Adventure Groups Near Me

November hike

Please bring a water bottle and warm coat or sweatshirt.

Trails & Ales! Quarry Trails Metro Park / Knotty Pine Brewing

**History** Before [Quarry Trails Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/) became a dynamic hub for outdoor enthusiasts, it was part of the historic Marble Cliff Quarry, which was once the largest contiguous limestone quarry in the United States. For over a century, workers excavated millions of tons of limestone from this massive site bordering the Scioto River. If you have ever admired the grand architecture of the Ohio Statehouse downtown or cheered from the stands at Ohio Stadium, you have already seen the very stone pulled from this ground. The quarry was an industrial powerhouse that literally laid the foundations for some of Columbus’s most iconic landmarks. As the 20th century progressed, the intense mining operations began to wind down, leaving behind a scarred, industrial wasteland of deep pits and rugged cliffs. For decades, this massive stretch of land sat largely forgotten and off-limits to the public, hidden just a few miles west of downtown Columbus. However, the leaders at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks saw immense potential in the abandoned terrain. They recognized a rare opportunity to reclaim a disrupted landscape and transform it into a unique urban oasis. By acquiring a portion of the historic quarry site, the park system set out to fulfill a long-term goal of putting a Metro Park within five miles of every Franklin County resident. The vision became a reality on November 30, 2021, when Quarry Trails officially opened to the public as Central Ohio's 20th metro park. The opening marked a dramatic shift in how the city approaches green spaces by blending rugged, repurposed industrial elements with modern park design. Instead of erasing the site's mining past, the park preserves the sheer limestone faces and deep water pockets left behind by decades of excavation. Central Ohioans quickly adopted the park, marveling at how a former industrial zone could be so quickly converted into a sanctuary for both wildlife and people. Among the park's most stunning features is Millikin Falls, a picturesque 25-foot waterfall that cascades over ancient limestone steps into a tranquil pool below. Visitors can walk along the ADA-accessible boardwalks, hike scenic loop trails, or search for prehistoric fossils embedded in the rock walls. The old quarry pits were filled to create pristine lakes like Swan Lake and Turtle Cove, which are now popular spots for catch-and-release fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The clever engineering repurposed the harsh terrain to give locals access to water sports and dramatic waterfront vistas right in their backyard. In May 2023, the park cemented its reputation for high adventure by opening the nation’s first urban Via Ferrata. This specialized climbing route allows thrill-seekers to traverse a 160-foot-tall canyon wall using steel rungs, ladders, and a suspension bridge dangling 100 feet in the air. Alongside a single-track mountain bike course, a sledding hill, and an off-leash dog park, Quarry Trails offers an array of specialized recreation rarely found near a major city center. Today, the park stands as a nationally recognized testament to urban renewal, proving that even the most heavily mined landscapes can be given a vibrant second life. **Maps of the Park** Here is the 2025 [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quarry-Trails_JUNE-2025_1980px-Web.jpg). Here is the 2026 [Map of Quarry Trails](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/QTR_map_1980px_2026_RGB_vg.jpg). Ignoring the new names they've added to some things, you can see they've also added a new leg to the Redback Loop Trail, a new giant hammocks, and some new restrooms. **Summary** For this hike, we'll do a loop of the park. This will be about four miles, which is at the low end of what I typically like to do for a *Trails & Ales* hike. I generally shoot for around five miles. However, in my experience, Quarry Trails tends to wear people out faster than other parks, probably because we actually spend so much time walking on pavement or solid gravel, and because of Quarry Trails' elevation changes. So try not to think of this as "only" a four-mile hike. It tests people. This might be the only place I hike where I rarely wear my [hiking shoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D972KN3W). **Where We'll Meet** Quarry Trails has multiple entrances, but none of them are connected internally within the park. So you must drive to the correct one for this event. We will meet at the Quarry Trails Lake Area, the actual address for which is [2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2319+Quarry+Trails+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883891dd76f5eedf:0xf1cb9d34c1069580?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). You can also use the map pin I've provided here. Do not just type "Quarry Trails" into Google Maps and trust it to take you to the correct place; it might not. We will meet by the new restrooms they've just built here by the playground. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/) for [drinks](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/drink-selection) and [food](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1). Its actual address is [1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1765+W+3rd+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43212/@39.9852903,-83.0529464,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388e492557f22d:0x9b85a34e73c9216f!8m2!3d39.9852903!4d-83.0529464!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3zlktd?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTAxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), and it's about an eight or nine minute drive from where we'll be parked at Quarry Trails. They have a nice covered outdoor porch if weather permits. The brewery has a small parking lot, but street parking if you need it shouldn't be excruciatingly difficult to find. And, unless they've added parking meters since last I was there, street parking is free. Please note that there is a business unrelated to the brewery that has its own parking lot right next to the brewery. Unless this business has recently changed its policy, they do not want people using their lot. I don't know if they're open on Saturdays to actually enforce this, but I personally am not interested in being the guinea pig to test their parking restrictions. We should be at the tavern by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to meet us for drinks.

Oscar Watch: FJORD at the Drexel Theatre!

Join us as we get together to see the Palme d’Or winner from this year’s Cannes Film Festival, FJORD! This dramatic-legal-thriller-drama is based on a true story of a Romanian-Norwegian couple facing scrutiny after moving to the wife's remote Norwegian hometown. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film is inspired by true events and follows a Romanian-Norwegian conservative couple who faced scrutiny after moving to the wife's progressive remote Norwegian hometown. The film is written/directed by Cristian Mungiu and stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value, The Worst Person in the World). BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival where it received a 12-minute standing ovation and went on to win the Palme d'Or (top prize) along with four other awards! The film is earning a stellar 93% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it a “riveting,” “superbly well-acted” and “knotty moral dilemma” that "refuses to provide easy answers.” Others call it a quiet film with a lot to say that’s both "richly compelling” and “endlessly though-provoking!” It was selected as the Romanian entry for the Best International Feature Film (and is currently the front-runner) for next year’s Academy Awards. FANTASTIC FEATURETTE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3c27MmOyxg TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gdRZZVoinM PLAN: We’ll plan for a 4:00pm-ish showing and will meet in the theater lobby about 20 minutes before showtime. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater. Just let them know you're with the group for admission and concession discounts ($3 sm popcorn, $3 sm soda). A longer movie and we've got big dinner/movie events the week before/after, so we'll plan to make this one a movie only event. Exact showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Should be a good one, Dan

Tuesday Night Bike Ride

Oscar Watch: WILD HORSE NINE at the Drexel Theatre!

Join us as we get together to see a dark-comedy-dramatic-thriller and that rare combination of films that’s a heavy Oscar contender and wildly entertaining, WILD HORSE NINE! The film is written/directed by Martin McDonagh and follows a pair of CIA agents as they face a trust-testing mission from Santiago to Easter Island during 1973 in Chile. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup d'etat, two CIA officers are sent from Santiago to Easter Island. Among the island's iconic statues, the longtime partners wrestle with their dark pasts and present conspiracies, while one’s newfound bond with a pair of rebellious students threatens to send everyone's trip to this remote paradise sideways. The film is written/directed by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, The Banshees of Inisherin) and stars John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits and Parker Posey. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Haw_sznA5aQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Haw_sznA5aQ) BUZZ & ACCLAIM: Wild Horse Nine premiered to a rapturous response at this year’s Venice International Film Festival where John Malkovich won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor! It is earning a stellar 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics call it “intelligent, superb filmmaking” with an “expert blend of poignant drama and blistering dark comedy” and featuring some of the best performances ever “by Malkovich, Rockwell and Buscemi.” This is one of those rare movies that's actually fun and entertaining, smart and moving, and poised to be a major player at next year's Oscars! DINNER PLAN: For dinner, we’ll switch it up this time and go with dinner at the Rusty Bucket BEFORE the show! Meet at 5:15pm and we’ll have a section reserved for the group! MOVIE PLAN: Immediately following dinner, it’s on to the show! We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater. When you purchase yours, be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Also, recommend parking in the lot near Brassica and your car will be close to the restaurant and the theater! Exact showtime and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Can't wait, Dan

TINYACO BOOK CLUB: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Morning people unite!! 🐤 ☕ + 💬 @ Cup O Joe Coffee House

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Cup O Joe Coffee House](https://www.cupojoe.com/)!

BeComing Circle Initiates

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Blendonwood Ravine Day Hike, 10:30 am

October Book Club Meetup

Welcome, readers! 🎃 Our October read is ***Klara and the Sun*** by **Kazuo Ishiguro**. From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. In *Klara and the Sun*, Ishiguro looks at our rapidly changing modern world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator to explore a fundamental question: what does it mean to love? The film adaptation of this novel is scheduled for release on October 23 (the official trailer can be found here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wixzainceAE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wixzainceAE)). We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Looking forward to discussing with everyone!

Top Doc Pop Up: YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING at Lennox Phoenix Theater!

CMG Pop-up Event: I would not have guessed two weeks ago that a 3-hour documentary would be a “Hot Ticket” item. But, this is quite possibly the buzziest film this year. With sold out showings during its limited release last week, the film expanded to nearly all local theaters this week. The film and its rabid fan base are lobbying hard for it to become the first-ever documentary with Best Picture nomination at next year’s Academy Awards! I don’t generally like scheduling movies so closely together, but we’ll make an exception for this one! So, by popular demand and CMG request, YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING is officially on the calendar! My calendar is super full these next two weeks so we're kinda cramming it into an already busy week, but I wanted to make sure got this one on the calendar. So, if you can make it, I think you'll be glad you did! And if you can't, be sure to seek this one out on your own. Join us as we get together to see one of the most buzzed-about films of the year, the A24 documentary, YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING! The film is directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, and follows disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans. Critics and audiences called it part documentary, part dark comedy, and part psychological thriller. Daily Beast goes one step further to declare, “Not just the film of the year—it’s a documentary that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the form’s all-time greats!” Here’s a description, trailer and plan: DESCRIPTION: Thirty-four days before she’s sent to prison, notorious Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic felon becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss. It was filmed secretly over three years, focusing on the 34 days leading up to Holmes reporting to federal prison to serve an 11-year sentence for fraud. The film is directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, with Fielder even moving in for part of the period before she went to prison. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film had a surprise debut at this year’s Telluride Film Festival and later at the New York Film Festival, where it caught critics and audiences completely off-guard as they struggled to classify it as part documentary, part dark comedy, and part psychological thriller. It is earning an unheard of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 97% positive rating on Metacritic! IndieWire says, “Almost immediately, it’s evident that You Can See Everything pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking, and somehow, even after 174 minutes, it leaves us hungry and curious for more.” And the Daily Beast declares, “Not just the film of the year—it’s a documentary that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the form’s all-time greats!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvW_N5p1q44 PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:30pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 6:10 and 6:20pm! Tickets on sale now and advance ticket purchase is advised! When you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. As a head’s up, the film clocks in at nearly 3-hrs, but critics describe it as “gripping” and “surprisingly fast paced” that plays more like a fast-paced miniseries binge. Try not to miss this one, Dan

Hike Blendon Woods, 17-20ish pace

Let's try Blendon Woods. We can meet at the Nature Center and then decide which trail to take. Will walk until we get in 4 miles. If there is any interest we can grab lunch after.