A Surprise Slide at Highbanks

I idled in some “oh no, it snowed” traffic this morning, calculating the whole while how much faster I could have covered my route on foot. Tempting… There is something so renewing about running through fresh white stuff. When you’re intently focused on maintaining an upright position, the trail tends to end sooner than expected or desired.

"In-Town Tourist": A Surprise Slide at Highbanks [ 3:23 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Highbanks Metro Park Visitor Information and Map

My first instinct with a decent snowfall is to head to Highbanks.

An apparent glitch in my survival instincts and the four-wheel drive option on my truck allows me to postpone driveway shoveling without a second thought. If it’s still snowing steadily, all the better… I actually choked on some big fluffy snowflakes a couple of weeks ago, laughing and coughing (and running) at the same time. It’s exhilarating to plant the first footprints into fresh snow. Hope I never outgrow that joy…

On Hannah’s tenth birthday, almost three years ago now, she asked to run at Highbanks in the falling snow. My daughter is athletically gifted and a bit more coordinated than her mom, but I still gave her a steadying hand as we ran up and down the snow-covered hills that afternoon. Laughing as the snow stuck in our hair and gasping slightly when one of us slipped, holding hands the whole way… It was unspeakably beautiful.

But a couple of years ago, it was just comically ridiculous…

I awoke one Saturday with an ill-advised longing to run snow-dusted trails, blissfully oblivious to the slickness of the refrozen ice beneath. Half-way around Highbanks’ main loop, this was clearly a deficient decision. I had tried running on the choppy trail edges, but they were frozen so solid that I risked another ankle injury (there are better ways to build upper body strength than eight weeks on crutches). I was left to gingerly complete my run on the actual terribly slick trail.

When I finally made the “big hill” on the western edge of the park, I gave in and reluctantly began an undignified elephant walk up the side of what now looked to be my very own mountain. Hands and feet splayed over the powdered ice and focused on maintaining an even weight distribution, I made it about a third of the way up the steep grade. Then, very slowly, I began sliding backwards.With my backside leading the way, I rapidly picked up momentum with no “steering” or line of sight. I remember an “uh oh” moment and then the hope that I could somehow avoid the drop-off to my left. Finally, I had the sense to turn around and sit, still sliding with ever increasing momentum. Using car keys as ice picks, apparently works better when you’re climbing up, not sliding down. The keys, like mini gondola poles, were quite effective in further speeding my downward launch, however, and allowed me the illusion of aiming myself a little. At some point, the humor of my unplanned ride hit, and I let out a whoop that must have startled the wildlife at least a little.

I made one more brave attempt that resulted in a similar fantastic slide before finally conceding the contest, at which point I made way for the somewhat salted and plowed roadway. Slightly chilled but utterly invigorated, I felt I’d survived one of my best winter runs ever. I felt “alive” in the very best sense of the word. And that’s what being outdoors is supposed to be all about, right?

There’s fresh snow outside my office window, and I’m getting that crazy urge again. Time to go ride (er; run) Highbanks…

Highbanks Metro Park Visitor Information and Map

Highbanks Metro Park; Columbus Ohio
11 miles of nature trails over streams and through ravines, situated just east of the Olentangy River. Shale Cliffs, concretions, river access and Adena Indian Mounds make this a popular destination.
Activities include: hiking, running, cycling, group picnics and kayaking/canoeing.
Additional attractions: pet trail, winter sledding, Hutchins State Nature Preserve.
“Yes” for Pets (on designated trails with leash)
Directions: From I-270, take U.S. 23 north for about 3 miles. Entrance will be on the left, just south of Powell Road.
Address: Highbanks Metro Park; 9466 Columbus Pike; Lewis Center, OH 43035
Phone: (614) 846-9962
View Highbanks Metro Park in a larger map