Glacier Ridge Trail

The  Glacier Ridge Trail in Westerville, Ohio resides within the Char Mar Preserve, a small but beautiful green area in an interesting setting of glacial erratics, or lumps left by the departing Ice Age that form small ravines, ponds and ridges. For the fur-baby, likely the favorite activity here is hiking the trail's short loop up and down these ridges, across wetland meadows and meandering streams. None of the ascents are steep, but the views from their tops are always beautiful. Surrounded as you are by mature forest, you'll also notice lots of birds and other wildlife on your walk.

The trailhead for Glacier Ridge Trail, which is also referred to as Char Mar Trail, is at the end of a short walk from the parking area on Lewis Center Road. The trailhead features restrooms, water fountains, a picnic area and an information kiosk. 

Shortly after leaving the trailhead is the Natural Play Area, a pawrfect spot to explore the various trees and abundant wildlife inhabiting the Preserve. Here and elsewhere along your hike with the doggo you may see raccoons, coyotes and white-tailed deer! What a canine smell feast! Wild turkeys, woodpeckers and orioles are some of the local birds, and the marshy wetland through which some of the trail wanders holds herons and ducks. There are even wooden duck boxes and an observation deck that reaches out into a small pond for closer viewing! The thickly forested ravine lowlands harbor small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks, and Fido will be busy tracking them with his ears and nose! A set of steps a short way from the trailhead give you and the fur-buddy a helping paw at one of the ridges. 

This winding gravel trail is easy on the feet and legs, and is the puptastic place to go for a short walk that will take you away from the day's hustle and bustle. No doubt your pup will want to explore this pawrific trail again and again!