Kayaking for Kids Open
Three Creeks Park Canoe Access
4.4(15)4.4 out of 5 stars, 15 reviews Columbus, OH
About Three Creeks Park Canoe Access
Three Creeks Park Canoe Access serves primarily as a strategic and peaceful access point to Big Walnut Creek for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, rather than a traditional park with extensive amenities. It is well-regarded for its direct water access and offers opportunities for longer paddling trips, but parents should set expectations that it's a launch/exit point and not a recreational park.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Parents seeking a launch/exit point for kayaking or canoeing trips with their children.Families interested in fishing in Big Walnut Creek.Those looking for a peaceful and quiet outdoor water activity.Experienced paddlers planning specific creek-to-creek routes (e.g., experiencing the confluence).Reviews do not specify age-specific amenities or activities for children beyond the core water sports. It is suitable for children capable of kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, likely requiring adult supervision given the natural, undeveloped environment.
Why families love it
- Well-maintained access area to Big Walnut Creek.
- Provides a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
- Excellent for accessing Big Walnut Creek for kayaking and canoeing.
- Strategic exit point for trips originating from Alum Creek access points.
- Strategic entrance point for trips exiting at Hamilton Township Park (approx. 2-hour paddle).
- Direct access to Big Walnut Creek, including its confluence with Alum and Blacklick Creeks.
Insider tips
- Be aware that this is a canoe access point, not a full recreational park; manage expectations regarding facilities.
- If planning to fish beyond the primary accessible area, be prepared to traverse overgrown and potentially hazardous terrain.
- Exercise caution around the bridge area as it is steep, muddy, and slick, especially with children.
- To find the access point, drive through the circle behind the BP Gas station and Arby's, turn onto Old Rathmell Ct, and look for a sign on the right.
- Consider planning a 2-hour paddling trip, using this as an exit from Alum Creek or an entrance to Hamilton Township Park.
Good to know before you go
- If expecting a traditional park with playgrounds, maintained walking trails, or extensive recreational facilities.
- If mobility is an issue, especially around the steep, muddy bridge area.
- Trying to explore beyond the main access point without appropriate footwear or tolerance for overgrown, unmaintained areas.
- Arriving without clear directions, as the location can be confusing to find initially.
- It is not a traditional park; lacks typical park amenities and extensive trails.
- Crowds
- Described as 'quiet' and 'peaceful', suggesting generally low crowd levels.
- Value
- Pricing for kayaking/canoeing or rentals is not mentioned in the reviews. The value is in the access to the creek for those with their own equipment.
- Food
- A picnic table is available, implying outside food is permitted. No specific food or drink restrictions are mentioned.
- Accessibility
- The main access point appears functional.
- Safety
- No specific safety features (e.g., staff supervision, first aid, railings) are mentioned, other than the inherent risk of a steep, muddy, and slick bridge area.
What parents say
"This is actually a well maintained area with access to Big Walnut Creek. It's definitely not a park but it does have a picnic table."
2 years ago
"It’s honestly not much of a park, really as described, a canoe access point and that’s it. Walnut Creek is great to fish in but there’s really only one area to do it from here unless you want to traverse through the long grass, ivy and weeds, trash and junk in the tree line to get the bridge. The bridge area is steep, muddy and slick too. Fell and hurt myself trying to leave but that was my decision to go down there. Did manage to pull a big drumfish out of though."
4 years ago
"Nice, peaceful."
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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