Trails
Meet other local people interested in Trails: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Trails group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out trails events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the trails events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find trails events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Trails Events Today
Join in-person Trails events happening right now
Great Western Trail New Zealand
It's not as good as Great Western Trail proper, but it's what Dan selected.
Evening Walk Woluwe Brussels
Join us for a laid-back **2-hour evening walk** in the green surrouindings of Brussels.
Expect a **social, easy-paced stroll** with good company, relaxed vibes, and plenty of time to chat. We discover the green parts of Woluwe.
🕗 **When:** Evening
🚶 **Duration:** About 2 hours
🥤 **Bring your own drink** – something refreshing to enjoy as we walk
💬 **Open to all** – solo walkers, locals, and newcomers alike
Let’s walk, relax, and connect—Brussels-style.
Thursday 5k Park Run
Let’s shake off the Thursday blues with some easy kilometers. This is a no-drop social run designed to keep the heart rate down and the vibes high.
Meetup: 18:55 (for a quick briefing)
Start Time: 19:00h
📍Meeting Point: Guingette Maurice, Parc Du Cinquaintenaire - In front of the Monument for European Solidarity (Intwined hands)
👟 Target Pace: 6:30 – 7:00 min/km
Distance: 5.0 km
Effort Level: Conversational. If you can't speak in full sentences, we're going too fast!
📝 Note
No Bag/Sweater Drop
🏋️♀️ Thursday After-Work fitness workout F45 x Sunday Vacations
Shake off the workday and train with a welcoming crew of internationals and Brussels professionals. This is a **co-hosted session with F45 Brussels**—fast, fun, and coached circuit training that fits perfectly after work.
**Why join?**
* **Community vibe:** Friendly, social, in English.
* **All levels welcome:** Coaches demo every move with **easier/harder options**.
* **Time-smart:** 45 minutes, full-body, high energy, great music.
* **Accountability:** Come with the group, leave with endorphins.
**What we’ll do**
1. Quick intro & warm-up
2. **F45 functional circuits** (intervals that mix strength + cardio)
3. Team finisher & cool down
4. Optional post workout social drink/rooftop bowling nearby (meet new people, not just new burpees 😉)
**Good to know**
* **When:** Thursday, **6:30 PM start** (arrive 6:15 to check in)
* **Where:** **F45 Brussels** (Brussels Central Station) Galeries Ravenstein
* **Bring:** Clean trainers, towel, water bottle
* **Fitness level:** Beginner to advanced (scalable stations)
* **Capacity:** Limited spots — **RSVP required**
* **Price:** Free weekly tryout
**Who this is for**
* New in Brussels and want a **friendly fitness + social** routine
* Busy professional looking for a **structured, coached** workout
* Sunday Vacations regulars who want to stay fit for hikes & trips
**About F45**
F45 = **Functional 45-minute training**: coach-led, station-based, results-driven. Expect variety, technique tips, and a positive team atmosphere.
See you on the floor at 6:30! 💪🏽✨
By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)
Rooftop Sunset Bowling and Social at Sablon
Join us bowling and drinks at Crosly Bowling. We'll kick off the night with a few rounds of bowling on one of their 25 lanes, offering both classic and disco-themed experiences. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, it's all about fun and making friends.
It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, socialize, and take an evening drink with other people.
The cost of the event is **12 euro**, which includes one game + shoes rental + organisational fees, to give to the host at the beginning of the event.
PLEASE NOTE: We are asking this time to bring the amount IN CASH to make things smoother for the person that will collect the money. The host won't be able to exchange the money for everyone, so please make sure to bring the right amount.
Any additional game, drink or snack will be at personal expenses.
Please note that for respect of the participants, we are asking to be **on time** to the event. People that arrive late might not be able to play.
**Additional Information:**
*Crosly Bowling is located just 500 meters from Brussels Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
- Feel free to invite friends or colleagues; the more, the merrier!
We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun, relaxation, and spectacular views!
🎬 The Club – Summer Movie Festival (Private Garden)
Small curated movie nights in a hidden garden in Ixelles, next to Place Flagey.
A mix of:
* **cult classics**
* **recent movies**
* **international cinema**
* **comedy nights**
* **karaoke & dubbing chaos nights**
* **comfort food and summer vibes**
**This is not a giant public Meetup** where 40 strangers stand awkwardly around overpriced drinks pretending networking is fun. Humanity already suffered enough.
Our idea is simple:
we gather in a private home and transform the courtyard into a small outdoor cinema.
Sometimes we cook together before the movie:
Italian, Thai, Lebanese, Japanese, Balkan, Greek, Latin American street food etc.
Sometimes people simply grab pizza from the excellent pizzeria next door and join the screening.
Food is intentionally relaxed:
bowls, finger food, street food, popcorn, snacks, comfort food.
**Some nights are more gourmet.**
Some are glorified pizza-and-movie nights.
Both are valid forms of civilization **;-)**
## **What makes this different**
The group is i**ntentionally small**:
usually 6 to 8 people maximum.
**People are introduced properly.**
Nobody gets abandoned in a corner.
The atmosphere stays human, social and safe.
**No heavy drinking.**
**No creepy behavior.**
No random people showing up uninvited.
Smoking is allowed because is outside in the courtyard and occasionally we may have **hookah nights** depending on the movie/theme.
## **Typical evenings**
* Wong Kar-wai + Asian comfort food
* Spaghetti western + Italian street food
* Anime + sushi night
* Greek cinema + mezze
* Balkan chaos cinema + burek
* Cult movie dubbing nights where people voice scenes live karaoke-style
Yes, this is a real thing now apparently.
## **Important**
Because Meetups and public internet are full of bots, spam accounts and socially radioactive individuals, **we do NOT post the exact address publicly.**
To join:
scan the QR code on the image and request access to the private WhatsApp group or send me a DM.
From there:
* we announce movies
* vote on menus
* organize cooking nights
* coordinate places
**If you are new in Brussels, introverted, traveling, recently arrived, or simply tired of giant impersonal events, this may be your thing.**
Trails Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
🥾 The Wild Ninglinspo Adventure - 19Km
**Get your tickets here: https://www.sundayvacations.com/event-list**
**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.**
Bread Baking in traditional wood-fired oven: Dive into Traditional Bread Making
### The Community Oven
Join us for a delightful afternoon of traditional bread baking at Brussels Traditional Bread Cooking Meetup (FHTM-WSL).
This is an opportunity to reconnect with an ancient tradition: participants prepare their bread at home and come to bake it in the community oven at 17:00. A heated proofing cabinet is available to hold the dough before baking.
Baking is done at 17:00 by the organizers due to the risk of burns and the skill, speed, and dexterity required. Baking takes approximately 40 minutes.
The bakery becomes a lively and dynamic place for exchanges between participants!
Baking sessions take place one Sunday per month throughout the year.
Don't forget tot put your dough into a towel with flower.
### Reservation Required
Reservations are mandatory by this email :
https://www.fournilhtm.be/htm/four-banal/
Participants number is not limited tot 10 personnes.
It is imperative to notify us of your attendance. If the session is canceled, you will be notified. If there are too many people, you may also be asked to reduce the quantity of bread to be baked.
### Participation Fee
You will be asked for 1 EUR per bread to contribute to the costs (wood, insurance, fire extinguisher, oven maintenance, equipment…), payable directly on-site to the baker or instructor.
Indulge in the aroma of freshly baked bread. Whether you're a bread enthusiast or a novice baker, this event is a wonderful opportunity to expand your culinary skills and mingle with fellow bread lovers. Don't miss out on this unique experience !
From Pepinster to Trooz (ca 24 km)
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.
Strengthen Your Mind and Body with Qi Gong Exercises
Join us for an energizing Qi Gong class focused on physical exercise techniques that help cultivate and balance your energy. Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing, and meditation to improve overall well-being. In this session, you will learn various exercises aimed at enhancing physical strength, flexibility, and vitality.
Whether you are a beginner or have experience with Qi Gong, this class is designed to help you connect with your inner energy and feel rejuvenated. Come discover the power of Qi Gong and train your body and mind for better health and harmony.
+- 19 km Mechels broek / Mechelen
The Mechels Broek is a peaceful wetland nature reserve just outside Mechelen, known for its marshy meadows, reed fields, and abundant birdlife. Trails lead you past water ponds, knot willows, and grazing Galloway cattle, with several birdwatching points including an observation tower. Expect a mix of muddy paths, wooden boardwalks, and wide views over the Dijlevallei. Perfect for a relaxed, nature‑focused walk with plenty of chances to spot ducks, geese, herons, and even storks.
Starting point nekkerspoel station @ 11am
+- 19km
Bring sturdy shoes as it could be muddy 😅
At the end of hike we will go to the cafe there you make sure to bring some cash orpayconiq works.
Weather
The weather will be cool with grey clouds, flashes of sunshine and some clouds and maybe a bit of rain. Temperatures will be in the range of maximum 20°C.
***
DISCLAIMER:
You are responsible for yourself. Know your limits and choose to participate or not in an activity accordingly. The organisers in this group are only volunteers. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers/hosts from any responsibility/liability. If you don’t agree to this, do not join.
DON'T SIGN UP WHEN YOU ARE NOT COMING!
YOU'LL GET A WARNING WHEN YOU DONT LET SOMETHING KNOW
2nd TIME = removal from the group, it's not respectful to not let something know and also not respectful to other members of group that want to come!!
the route might be a bit longer as we might have a difference between forecast (the app) and the reality on the ground.
RVSP deadline at 00h before the Meetup place m, change your RVSP beforehand if you can’t come. Otherwise send me a message.
***
12-15km walk Calevoet station - Fox food court 🥂
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 🥂
Trails Events Near You
Connect with your local Trails community
Sharon Woods Hike
Join us for a full three mile hike this Thursday (6/11) at 6:30 pm at Sharon Woods Metro Park. This scenic hike includes dirt trails (with hills) through the woods, grass trails through the meadows and paved trails along the pond. Please be able to hike at least at a moderate pace so that the group doesn’t have to wait for you often. We don’t want to lose you!
Hike Char-Mar Ridge Park
This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.
St. Petersburg Gay Virtual Speed Dating on Zoom
**🍷 St. Petersburg Gay Singles Meet on Zoom: Live Speed Dating**
No apps, no awkward bios. Just live one-on-one Zoom chats with St. Petersburg gay singles picked for you.
**The format is simple:**
- Register and take a short personality quiz
- Jump on Zoom when the event starts
- Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds
- Get your mutual matches by email afterward
**Find your bracket and grab a seat:**
→ **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=55+&face_v=8.0)
> Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped.
Your next great conversation is one click away. 💜
Orlando Gay Virtual Speed Dating on Zoom
**🎉 Orlando Gay Singles Night — Speed Dating Over Zoom**
Spend an evening meeting Orlando gay singles face to face on Zoom, matched by age and personality before you arrive.
**What to expect:**
- Register and take a short personality quiz
- Jump on Zoom when the event starts
- Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds
- Get your mutual matches by email afterward
**Choose your group and register:**
→ **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0)
→ **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Orlando&groupurlname=collective-of-adventure-map-and-trail-walkers&ar=55+&face_v=8.0)
> Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped.
Register, relax, and let the night do the work. 😊
Trails & Ales! Chestnut Ridge Metro Park / BrewDog DogTap
**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.


















