7 Unmissable Secrets Of Quarry Trails Metro Park’s Lake Area: What’s New In 2025
The Quarry Trails Metro Park lake area in Columbus, Ohio, has rapidly transformed from an abandoned industrial site into Central Ohio’s premier outdoor adventure destination, and as of late 2025, it continues to evolve. This 182-acre park, the 20th addition to the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system, is a stunning testament to land reclamation, offering a unique blend of rugged post-industrial beauty and modern recreational amenities, particularly around its deep, quarry-fed lakes. Visitors arriving today will find a vibrant recreational hub that fully embraces the dramatic cliff faces and crystal-clear waters left behind by over a century of limestone excavation. The latest updates for the current season confirm its status as a must-visit spot for both serene nature lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts.
Opened in late 2021, the park’s primary draw is the dramatic landscape surrounding the deep blue waters of the former quarry. The park's design intentionally highlights the area's geological history while providing a wide array of activities, from a picturesque floating boardwalk to the first-of-its-kind urban Via Ferrata in the United States. Whether you’re interested in a gentle paddle on the water or scaling the sheer rock face, the lake area at Quarry Trails is a dynamic space where history, geology, and adventure meet in a truly unforgettable setting.
The Deep History of Quarry Trails: From Limestone to Lake
The shimmering, deep lakes that define Quarry Trails Metro Park are not natural formations but the water-filled remnants of the historic Marble Cliff Quarry. Understanding this history is key to appreciating the park’s unique landscape and the surprising depth of its waters.
A Century of Limestone: The Marble Cliff Quarry Legacy
The site of Quarry Trails was once the largest contiguous limestone quarry in the entire United States. For over 150 years, the Marble Cliff Quarry Co., headquartered in Upper Arlington, Ohio, extracted vast quantities of rock from this location. The primary material extracted was Devonian-age Columbus Limestone and Delaware Limestone, which were critical for construction and industrial use across the region. This intense industrial activity left behind massive, sheer cliffs and deep pits that, over time, filled with water, creating the dramatic, clear blue lakes seen today.
The transformation of this abandoned industrial site into a thriving metropolitan park is a remarkable feat of environmental and landscape engineering. The park’s design, which includes the Heritage Rail Trail and various observation areas, honors this industrial past while providing a sustainable, modern recreational space for the surrounding community.
Water Activities and Lake Area Features for 2025
The heart of Quarry Trails Metro Park is undoubtedly its water features, which include the main quarry lakes, the picturesque Turtle Cove, and the stunning Millikin Falls. While the water is the main attraction, it is crucial for visitors to know the specific rules regarding public access and activities.
1. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Access
The park actively encourages non-motorized water recreation. Visitors are welcome to bring their own non-motorized crafts, such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), to explore the calm waters of the quarry lakes.
Crucially, the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system frequently hosts free "Try it! Kayaking and SUP" programs throughout the summer months, with events scheduled well into July 2025. These programs are first-come, first-served, and all necessary equipment, including life jackets, is provided, making it an excellent, low-barrier way to experience the water.
2. The Floating Boardwalk at Turtle Cove
One of the most serene and accessible features of the lake area is the Boardwalk Trail. This short, ADA-accessible route features a floating boardwalk that offers scenic views of a specific section of the lake known as Turtle Cove. This area is perfect for leisurely walks, birdwatching, and spotting local wildlife, providing a peaceful contrast to the park’s more adrenaline-fueled activities.
3. Swimming and Fishing Rules: What is Allowed?
Despite the inviting, clear appearance of the quarry lakes, general public swimming is NOT permitted in the main lake area. Like most quarry and large bodies of water within the Metro Parks system, swimming can be dangerous and is restricted for safety reasons.
However, there is a dedicated area for canine companions: the park features a fenced-in Doggie Beach with a designated area for dog swimming, separated into sections for large and small dogs. For human visitors, the water access is strictly limited to non-motorized boating (kayaking, paddleboarding) and fishing from designated areas, though fishing regulations should always be confirmed with the park rangers.
The Adventure Zone: Beyond the Water’s Edge
What truly sets Quarry Trails apart from other regional parks is its integration of extreme adventure recreation, utilizing the sheer rock faces left behind by the quarry operations. This adventure zone is a major draw for thrill-seekers across the Midwest.
4. Millikin Falls: The 25-Foot Waterfall
While not strictly a lake feature, the Millikin Falls is a stunning 25-foot waterfall that dramatically cascades over the limestone cliffs into the quarry below. It is one of the most photographed spots in the park and is easily accessible via the extensive network of trails, including the paved and unpaved loops.
5. The Urban Via Ferrata Experience
Quarry Trails Metro Park is home to the first-ever urban Via Ferrata in the United States. A Via Ferrata, Italian for "iron path," is a protected climbing route that uses fixed cables, steel rungs, ladders, and bridges to allow non-expert climbers to traverse otherwise inaccessible rock faces. This installation allows visitors to safely scale the massive quarry walls, offering breathtaking, high-up views of the lake and the entire park landscape. The route is fully guided, providing a challenging yet safe adventure experience.
6. The Treetop Obstacle Course and Zip Line
Complementing the climbing route is a dedicated adventure facility that includes a zip line and a treetop obstacle course. This area caters to all ages and skill levels, providing a fun way to navigate the park’s canopy and get an adrenaline rush. The combination of the Via Ferrata and the zip line solidifies Quarry Trails’ reputation as a premier adventure destination for Central Ohio. Details on pricing and booking for these guided experiences are typically managed by the park’s adventure operator.
7. The Single-Track Mountain Bike Trails
For those who prefer a land-based thrill, the park also features a challenging single-track mountain bike trail system. The rocky, varied terrain of the former quarry site provides an exciting and technically demanding ride for mountain biking enthusiasts. The park has been actively developing this area, including the creation of a second mountain bike area, ensuring the trails remain fresh and engaging for repeat visitors.
Plan Your 2025 Visit to Quarry Trails
Quarry Trails Metro Park, located at 2600 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228, is a year-round destination. The park is managed by the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, with Park Ranger Amanda Sugerik and her staff overseeing the daily operations and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
When planning your trip for the 2025 season, remember to check the Metro Parks official website for the latest schedules for the free kayaking and SUP programs, as well as booking information for the high-adventure Via Ferrata and zip line tours. Whether you seek the tranquility of the floating boardwalk, the historical depth of the limestone quarry, or the thrill of scaling a cliff face, the lake area at Quarry Trails Metro Park offers a truly unique outdoor experience.
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