When I first stumbled across a cemetery in Quarry Trails Metro Park, I had to do a double take. A cemetery? In a Metro Park? That felt… illegal. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that’s just me being dramatic — why wouldn’t a park be allowed to have one?
Still, it was shocking to see weathered tombstones peeking out from the woods, especially since some of these graves are nearly 200 years old and older. Turns out, Columbus Metro Parks aren’t just places for hiking, kayaking, or picnicking — they’re also home to bits of history that literally never left. And in at least one case, they might be hiding a ghost or two.
Let’s dig (poor choice of words, I know) into the hidden cemeteries you can actually visit in Columbus’ Metro Parks.
*Please be respectful when visiting these cemeteries*
Haunted Cemeteries in the Columbus Metro Parks
Quarry Trails Metro Park: White (Britton) Cemetery
During my first trip to Quarry Trails, I found myself face-to-face with White Cemetery, also known as Britton Cemetery. The Metro Parks say at least one War of 1812 veteran rests here, which instantly makes this the oldest piece of history I’ve accidentally discovered on a hike.
The last recorded burial happened in 1867, which means this cemetery is older than just about everything else in Columbus. Older than Ringside Cafe, Schmidts, and the Ohio Statehouse was just 6 years old when she passed away.
This gravesite is believed to be the final resting place of the original owner of the Marble Cliff Quarry. Honestly, I’d like to think he’d be pretty stoked that his quarry eventually turned into one of the coolest Metro Parks in town.
Highbanks Metro Park: The Pool Family Cemetery
If you hike through Highbanks, you might come across another historic surprise: the Pool Family Cemetery. But here’s where it gets interesting: The gravestones weren’t originally found here. They were discovered in a pile on the land itself, and in 1981, they were moved near where the family farmhouse once stood back in the 19th century.
That means nobody actually knows exactly where the Pool family is buried. Creepy? Yes. Fascinating? Also yes. But the stones now stand as markers for the people who farmed the land long before joggers, bird watchers, and influencers such as myself ever passed through (I can’t stand that I just called myself an influencer, btw).
But the pool family isn’t even close to being the first people buried in this Metro Park. The Dripping Rock Trail has an Adena burial mound off to the side that’s thousands of years old, proof that we are not the first people to call this beautiful land home.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park: Little Pennsylvania Cemetery
And then there’s Battelle Darby Creek, where things take a spookier turn. Tucked away inside the park is the Little Pennsylvania Cemetery, a site with a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots in Central Ohio.
Local lore says visitors have reported strange noises, eerie lights, and an overwhelming sense that they’re not alone. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, there’s no denying the atmosphere feels different here. It’s the kind of place that makes you glance over your shoulder just in case you see the Woolyburger, a local legend resembling Bigfoot.
Why This Matters (Beyond the Spooky Factor)
These hidden cemeteries aren’t just random curiosities. They’re a reminder that Columbus Metro Parks protect more than nature. They preserve history. Every stone and inscription is a link back to the families and individuals who lived, worked, and built lives here long before highways, suburbs, and craft breweries existed.
So next time you’re out hiking at Quarry Trails, Highbanks, Battelle Darby Creek, or even other parks, keep your eyes open. You might just walk straight into a forgotten piece of Columbus history — one that’s been hiding in plain sight.
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