The best cycling routes around New Columbus

Touring cycling around New Columbus is characterized by rolling hills and numerous creek valleys, offering varied terrain. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, with some climbs exceeding 1,000 feet. While many routes are paved, some areas, particularly those exploring rural farmland, may include gravel sections. The region provides a mix of moderate and challenging paths, suitable for cyclists seeking an active experience.

Yes, several excellent circular routes are available for touring cyclists. For example, the Fishing Creek and Green Creek loop is a moderate 23.7-mile ride, and the Huntington Creek and New Columbus loop offers a similar moderate challenge over 24.2 miles. For a more difficult option, consider the Benton to Millville loop, which is 33.3 miles with substantial climbing, or the challenging Creveling Hill – Twin Bridges loop from West Paden Covered Bridge Number 121.

The New Columbus area, particularly around Columbus, Ohio, offers a wealth of natural features and landmarks. You can explore the extensive Central Ohio Greenways network, which includes trails along the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers. Metro Parks like Quarry Trails Metro Park feature a waterfall, while Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park offers diverse landscapes and even bison sightings. Highbanks Metro Park is known for its 100-foot sandstone bluffs. Additionally, unique green spaces like The Topiary Park and the Columbus Park of Roses provide distinct visual attractions.

The touring cycling routes directly around New Columbus tend to be moderate to difficult, featuring significant elevation changes. However, the broader Columbus, Ohio area is expanding its network with many multi-use trails that are generally flatter and more accessible. For easier rides, consider sections of the Alum Creek Greenway or the Scioto Greenway Trail, which offer paved paths suitable for beginners and families.

The best time for touring cycling in the New Columbus area is typically during the spring and fall months. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring bringing lush greenery and fall showcasing vibrant foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer temperatures and potential humidity. Winter cycling is possible, but trails may be subject to snow and ice, and some services might be limited.

While the immediate routes around New Columbus are generally day trips, the region is part of larger networks. The Camp Chase Trail, for instance, is a section of the extensive Ohio to Erie Trail, which connects Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. This allows for much longer touring cycling adventures, extending beyond the immediate New Columbus area.

Touring cycling routes in New Columbus are known for their significant elevation gains due to the rolling hills. Moderate routes like the Fishing Creek and Green Creek loop and the Huntington Creek and New Columbus loop both feature over 1,300 feet of climbing. More difficult routes, such as the Benton to Millville loop, can involve over 1,830 feet of ascent, providing a challenging workout for cyclists.

The routes directly listed for New Columbus tend to be moderate to difficult, with considerable elevation, which might be challenging for younger children or less experienced family members. However, the broader Columbus, Ohio area offers many family-friendly multi-use trails within its Metro Parks system and the Central Ohio Greenways. These trails are often paved, flatter, and provide amenities suitable for a family outing.

The Columbus, Ohio region is actively expanding its cycling infrastructure. There are plans to add hundreds of miles of bike trails, including dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks, particularly with projects like The Capital Line in downtown Columbus. The Central Ohio Greenways network already provides over 230 miles of multi-use trails, connecting various parks and communities, making it increasingly cyclist-friendly.

While specific parking details for each route are best checked on individual komoot tour pages, many trailheads for the Central Ohio Greenways and Metro Parks in the wider Columbus area offer designated parking lots. For routes like those starting near Benton or West Paden Covered Bridge, local parking options would typically be available at or near the start points, often in small town centers or designated trail access areas.

Yes, the region offers routes that connect to significant natural areas. For instance, the Benton to Ricketts Glen State Park route is a challenging 26.7-mile ride that takes you to the renowned Ricketts Glen State Park, famous for its waterfalls. This provides an excellent opportunity to combine touring cycling with exploring a major natural attraction.