Dublin Park Apartments in Dublin, Ohio might seem like a surprising choice for the outdoor enthusiast. After all, we are situated between picturesque Dublin, Ohio, and the largest city in Ohio. But our pet-friendly Dublin apartments are actually a natural choice (pun intended!). Between our state-of-the-art workout facilities, our resort-style swimming pool, and our leaf-lined streets, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike end up falling in love with our Dublin, Ohio apartments.
The gems of the area are the parks that make our Dublin, Ohio apartments so lovely. These leafy parks are perfect places to take the kids or the dog, and they are sure to make you feel relaxed and happy. Here are some of our residents’ favorite nature destinations.
Hayden Falls Park
Just 11 minutes from Dublin Park Apartments, Hayden Falls is situated right on the beautiful Scioto River, and features a 35-foot waterfall. This nature preserve and wooded wildlife area is considered a “hidden gem” near our Dublin apartments that even a lot of locals don’t know about. It’s so close to the hustle and bustle of the city, and yet private and tucked away.
Part of the reason for that might be because there aren’t any signs that tell you that you’ve arrived (the sign only says Griggs Reservoir) but don’t give up! Just a short walk down the boardwalk is a stunning waterfall.
When you arrive, you’ll notice that parking can be a challenge, as the parking lot is quite small. This easily adds to the place’s charm, because it’s never busy. Walk down the well-kept, wooden boardwalk for the best views of Hayden Falls. The boardwalk runs along the rock cliffs, and is enveloped by beautiful leafy trees above your head, and runs beside a picturesque creek. It’s a nice, short walk that you are sure to enjoy!
While this is a small park with no walking trails and no places to sit or picnic, visitors still love to get a little wet and walk around the rocks by the base of the waterfall on hot summer days. Be sure to bring some good water shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet! Bring some camping chairs and beach towels if you’re looking to stay a while.
If you work nearby, you might make it a habit to stop here on your lunch break, or just spend a couple of hours here to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to spend an afternoon, with its beautiful waterfall sounds and lagoon-like atmosphere.
In the summer, it’s best to visit after a good rainstorm, when the falls are full of flowing water. It’s a beautiful sight. In the winter, the falls freeze in extreme temperatures, which turns them into a beautiful living sculpture of ice. Not surprisingly, Hayden Falls Park is a popular place for families to take photos for Christmas Cards, and for high school seniors to take senior pictures. Bring your cameras and enjoy a relaxing afternoon!
One Columbus local explored Hayden Falls Park with his girlfriend on a warm November day and says, “The falls were ROARING and you could feel the mist hitting you in the face before you even got close to the end of the little boardwalk area.” He continues, “This was a cool little spot but if you are looking for legit hiking, this is not the place for you. There are no trails or hiking of any kind. It’s just a little boardwalk that leads to a falls spot. But if you’re driving by and wondering if you should stop, definitely do! It was really cool and based on the pictures and what my gf told me, you never know if the falls will be roaring or trickling down the rocks.”
According to Natural Ohio Adventures, Hayden Falls Park is considered central Ohio’s “best known waterfall”. It’s definitely worth the trip!
Indian Run Falls
Just 8 minutes from our Dublin Ohio Apartments, Indian Run Falls is situated right in quaint downtown Dublin, Ohio. Dublin is a beautiful little town in its own right, steeped in Ohio history, so it’s worth it to spend a day in town and then finish the day at Indian Run Falls.
According to the Dublin, Ohio government website, “Indian Run Falls is a unique site in Dublin because of its pristine waterfalls and stream that were once home to Wyandot tribe members. The city has provided access to the Indian Run gorge and waterfalls area by adding nature trails, observation platforms, a bridge traversing the waterfalls and shelter houses west of the falls.”
Here you can enjoy a few picnic shelters and nice walking paths, so if you’re in the mood to spend an entire day outside, go for Indian Run Falls. In the summer you can take off your shoes and walk in the shallow streams, and you can even swim in the river, but the city asks that you do not jump from the top of the falls, as people have been injured doing this. (It’s also illegal, so don’t even try!)
Not looking to get wet? There’s plenty else to do! Indian Run Falls is a great place for bird watching, as woodpeckers, owls, bluebirds, and red-tailed hawks often frequent the leafy vegetation around the falls. It’s also a great place to bring the doggies or the kids, as there are a few walking trails that are not too long or too difficult. When the ground is muddy, be sure to wear hiking boots! Take some deep breaths and appreciate the old-growth trees and the historic cemetery where you can experience a little slice of Dublin, Ohio history.
Everyone who explores this park is amazed at how close the park is to the city, and yet how far away it feels from the hustle and bustle of the city. People like coming here on their lunch break, or for a Saturday picnic.
The Natural Beauty of Dublin, Ohio
There are plenty of other parks, trails, and greenspaces that are just a hop away from our luxury apartments in Dublin, Ohio. Explore nearby Highbanks Metropark, or Kiwanis Riverway park. Dublin has ample opportunity to get you and your family out in the sunshine.
If you’re looking for a lovely place to live for the whole family, then schedule your free tour today at Dublin Park Apartments! Our apartments are close to OSU, and feature amazing amenities, including a resort-style pool, spacious floor plans, and a dog-friendly atmosphere where neighbors will always want to stop and say hi to Fido. Swing on by today! We can’t wait to have you as our newest neighbor!