AROUND River RUN
Our 5 acres of property in Delaware County is surrounded by protected land - the Delaware Lake Dam/State Park behind us, the US Forestry department across the river and the Delaware Preservation Park River Run kayak/canoe launch across the street. Historic Downtown Delaware with great restaurants and quaint local shops is only a few miles south off State Route 23. There are also many areas a short drive away where you can hike and enjoy nature.
When stream conditions are low, you can cross the Norris Run creek behind our barn and reach trails leading you to the Delaware Dam with beautiful lake views. The Delaware Dam is part of the Delaware State Park, and includes dense woodlands, expansive meadows, and a shimmering 1,300-acre reservoir to create an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Nature lovers can spend time in the woods hiking and birdwatching. Cross the dam and head out on a 4.7-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
Just a short drive from River Run, Gallant Woods Park features a 1.5 mile hike through old-growth woods, meadows, restored prairies, and wetlands. Wildlife sightings vary by habitat; keep an eye out for wood thrush and barred owls in the woodlands, Eastern bluebirds in the prairies, and chorus frogs, grey tree frogs, small-mouth salamanders, and fairy shrimp in the wetlands.
After your hike, cross the street to Gallant Farm, which replicates a farm from the Depression era. The farm features a farmhouse furnished in period style, a barn constructed with historic 1890s timbers, a granary, a machine shed, a barnyard, demonstration crop fields, a vegetable garden, an orchard, and a pond. When visitors explore the farm, they will come across costumed interpreters engaged in their daily tasks such as plowing the fields, caring for the garden, or cooking on a wood-burning stove.
Put-in location for kayaks and canoes
Starting from the headwaters in Richland and Crawford Counties, the Olentangy River meanders through 88.5 miles of diverse rural and urban terrains before joining the Scioto River in Columbus. Beginning at River Run, just below the Delaware Dam and directly across the street from our Glamping site, the river showcases a variety of features such as deep pools, riffles, runs, short rapids, and picturesque shale cliffs.
When river conditions permit, kayakers and canoeists have the opportunity to embark on a 6.5-mile journey down the Olentangy River to Mingo Park in Delaware City, where they can pull out of the water. Be on the lookout for Blue Heron nests as you float along!
Whether you seek a peaceful date night, a delightful family evening, or a fun night out, downtown Delaware has it all! Discover the variety of experiences our quaint city has in store for you. With a myriad of local restaurants, brewery, wine bistro, historic movie theater and fun shops, it's always a great time to wander around Downtown Delaware.