Sharon Woods Metro Park gives you 761 acres, free to enter, a short hop north of the Morse Road corridor. Expect a 3.8-mile paved loop, Schrock Lake for fishing, playgrounds for the kids, and sledding hills once the snow arrives.
If you live near Morse Creek and want time outside that costs nothing, Sharon Woods Metro Park is hard to beat. You get roughly 761 acres of trees, walking paths, and wide-open lawns, and it is only a quick trip from the shops and restaurants along Morse Road. Long stroll, quiet fishing session, or somewhere for the kids to run, it covers all of that. When neighbors ask me where to breathe a little, this is the first place I mention. Let me walk you through how to enjoy it.
Where it sits and how to get there
You will find Sharon Woods Metro Park at 6911 Cleveland Ave, a short drive north of the Morse Road area. Coming from Morse Creek by car is simple: head over to Cleveland Avenue and follow it up to the entrance. Without a car, the COTA bus runs along Cleveland Avenue and drops you close by. For pointers on buses and getting around town, take a look at our guide to getting around Columbus without a car.
The trails
The 3.8-mile main loop is what most people come for. It is paved and open to everyone, so walking, running, biking, or rolling a stroller all work just fine. Want something wilder? Dirt paths branch off into the woods and feel like a true break from the everyday. You decide how far to go and when to head back. No pressure, just your own rhythm.
That paved surface makes the loop welcoming for nearly anyone. Bring the baby in a stroller, hop on a bike, or take an easy walk with a grandparent. Just getting back into moving your body? Do a short piece first and add a little more each visit. The shaded wooded paths cool things off in the summer and light up with color in the fall, so no two seasons feel the same out here.
Fishing at Schrock Lake
Schrock Lake is where folks go to slow down with a fishing pole. People commonly reel in bluegill, bass, and catfish, and the park sticks with catch-and-release to keep the water healthy. Pack a folding chair, your rod, and a little patience. It makes for a peaceful morning or evening not far from Morse Creek.
Fishing is a wallet-friendly thing to do with children, too. They pick up patience, get fresh air, and light up the moment something tugs on the line. Toss some snacks and water in a bag, claim a shady spot along the bank, and stretch it into a full afternoon. Just stick to the catch-and-release rules so the lake stays in good shape for the next family that comes by.
Adults may need an Ohio fishing license. Look up the current fishing rules at metroparks.net before you cast a line.
For kids
This is a great park for families. There is an inclusive playground designed so kids of every ability can play side by side, along with a natural play zone where they can climb, dig, and poke around. Once winter drops some snow, the sledding and bunny hills become a free afternoon of squeals and laughter. Layer everyone up, grab a sled, and let them wear themselves out.
Tips for your visit
There is no entry fee, so this is an easy outing no matter your budget. In warm months, pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray, and when it turns cool, dress in layers you can peel off. Prefer a calmer park? Weekday mornings usually feel quieter than a packed weekend afternoon. Comfy shoes make the loop a lot nicer, and a small backpack keeps your hands free for little ones.
Hours and rules shift with the seasons, so it pays to check first. Head to metroparks.net for the latest hours and rules before you leave the house. Hunting for more low-cost fun close to home? Browse our list of free things to do in Northeast Columbus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free?
Yes, getting into Sharon Woods Metro Park costs nothing. You can walk the trails, use the playgrounds, and enjoy all 761 or so acres of open space at no charge. That makes it one of the best budget outings near the Morse Road area and Morse Creek. Always double-check metroparks.net for current hours and any seasonal rules before you go.
Do I need a fishing license?
Adults who plan to fish at Schrock Lake may need an Ohio fishing license. License requirements and any park-specific fishing guidelines can change from time to time, so the smart move is to confirm the current rules on metroparks.net before you cast. Then you can fish without a worry.
Are dogs allowed?
Metro Parks usually welcome leashed dogs, though the rules can differ from park to park and even area to area within one park. Before you bring your dog to Sharon Woods Metro Park, check metroparks.net for the current pet policy, including leash rules and any spots that are off-limits to animals, so nothing catches you off guard.
What are the hours?
The park's hours change with the season, so we are not going to post exact times here. For the most reliable, up-to-date hours, look them up on metroparks.net before heading out. That is also where to confirm the current rules for trails, fishing, and pets so your day at Sharon Woods Metro Park goes smoothly.
Want the park just minutes away? Morse Creek Apartments sits in Northeast Columbus at 2428 Morse Ravine Drive, Columbus, OH 43224, an easy trip up to Cleveland Avenue from all this green space, and our roomy two-bedroom floor plans give families and roommates space to spread out. Questions? Reach our leasing office. Live minutes from the park.
