Below is a list of the top and leading Hiking Trails in Columbus. To help you find the best Hiking Trails located near you in Columbus, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Columbus’ Best Hiking Trails:
The top rated Hiking Trails in Columbus, OH are:
- Blendon Woods Metro Park – comprises impressive stream-cut ravines
- Olentangy Trail – provides a consistent route from Worthington to downtown Columbus
- Glen Echo Park – is one of the various ravine parks in Clintonville and the University Area
- Alum Creek Trail – tours along with one of the city’s greatest lovely river corridors
- Three Creeks Park – Heron Pond Area – is titled for the intersection where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks join
Blendon Woods Metro Park
Blendon Woods Metro Park comprises impressive stream-cut ravines with uncovered ripple rock sandstone and open fields surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests. The six hundred fifty-three-acre park is an excellent place to see a variety of songbirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife, especially the flock of wild turkeys wandering about in search of food.
The one hundred eighteen-acre Walden Waterfowl Refuge with its eleven-acre Thoreau Lake offers a sanctuary for hundreds of ducks, birds, and other wildlife. It’s open throughout the year, it features 2 elevated observation shelters with spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl.
Products/Services:
Trails, Programs, Activities, Park Map
LOCATION:
Address: 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 620-1861
Website: www.metroparks.net/blendon-woods
REVIEWS:
“Fun little walk in the heat today. Now I will say that I haven’t been all over Columbus, but I haven’t been so immersed in a forest here as I was today. Not too much walking distance, but the forest was alive with cicada love songs. Wonderful.” – Richard M.
Olentangy Trail
Olentangy Trail provides a consistent route from Worthington to downtown Columbus. The trail breeze over several areas along the Olentangy River, with trailheads at various main city parks, containing Antrim Park and Whetstone Park. The path also travels through the center of the Ohio State University campus. Its associates and the town of Columbus are assessing alternatives to finish the Olentangy Trail by linking Clinton-Como and Northmoor Parks with a dedicated, 0.6 miles shared use path.
Products/Services:
Trail, Maps, Virtual
LOCATION:
Address: Olentangy Trail, Columbus, OH 43210
Website: www.columbus.gov/Olentangy-Trail
REVIEWS:
“Tranquil and relaxing place. Perfect for biking.” – Jui-Chien L.
Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo Park is one of the various ravine parks in Clintonville and the University Area. It runs from the north side of Fourth St., southwest to Indianola Ave. High wooded banks drop to a meandering creek. The banks of the creek have been recently established with sloping edges and plantings of native plant material. A pathway runs through the park along the creek.
The walker may access the park on stairs from Cliffside Dr., or on a service road at Fourth St. It is a great park for leisurely, quiet strolls, bird watching, and picnicking, far away from the street noise above.
Products/Services:
Bird Watching, Leisurely, Quiet Strolls & Picnicking
LOCATION:
Address: 510 Cliffside Dr, Columbus, OH 43202
Phone: (614) 645-3300
Website: www.columbus.gov/Glen-Echo-Park
REVIEWS:
“Fun place with friendly people. My dogs loved it!” – Jennifer V.
Alum Creek Trail
Alum Creek Trail tours along with one of the city’s greatest lovely river corridors, from Westerville to Three Creeks Park. Three significant sections exist. The North part spans from Westerville (Cooper Park) to Easton Way. The Central portion stretches from Easton Way to the Ohio Dominican University area. And the South part starts at Airport Drive and continues all the way to Three Creeks Park.
Products/Services:
Trail, Maps
LOCATION:
Address: Alum Creek Trail, Columbus, OH 43219
Website: www.columbus.gov/Alum-Creek-Trail
REVIEWS:
“One sweet trail. A beautiful country trail,in the city.” – Jr C.
Three Creeks Park – Heron Pond Area
Three Creeks Park – Heron Pond Area is titled for the intersection where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks join. Owls, great blue herons, and more than one hundred species of birds have been observed. Guests may catch a glimpse of beaver, mink, coyote, and deer. The one thousand one hundred-acre park is a partnership with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Products/Services:
Trails, Programs, Activities, Park Map
LOCATION:
Address: 3400 Williams Rd, Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: (614) 208-2874
Website: www.metroparks.net/three-creeks
REVIEWS:
“So pretty. A good place to walk trails or bike ride. Very clean and quiet. Fishing is available. Park also holds lots of events. Check the website to see what is happening before arriving. I know they do canoe events and even had park officials teaching kids how to fish!” – Amanda M.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.