The best walks and hikes around Columbus

The Columbus area offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. Our guide features 5 curated routes, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging paths. Beyond this, the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system alone protects over 28,900 acres with numerous trails, and Columbus Recreation and Parks manages over 230 miles of regional trails, ensuring plenty of options for all skill levels.

Yes, Columbus has many easy trails perfect for beginners or a relaxed outing. Our guide includes routes like the Mill Race Park loop, a pleasant 1.2-mile walk. The Metro Parks system also offers numerous accessible and less strenuous paths, such as the 1.9-mile Sugarbush Trail in Blendon Woods Metro Park, known for wildlife observation.

For a more challenging experience, consider the Columbus Loop via People Trail, a difficult 12.7-mile route. Additionally, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park is known for trails with notable elevation changes, providing a good workout. For an even more intense adventure, Hocking Hills State Park, about an hour south, offers over 25 miles of trails with significant elevation and rugged terrain.

Yes, you can find beautiful waterfalls near Columbus. The Anderson Falls Nature Preserve loop takes you to the scenic Anderson Falls. Glen Echo Park also features a scenic creek and waterfall. Further afield, Hocking Hills State Park is internationally acclaimed for its thrilling waterfalls, including those found at Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave.

Loop hikes are plentiful in Columbus. Our guide features the Mill Race Park loop and the Anderson Falls Nature Preserve loop. Other options include the 1.2-mile trail circling the lake at Antrim Park and the various loop trails like the Great Horned Owl Trail in Shale Hollow Park.

Columbus is very family-friendly for hikers. Many Metro Parks offer easy, paved paths suitable for all ages and strollers. The Mill Race Park loop is an excellent choice for families. Parks like Blendon Woods Metro Park provide peaceful environments to observe local wildlife, making for an engaging experience for children.

Columbus offers a diverse range of natural features. You'll encounter riverine paths along the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, wetlands, forests, prairies, and grasslands. Highbanks Metro Park is particularly notable for its impressive 100-foot-tall shale bluff overlooking the Olentangy State Scenic River, offering unique geological sights.

Yes, several interesting landmarks and attractions are close to the hiking trails. Near some of our featured routes, you can explore the unique Columbus, Indiana Architectural Landmarks, visit Mill Race Park, or enjoy the serene Flatrock River. The region also boasts the stunning Anderson Falls.

Hikers frequently praise the variety and accessibility of trails in Columbus. The komoot community appreciates the well-maintained paths, the peaceful natural settings within and close to the city, and the diverse landscapes that range from riverfronts to woodlands. Many enjoy the opportunity to observe local wildlife and the ease of finding a suitable trail for any mood or skill level.

Absolutely. Highbanks Metro Park is renowned for its scenic views, particularly from the Eagle View Trail in its River Bluff Area, offering vistas over the Olentangy State Scenic River. Shale Hollow Park also provides scenic views from its Overlook Trail. For truly breathtaking panoramic views, Hocking Hills State Park, a short drive away, is famous for its dramatic cliffs and gorges.

Columbus has a public transportation system (COTA) that serves many areas of the city. While direct access to every trailhead might vary, many urban parks and green spaces, such as Scioto Audubon Metro Park, are often accessible via bus routes. It's advisable to check specific COTA routes and schedules for the trailhead you plan to visit.

While central Ohio offers beautiful fall colors, areas with more varied topography tend to be particularly stunning. Parks like Highbanks Metro Park, with its bluffs and river views, and Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, with its elevation changes, provide excellent opportunities to experience vibrant fall foliage. Hocking Hills State Park is also a prime destination for spectacular autumn displays.