Park

​A women’s circle is a gathering of women, by women, and for women, to come together in a safe space and supportive environment without judgment. We will share, listen, connect with our ourselves and our sisters. We might laugh, we might cry, we might share, we might just listen, but we come together with deep respect for one another’s journey, experience, and where we are at this moment in time to hold space for one another. To honor the sanctity and safety of the circle, we will create some guidelines for how we'll be together and what values we'll hold in our time together. The women's circle invites you to be in your heart, for whatever may be needed in the moment. This session will take us out into nature and enjoy a walk around the Park Abbery (Abdij van Park). After the walk there will be a possibility to get drinks together. **Meeting Point**: In front of the restaurant (Brasserie) at the Abbey. https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Jo5TfRTXg9YeKui6 What to expect: * 1.5-2 hrs hours of quality time for yourself, in the company of others. * Please arrive between 5 minutes early so we can start on time * We will enjoy a beautiful walk around the Park Abbey. This is an easy walk of about 4 km. What to bring and to know: * Please bring comfortable shoes for walking and check the weather before hand to dress accordingly. * If you have signed up but cannot make it after all, please cancel here on MeetUp, so we know not to expect you and so you can make that place available for another woman who may want to join.

**Join us for a relaxed day trip to beautiful Dinant! 🏰✨** We will meet at Central Station at 08:00 AM and take the 08:37 AM train to Dinant together 🚆. Once there, we’ll explore the city, enjoy the views, walk around, and do a light hikes in the area 🥾. The goal is simple: meet friendly people, enjoy nature, have good conversations, and take some nice photos 📸. Everyone is welcome, join us and bring a friend with you 😊. Please bring comfortable shoes and water 😁 Looking forward to discovering Dinant with you! 🙌 Join the WhatApp group for an easier communication: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FEtMTnGWfzE1pJAnKLkuD1](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FEtMTnGWfzE1pJAnKLkuD1) Personal number: 0471695419

Hi, 12 to 15km walk from Calevoet train station to the Fox food court where we can end with a beer, tartlet or home made ice tea 🥂 We meet on the train track at Brussels Midi station at 10:30, train departure at 10:44, arriving in Calevoet at 10:53 where we start hiking. Bring your lunch that we will eat in the Sonian forest, 1.5 liters of water and your rain gear just in case (current forecasts says almost dry till arrival 😅). Sign in only if you are committed to come and bring your best vibes to share a funny walk together 🥂

**Get your tickets here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/event-list](https://www.sundayvacations.com/event-list)** SOLD OUT **Waterfalls, Panoramic Viewpoints & Hidden Ardennes Treasures** **Escape Brussels and discover one of the most spectacular hiking routes in Belgium.** Join Sunday Vacations for a full-day hiking adventure through the legendary Ninglinspo Valley, often considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in Belgium. Expect cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear river pools, dramatic forest trails, panoramic viewpoints, rugged Ardennes landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow explorers. This is not a casual stroll. It's a rewarding and sporty hike designed for people who love nature, movement, and discovering extraordinary places alongside a welcoming international community. Whether you're new to Brussels, an expat looking to meet like-minded people, or simply searching for an unforgettable Sunday outdoors, this hike offers the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and connection. **🌿 Curated Experience** **Experience Overview** The Ninglinspo is Belgium's only mountain river, carving its way through a wild valley filled with waterfalls, natural pools, wooden footbridges, rocky trails, and breathtaking viewpoints. Throughout the day, we'll follow the river upstream, climb towards spectacular panoramas overlooking the Ardennes, discover historic landmarks including the ruins of a medieval castle, and enjoy some of the most photogenic landscapes Belgium has to offer. Along the way, we'll share conversations, picnic together, and create new memories with a community of international professionals, expats, locals, and outdoor enthusiasts. People often join these experiences not only for the destination but for the people they meet along the way. Community and meaningful social connection remain among the strongest motivations for joining outdoor events. **Highlights** ✨ The famous Ninglinspo waterfalls ✨ Belgium's only mountain river ✨ Natural pools and forest streams ✨ Panoramic viewpoints over the Amblève Valley ✨ The spectacular Drouet viewpoint ✨ The historic ruins of Château de Montjardin ✨ Dense Ardennes forests ✨ Scenic wooden bridges and rocky paths ✨ Community picnic surrounded by nature ✨ International and welcoming atmosphere ✨ Perfect for solo joiners ✨ Nearly 19 km of adventure **Plan / Itinerary** **07:45 – Meet at Brussels Central Station** Meet the group, collect train tickets if applicable, and start the journey together. **10:00 – Arrival in Aywaille** Short coffee stop and welcome briefing. **10:10 – Start of the Hike** Distance: 18.9 km Difficulty: Moderate to Sporty Elevation: Approx. 600m+ Expected hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours **Stage 1: The Ninglinspo Valley** We begin by following the famous Ninglinspo River through one of Belgium's most spectacular natural landscapes. Expect: \*Cascading waterfalls - Crystal-clear pools \*Wooden bridges - Rocky river crossings \*Moss-covered forest scenery This section feels surprisingly wild and is one of the most photographed hiking areas in the country. **Stage 2: The Drouet Panorama** After a rewarding climb, we'll reach one of the highlights of the day. From the Drouet viewpoint, the Ardennes unfold beneath us with stunning views across forests, valleys, and rolling hills. A perfect moment for photos and a well-earned break. **Stage 3: Château de Montjardin** Continuing along scenic trails, we'll reach the remains of the medieval Château de Montjardin. Surrounded by forest and history, this hidden site offers a glimpse into the region's past and provides a unique atmosphere rarely found on Belgian hikes. **Stage 4: Picnic in Nature** We'll stop for a relaxed picnic lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints or forest clearings along the route. Bring your own lunch and enjoy the views while getting to know fellow participants. **Stage 5: Return Through the Ardennes** Our return route follows the valley back towards Aywaille, with small variations where possible to discover additional viewpoints and quieter sections of trail. The afternoon light often transforms the valley, creating entirely different perspectives from those seen in the morning. **17:00 – Return to Aywaille** Optional social stop on a terrace for drinks and well-deserved relaxation. **17:55 – Return Train to Brussels** Expected arrival in Brussels early evening. **Meeting Point** 📍 Brussels Central Station Exact meeting location shared with registered participants. Participants are welcome to join directly in Aywaille if preferred. **Price / Contribution** **Sunday Vacations Community Contribution** Explorer Members: €5, Voyager and Ambassadors free Contribution includes: - Event organisation \*Volunteer coordination - Route planning \*Community hosting Not included: - Train tickets \*Food and drinks - Personal expenses \*Optional purchases during the day VAT not applicable – small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code. **Membership** Become part of the Sunday Vacations community: **Explorer** €5/year **Voyager** €50/year **Ambassador** €150/year Members enjoy discounted event pricing and access to a growing network of international professionals, adventurers, and explorers. **Who This Is For** ✅ Nature lovers ✅ Hikers looking for a challenge ✅ Expats and international professionals ✅ Solo joiners ✅ Weekend adventurers ✅ Photography enthusiasts ✅ People looking to meet new friends This hike is suitable for participants with a reasonable fitness level and comfortable walking on uneven terrain. **What To Bring** \*Hiking shoes or trail shoes *Weather-appropriate clothing \*Rain jacket *Packed lunch \*Snacks *At least 1.5 litres of water \*Power bank (optional) *Small backpack \*Camera or phone for photos **Important Notes** \*This is a sporty hike with significant elevation gain. - Trails may be muddy and slippery in wet weather. \*The itinerary may be adjusted according to weather or trail conditions. - Participants join at their own responsibility and should ensure they are physically able to complete the route. \*Solo participants are warmly welcomed. - Respect for nature and fellow participants is expected throughout the day. **Legal Disclaimer** Sunday Vacations is a community organiser operated by UJAMAA ASBL and is not acting as a travel agency. Participants remain responsible for their own transport tickets, meals, personal equipment, travel arrangements, and personal expenses unless explicitly stated otherwise. Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the COCOF volunteer insurance framework. **Call To Action** 🌲 Ready to discover Belgium's most beautiful river valley? Join us for a day of waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, forest trails, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable Ardennes scenery. Come for the landscapes. Stay for the people. **Reserve your place and explore the wild side of Belgium with Sunday Vacations.**

What's up Friends! 👋 



Ready for some bouldering fun? Boulder-what? 🤔 It’s climbing (FR: escalade, le bloc) up to 4.5m high without ropes—and in my case, without much hope! 😂✨ It’s a super fun indoor activity, but be warned: it does require a certain level of physical fitness and/or skill. Most importantly, though, it requires awesome company—which we’ve got! 😎



 The Idea: 📍 Meeting Point: For those arriving at 17:00, we’ll meet at the cafeteria (next to the billiards table). Feel free to start earlier or later—just drop me a message or write in the group chat so we can meet up. 💪 Stay & climb as long as you want - venue closes at midnight! 🥤 Recharge: If you’ve had enough climbing for the day (we usually do this after 2 hours of climbing), we may head back to the cafeteria (or to the rooftop if it's sunny🌤️) for snacks, drinks & games. Cafeteria closes at 22:00. Where: 📍Arkose: (Brussels Canal) Rue Willy de Bruyn Straat 52, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique 🔗 https://arkose.com/

Fees: 🤑Entry fee without shoes: * 18 eur (first-timers 10€ with online promo activated) * reduced rates: students, minors, job seekers, firefighters, military (proof required) 👟 Shoe Rental: 5€ (if you don’t have your own) 🎫 10-session pass: 135€



 Good to Know: ✍️ First-timers need to create an account (takes 5min) - do it in advance and pay online to pay less and avoid wasting time onsite 💦 Hydration is key! Bring a water bottle. 🔐 Lockers available, but bring your own padlock. 🚿 Changing rooms & showers on-site. 👕 Wear comfy sports clothes—it gets intense! 🧴 Only liquid magnesium is allowed (for grip) - in reality most people use powder🤫 👟 Thinking of going regularly? Bouldering shoes are a great investment! (Decathlon: ~45-65€ per pair.)

⚠️ Safety First! Bouldering is fun, but safety comes first! Stay alert, know your limits, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Enjoy responsibly! 💪 



📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing critical 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code:
👉Respect and positive vibes, if not 💥🥊
👉Can’t make it? Cancel or drop a message in the chat - helps running things smoothly! 👉 Don't show up if you are on the waiting list or show up at your own risk. 



See you at the walls folks😉

* 44km expanded route from Mechelen to Leuven—all flat. * Coffee 10h30 \| leaving 11h00\. * Estimated moving time 2h40 not including lunch and some brief stops. * Lunch near the halfway point at a picnic table by the river Dyle—bring your own. * Meet near the entrance to Mechelen train station at [Madmum Coffee](https://maps.app.goo.gl/M8DbfjnRzfn7V6Wj8). * View the route or download the GPX from [here](https://loc.wiki/t/267099617?wa=sc). * If bad weather is forecast this will be cancelled or rescheduled so check this event page before start time. * More general information on the [About](https://www.meetup.com/brussels-cycling-group/) page. * Tel: 04 86 40 6816 **Trains** * Trains run every 15-20 mins between Brussels and Mechelen, and similarly from Leuven back to Brussels. * See [SNBC](https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/tickets-and-railcards/weekend-ticket) for train times. You can't board with a bicycle at Gare Centrale, but Midi and Nord are fine.

FOREST PLAY (10h-12h) The Forest Play - sessions are inclusive, nurturing and natural reconnecting events, focussing on restoring or replenishing energy, the sense of joy and personal perspective by interacting (and playing) with nature's healing elements. Combining tension-releasing stretches, easy flow-restoring exercises (using trees, branches, logs, stones, hills...), doing silent or touch meditations and playful authentic relating games, we're able to get in touch with our inner-child and start to feel free, open-hearted, unassuming and adventurous again, bringing back the joy and vitality we all carry deeply within, but often believed to have been lost. Our hearts gradually open and start reconnecting again. The 2h-sessions focus on gradually increasing physical resilience, but include emotional and energetic aspects as well to restore general holistic balance in body, mind and spirit. There is no competitive stake to it, there are no extremes or high-intensity actions involved. But we do play gently with our personal comfort zones, sliding in and out, at times challenging our personal beliefs, convictions and limitations. These edges are where the real learning takes place, so take note. The sessions have powerful therapeutic value. They are developed, customised and guided by specialised trauma therapist Ken Christiaens. All exercises, while feeling light and fun, have a foundation in trauma and tension-releasing therapies, with elements of inner child work, constellations, reiki, NLP, somatic work, role/game play and meditation. Nature's increased healing potential (forest bathing) is fully being harnessed here. For more info on the therapeutic practice of Ken, please visit: www.nieuwegrond.be PRACTICAL The Forest Play-session starts at 10h sharp and ends at 12h. It costs 18e to participate. Meeting and end-point is always Parking Forest Playground Everzwijnbad, Weertsedreef 8-10, Oud-Heverlee (please read location description well, Google Maps can be a bit tricky). You actually might get a bit dirty and sweaty at some point, please prepare for outdoor nature workout: sporty shoes with ribs, sporty clothes, maybe a small towel (feet might get dirty or wet) or anything you feel comfortable with. Regarding the payment: You will be asked to transfer 18e to Ken's account beforehand or bring it on the day itself. Your participation is only confirmed if you have confirmed the payment as well. The event will be cancelled only when the weather really doesn't allow it. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask via personal message. We hope to see and connect with you there!

Dear beautiful people, ####This is my favorite and last minute hiking plan to avoid our comfort zones 💪 This walk takes us through some park, I’ve made it a bit longer by including Den Brandt, a lovely park nearby. A quick heads-up: there aren’t many parking spots next to the starting point, but you’ll find a few parking lots in the area. Public transport is also a good option - trams 7 and 15 stop about 900 m away, and several buses stop close to the entrance. see you all Sunday [https://www.komoot.com/tour/2592644791](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2592644791) **Whatsapp group**: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BrlR1O98MTKLhciJSRNRlZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BrlR1O98MTKLhciJSRNRlZ) ( for new members contact the organizers) General information: *We wait for 5 minutes after the starting time if no one has announced they will be late. - If someone has informed us they will be late, we wait up to 15 minutes after the starting time. *The location of the group is shared in the WhatsApp group for approximately 45-50 minutes after the starting time for those arriving more than 15 minutes late. - To ensure everyone feels comfortable, and since some walking paths may not be dog-friendly, we kindly ask that you do not bring dogs or other pets. *Walks may be canceled due to forecasted heavy rain or temperatures above 30°C or below 5°C. A final decision will be made by 10 AM on the day of the walk. NOTES; It might be rain, so kindly remind all of you please bring your raincoat, umbrella and waterproof shoes and some little water.

Hey Folks, Sunday looks like it's going to be a beautiful day (you never know :)) for a light hike (8-10km). Let's make the most of the sunshine, enjoy the fresh air, and spend some time in nature! You can bring your own food and drinks with you, and then we will enjoy it next to woodpeckers at La Cambre. Very much looking forward to seeing you guys! P.S. Be on time, we leave at 10:35 Cheers Yifei

**Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning meetup at Caffè Leopold in Porte de Namur!** We’ll meet from 11:30 to 13:30 to enjoy coffee, brunch, and easy conversations in a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, practice English or French, and spend a nice Sunday morning together. Everyone is welcome — whether you come alone or with a friend. Just bring your good mood and be open to meeting others 😊 After the meetup, for those who want, we can also continue with lunch in a nearby place 🍽️ **📍 Location: Caffè Leopold, Porte de Namur** **https://maps.app.goo.gl/UvTUU1H59J4yatS86** **🕦 Time: Sunday, 11:30–13:30** **☕ What to expect: Coffee, casual conversations, friendly people, and a relaxed Sunday vibe.** Join the WhatApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EimXMXyRBjo7PfHRoVc1j7](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EimXMXyRBjo7PfHRoVc1j7) Personal number: 0471695419

Again a difficult train weekend, but the line to Eupen remains open, so let's go to the always lovely Vesdre valley. We start in Pepinster and start out along the slopes of the River Hoegne gradually climbing up on the plateau. After passing the well-know pilgrimage place of Banneux, we will do several descends into the Vesdre valley, just to climb out of it again on the next occasion ;-) We need the hike in the friendly village bar in Trooz for the final drink. The number of participants is limited to 20, so please manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep somewhere close to an average speed of 4.5 to 5 km/h. We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: kommot: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/3026902157?share_token=a8cPseAvUT4ErgLmo2GtOKx3kMW7LRNGAQl2rhzskfvVLQiJKV&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=472114460035 wiciloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-pepinster-nach-trooz-268779522 ●●Meeting point: We meet at 8.45 in Bruxelles Central train station. Our train (IC 507 to Eupen) leaves from platform 3 at 9.01. We change in Liege and arrive in Pepinster at 10.46. ●● Train ticket: BXL Pepinster 14.90€ (9.00€ with train+), Trooz-BXL 14.40€ (8.60€ with train+) ●● Trains back to Brussels: One per hour via Liege, XX.24/XX.26 on even and odd hours respectively. ●● Specifics: Distance: \~ 24 km Elevation gain: around 600 m Net walking time: ca 6h Weather forecast: undecided (that's literally what the National Meteorological Institute says). In the unlikely case of too bad weather, I may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, I will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes * Waterproof, comfortable hiking shoes * sufficient water + food for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * Small change for the drink (cafes in the countryside do not necessarily take cards!) ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Join the Brussels Runners for a scenic Sunday morning trek through the heart of the city’s greenest communes. 📍 The Meetup We are kicking things off at MUSKI COMICS CAFE (Rue Froissart 13, 1040 Etterbeek). Located right near Place Jourdan, this spot has a fantastic, quirky ambience that’s hard to beat. It’s the perfect backdrop for our pre-run stretch and our well-deserved post-run recovery. 📋 What to Expect Distance: Approximately 14-15 km Pace: 6:00–6:15 min/km (steady and social) Terrain: A dynamic mix of road sections and off-road trails. Bag Drop: Available on-site. If you need to store a jacket or bag, please arrive by 9:25 AM so we can start on time. The Vibes: Run with a great crew of like-minded people and stick around after for coffee and refreshments in the comic-clad comfort of Muski. ⚖️ Responsibility & Liability By signing up for this event, you acknowledge that participation is strictly voluntary. You agree to release the organizers from any responsibility or liability regarding claims. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure they are physically fit for a 15 km run and possess adequate insurance coverage for their own protection.

***CE DIMANCHE 14.06 > GAY FRIENDLY RENDEZ-VOUS*** ***LA CROQUE OPEN AIR XXL \- FREE ENTRANCE 🌈 TERRASSE O2 & LES APRÈS\-MIDIS CROQUE\-MONSIEUR \| SUN 14\.06*** 🌈☀️ **LA CROQUE OPEN AIR XXL** ☀️🌈 **Terrasse O₂ x Les Après-Midis Croque-Monsieur** 📅 **Dimanche 14 JUIN** \| 🕔 17:00 → 00:00 *** 💘✨ **LOVE • SUN • MUSIC • FREEDOM** ✨💘 Prépare-toi pour une 2ème édition XXL de **La Croque Open Air** dans l’un des spots les plus stylés de Bruxelles : **La Terrasse O₂** 🌿🌇 Un lieu unique avec : 🌞 Grande terrasse en bois baignée de soleil 💦 Piscine centrale pour se rafraîchir 🌴 Vibes naturelles & ambiance chill ✨ Lumières chaleureuses au coucher du soleil *** 🎉 **UN OPEN AIR COMME ON LES AIME** 🎉 🍹 Drinks frais & cocktails d’été 🎶 Sounds feel good : classics + hits actuels 💃 Dance, chill & sunset energy 💞 Espace rencontres & good vibes only 👉 Une atmosphère libre, safe & inclusive — **LGBTQIA+ friendly** 🌈 Viens comme tu es. Aime. Danse. Profite. *** 🎟️ **ENTRÉE GRATUITE** ➡️ Prends ton ticket : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16584](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/16584) ➡️ Event FB : [https://fb.me/e/9lTqDih5y](https://fb.me/e/9lTqDih5y) *** 🔥 **LE PLAN PARFAIT DU DIMANCHE** 🔥 On trinque, on danse, on profite du soleil… et on crée des souvenirs magiques ensemble ✨ Parce que cette soirée sera spéciale grâce à **toi** 💖 *** 📍 **La Terrasse O₂** 51-53 Chaussée de La Hulpe, 1180 Bruxelles 🕔 17:00 → 00:00 *** 🎶 Direction artistique : Gabriel Lelièvre 🌈 **OPEN TO ALL – ALL LOVE WELCOME** 🌍💫 *** 🕖 17h00 → 00h00 🎩 La Terrasse O2 : 51-53 Chaussée de La Hulpe -1180, Bruxelles

Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks. We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested. Let's meet and see where we can take things!

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!