The Go-to-Guide: Top Sledding Hills in Central Ohio
Editor’s note: Find an updated version of this list here.
Central Ohio’s sledding season is still on despite COVID-19. Grab a sled or tube, and your family can add exploration of the area’s slopes to your social distancing to-do-list.
We’ve compiled this list of some of the region’s best and most popular sledding hills. Some sites, often owned by municipalities and park districts, have official sledding hills. Others, such as Columbus city parks, simply have decent slopes that make them popular snowy-day destinations.
This season calls for more precautions than others, so be smart and be safe. Don’t sled or snowboard near trees, posts or other fixed objects, and make sure your child wears a helmet. Also, avoid gathering in groups, social distance and remember to wear a mask. Call ahead or go online to check each park’s guidelines or any sledding hill closures due to the pandemic.
To suggest an addition to our list, send an email to contact@columbusparent.com.
COLUMBUS/CENTRAL
120 W. Goodale St.
Take on the slope in Victorian Village, Columbus’s oldest park. Parking is available inside the park and at surrounding on-street meters.
400 W. Whittier St.
The sledding hill in this 120-acre park is nestled between the recreation fields and the bocce court.
COLUMBUS/CLINTONVILLE
301 W. Pacemont Road
Find the hill in the southern half of this newly renovated 21-acre park, near West Weber Road. The slope is long but gentle and ideal for young sledders. On-site parking is limited.
5201 Delawanda Ave.
Formerly known as Delawanda Park, the facility sits behind Graceland Shopping Center and is accessible from the parking lot west of Kroger Marketplace. The venue also has its own parking area.
3923 N. High St.
Zip down two dedicated sledding hills at this 13-acre site in Whetstone Park. Find it at the west end of Hollenback Road, off North High Street.
COLUMBUS/GERMAN VILLAGE
1069 Jaeger St.
The second-oldest park in Columbus is a beautiful spot for winter fun.
COLUMBUS/HILLTOP
1888 Fairmont Ave.
Nature lovers can explore this 16.7-acre city park at the southwest corner of West Broad Street and Interstate 70.
COLUMBUS/NORTHWEST
5800 Olentangy River Road
Even small children can enjoy the sledding hill at this nearly 123-acre venue.
COLUMBUS/SOUTHWEST
4205 Clime Road
Follow the main road to the end to find the Derby Hill sledding area at the far end of the park. Sledders can choose between the hill’s bumpy side and its smooth side.
DELAWARE
5202 U.S. Route 23 N.
Glide down the sledding hill near the south entrance to Mink Run Trail. Conditions permitting, visitors can try cross-country skiing and ice skating as well.
2151 Buttermilk Hill Road
Find the sledding hill at this Preservation Parks of Delaware County facility next to the parking lot. Nearby restrooms are open year-round.
DUBLIN
6350 Woerner Temple Road
While the slope isn’t an official sledding hill, many residents treat it as such. Visitors can view the nearly 25-acre park’s famous Dancing Hares sculpture as well.
7377 Riverside Drive
Find the sledding hill south of the Leatherlips public art installation. Adjacent heated restrooms are available. Masks and social distancing are required.
GAHANNA
220 Olde Ridenour Road
This popular community sledding hill is on the north side of the golf course.
GALLOWAY
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
1775 Darby Creek Drive
Head to the middle of the park off Alkire Road to find three hills of varying heights near the canoe access area. Pit toilets are available nearby.
GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS
1520 Goodale Blvd.
The sledding hill at this city park is moderate in length and slope. The site offers limited parking.
GROVE CITY
3899 Orders Road
Slide down the city-maintained sledding hill at this 110-acre park.
5172 Jackson Pike
Find the sledding area near backpacking site No. 2, not far from the central Arrowhead picnic area. The picnic area also provides parking and toilets.
GROVEPORT
6723 Lithopolis Road
This Metro Park offers a gentle hill that’s great for little ones.
HEATH
580 Cynthia St.
The hill at this park has two sides that are separated by a line of trees. Visitors can take their picks and sled to their hearts’ content.
HILLIARD
Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park
3800 Veterans Memorial Drive
Enjoy the man-made sledding hill in the city’s largest park, between the ballfields and the Hilliard Family Aquatic Center.
LANCASTER
1120 N. High St.
Sledders can ride the city-maintained hill located by the playground and parking lot.
LEWIS CENTER
7126 Blue Holly Drive
The large sledding hill in this Orange Township Park sits at the southern end of the parking lot. The venue is a part of the Glen Oak subdivision, north of Glen Oak Elementary School.
9466 U.S. Route 23 N.
Families can enjoy the two sledding hills located in the northwest corner of this 1,200-acre park, adjacent to the Big Meadows picnic area. One of the hills is designed for children, and pit toilets are available nearby.
OSTRANDER
9627 Fontanelle Road
The sledding hill lies along Fox Run Trail in the middle of this Preservation Parks of Delaware County facility. Restrooms are nearby.
PICKERINGTON
481 Hereford Drive
Sledders can choose between two hills at this city-owned park.
REYNOLDSBURG
6975 E. Livingston Ave.
Glide down the moderate-sized hill located on the park’s golf course. The course’s restrooms are available to visitors.
UPPER ARLINGTON
4840 Stonehaven Drive
A sledding hill is part of this 22-acre, city-owned park.
WESTERVILLE
6911 Cleveland Ave.
Access the sledding area just north of the main entrance. One of the park’s two hills is a bunny hill for younger children.
WHITEHALL
402 N. Hamilton Road
Enjoy the sledding hill at this city-owned park. Make sure to wear a mask, maintain a 6-foot distance from others and don’t forget to bring hand sanitizer.
WORTHINGTON
6199 Huntley Road
This city park offers one side of its bowl for sledding.
600 W. Wilson Bridge Road
Guide your sled down this city park’s two hills.
Notable Spots Where Sledding Is Prohibited
Griggs Reservoir
Hoover Reservoir
The Ohio State University Golf Club