Participation €10 per person, cash or via Revolut/WeRo at the end of the hike. See you, Mihai

📵 **This is a phone-free event by The Offline Club.** Hi lovely person, this listing is for discovery only —tickets are managed through Please [confirm your spot here.](https://luma.com/0a0fbx76) \*\*\* 👣 **A mindful walk along the Coulée Verte** ​After five beautiful Offline Walks, we're back for a 6th edition, in the heart of spring. A slow, social walk along the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, an elevated green path winding above the city. ​This walk is an invitation to move gently, notice the city, and reconnect — with yourself first, then with others. ​**How it will unfold** ​We'll meet at the intersection of Avenue Daumesnil and Rue de Lyon, where the Coulée Verte begins. From there, we'll head out on a silent walk along this former railway line, now transformed into a lush, elevated garden floating above the Parisian rooftops. ​Time to slow down, breathe in the greenery, and let the city hum quietly beneath you. ​About halfway through, we'll stop for a coffee (as always), for a simple pause to recharge. ​Then we'll do the rest of the path for the social leg of the walk: relaxed, open, and full of conversation). ​As always, you're free to join each part in your own way. ​**What to expect:** ​👣 A silent walk to slow down and reconnect with yourself ☕ A coffee break to pause and recharge 💬 A social walk to connect naturally with others 🌿 A gentle elevated route through nature, right in the heart of Paris 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 French & English friendly — all our events are bilingual ​**The program:** ​16:00 \| Meet at the intersection of Avenue Daumesnil & Rue de Lyon \(32 Rue de Lyon\, 75012 Paris\) ​16:15 – 17:00 \| Silent walk along the Coulée Verte ​17:00 – 17:30 \| Coffee break ​17:30 – 18:15 \| Social walk along the Coulée Verte ​Augustin, our passionate volunteer with a love of hiking and urbanism, will be your guide! He knows some interesting facts about this place, so don't be surprised if he shares them with you. Just enjoy it! ​**Contribution** ​This is a donation-based event, open to everyone. Your contribution helps us keep creating screen-free, mindful moments like this one. ​Refunds? Sorry, no take-backs. ​**About your phone** ​We invite you to keep your phone off or tucked away. This time is for your steps, the trees above the rooftops, and the people walking next to you. ​If you really want to capture the moments, feel free to bring a camera. But we also encourage you to take mental photos. ​Offline Walks happen every last Sunday of the month, creating a gentle rhythm of movement, presence, and connection. ​We can't wait to walk with you. ​Offline hugs, ​Stefania, Augustin (your main host for this Offline Walk) & Gabriela (volunteer coordinator), ​The Offline Club Paris ​​*📸 Thanks to our community's Photo Manager [Tarannum Hussain.](https://www.instagram.com/tarannum17/)*

***A premium art & countryside escape through the landscapes that inspired Vincent Van Gogh — just outside Paris.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [http://urbanaturetravel.com/event/van-gogh-countryside-25apr2026](http://urbanaturetravel.com/event/van-gogh-countryside-25apr2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **🌿 WHY GO?** Step into the landscapes that inspired some of the most powerful paintings in art history. Just outside Paris lies the charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise — forever connected to the life and legacy of Vincent van Gogh. In the final months of his life, Van Gogh painted more than **70 masterpieces** here. The rolling wheat fields, quiet village paths, and historic buildings became the inspiration for some of the most emotional paintings in modern art. On this **premium art & countryside experience**, you won’t just visit a destination — you will **walk through the landscapes that shaped one of the world’s greatest artists**. Expect a perfect blend of: 🎨 Art history 🌿 Scenic countryside walking 🏡 Historic French village charm 📸 Iconic photography locations This is a **carefully curated cultural escape from Paris**. ✨**WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** 🎨 **Auvers-sur-Oise – The Village of Van Gogh** Explore the charming countryside village where the artist created some of his most iconic paintings. ⛪ **The Church of Auvers** Visit the famous church immortalized in Van Gogh’s painting *The Church at Auvers*. 🏛 **Maison de Van Gogh Museum** Discover the small inn where Van Gogh spent his final days. 🏰 **Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise** A stunning historic castle surrounded by elegant gardens and countryside landscapes. 🌾 **Van Gogh Wheat Fields Walk** Walk through the landscapes that inspired some of the artist’s final masterpieces. 🪦 **Van Gogh & Theo Graves** Visit the peaceful cemetery where Vincent and his brother Theo rest side by side. 🌊 **Oise River Countryside Trails** Relaxed scenic walking paths along quiet riverbanks. 🌳 **Hidden Valley Forest Trails** Discover tranquil woodland paths far away from tourist crowds. 🏡 **Traditional French Village Streets** Stone houses, bakeries, cafés, and charming streets that feel frozen in time. ☕ **Relaxing Countryside Café Break** Enjoy coffee, pastry, or lunch in a picturesque French village setting. ✨ **Optional Add-On Experiences (available on ticket page):** • Absinthe Museum visit • Scenic Oise River boat cruise 📅**TRIP DETAILS** **Start and End Date:** Saturday, 25 April. **Meeting Location and Time:** * **Option A:** Meet inside Paris Gare du Nord[ ](https://share.google/Xe6TrbqMlCKmi2eXn "https://share.google/Xe6TrbqMlCKmi2eXn")at 9:00 am on Saturday. * **Option B:** Meet outside Auvers-sur-Oise Train Station at 10:00 am on Saturday. **Note:** Exact platform location in Paris Gare du Nord will be advised in the WhatsApp group for confirmed participants the day before the trip. **Finishing Location and Time:** * **Option A:** Paris Gare du Nord at 5:30 pm on Saturday. * **Option B:** Auvers-sur-Oise Train Station at 4.30 pm on Saturday. **Hiking Distance:** 12 km from Auvers-sur-Oise and back. **Hiking Duration:** \~5–6 hours including breaks**.** **Elevation Gain:** \~150 m. **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy to Moderate - walking through village streets, countryside trails and historical landmarks. **Pace:** Relaxed & social. **Kid and Pet Friendly :** Yes **Optional Add-Ons:** * Absinthe Museum * River Cruise **What is Included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration of the trip. * Transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location (depending on ticket selection). * Scenic countryside hike around Auvers-sur-Oise. * Guided art & history storytelling throughout the trip. * Visit to key Van Gogh locations in Auvers-sur-Oise. * Entry to **Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise**. * Group coordination for train travel (Option A). * Small friendly group atmosphere. * Access to a WhatsApp group and Google photos album dedicated for this trip. **Note:** Email us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **What is not Included?** * Lunch / personal food expenses. * Optional experiences (Absinthe Museum / River Cruise). **What to Bring?** Weather is temperament and can vary between raining and sunny weather. Would recommend the following at a minimum: * Packed lunch for break during hike * Comfortable walking shoes / hiking shoes * Light rain jacket * Rain trousers * Small day backpack * Sun protection * Sunglasses * Water (minimum 1L) **How to get to Auvers-sur-Oise?** **Train:** Auvers-sur-Oise can be reached from Paris Gare du Nord in about **1 hour** via regional trains. Regular regional trains run throughout the day. **Need Assistance:** For travel planning help or future multi-day trips, reach out directly: 📲 WhatsApp / SMS +49 152 2150 6123 +49 151 2486 7229 **🗺 WHAT IS THE PLAN?** **🕘 9:00 AM – Meet at Paris Gare du Nord** Meet your guide and fellow travelers at **Paris Gare du Nord**. After a quick introduction, we board the train together toward **Auvers-sur-Oise**. **🚆 9:15 AM – Train Journey to Auvers-sur-Oise** Enjoy a scenic train ride through the northern Paris countryside as we leave the busy city behind and head toward the peaceful landscapes that inspired **Vincent van Gogh**. **🏡 10:15 AM – Arrival in Auvers-sur-Oise** We arrive in the charming village and begin our exploration with an introduction to Van Gogh’s life during his final months. **🎨 10:30 AM – Visit Maison de Van Gogh** Visit **Maison de Van Gogh**, where the artist spent the last 70 days of his life and created some of his most famous works. **⛪ 11:15 AM – Church of Auvers & Village Walk** See the famous **Church of Auvers**, immortalized in one of Van Gogh’s most iconic paintings. We then stroll through the quiet village streets and historic buildings. **🌾 12:00 PM – Countryside Walk through Van Gogh’s Landscapes** We walk through the beautiful countryside paths and wheat fields that inspired many of Van Gogh’s final paintings. This section offers some of the **most beautiful viewpoints and photo opportunities of the day**. **🍽 1:00 PM – Lunch Break in the Village** Enjoy a relaxed **lunch break in Auvers-sur-Oise**. Participants are free to choose from charming local cafés or bakeries. **🏰 2:00 PM – Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise** Visit **Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise**, a beautiful historic château featuring immersive exhibitions about the world of Impressionist painters. **🪦 3:30 PM – Van Gogh & Theo’s Graves** Visit **Van Gogh's Grave**, a peaceful and meaningful place where Vincent and his brother Theo rest side by side. **☕ 4:00 PM – Free Time in Auvers-sur-Oise** Relax in the village square, enjoy a coffee, browse small art shops, or explore optional add-on experiences available during ticket booking. **🚆 4:30 PM – Return Journey Begins** We head back toward **Paris Gare du Nord** for the return train. **🕔 \~5:30 PM – Arrival Back in Paris** Arrival at **Paris Gare du Nord**, marking the end of this beautiful **art and countryside escape inspired by Van Gogh**. **🌿 A DAY OF ART, NATURE & SLOW TRAVEL** Step away from the busy streets of Paris and walk through the **timeless countryside that inspired one of the world’s greatest artists.** 🎨 Art 🌿 Nature 🏡 French countryside charm **Join us for a unique cultural escape into the landscapes of Van Gogh.** **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:**. Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

**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.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

We will hike the Ridge Trail and Meadows Trail twice, for a total of 3.8 miles. There are some pretty good inclines so plan on getting a cardio workout :). This is a loop which is pretty easy to follow; thus faster walkers can take the lead and the rest (like me) will bring up the rear at a slightly slower pace. You could also just do the loop once for 1.9 miles. No one left behind. Optional lunch to follow in Canal Winchester. I'm working through the metro parks - this is the third one!

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.