From quick and easy nature walks around town to drives that take you to wonderful waterways and wooded areas, our region has so many options to hit the trail . So, lace up your boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking and nature walk guide for the Columbus area with 24 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience our great outdoors .
Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further information, current trail conditions, and the safest practices for the area.
There are three major sections on this scenic trail, as it stretches from Westerville to Three Creeks Park. It also connects to popular local spots, like Easton and the Columbus Airport.
This iconic park is known for its 100-ft tall shale bluff that towers over the Olentangy State Scenic River. Multiple trail heads are available here, ranging from long 3.5-mile routes to quick, 0.4-mile walks.
Stroll through a garden that is bustling with life, as it features 2,000+ different plant species. Additionally, visitors will find natural wildlife, streams, and manicured landscapes throughout the park.
Is this a forest or a field? It’s both — and it offers massive oak trees, quiet plains, and smaller bodies of water that are home to amphibians and wildlife.
This is park stands as the 20th to be built in the city, and it transformed an abandoned quarry into a recreation center. Not feeling a walk? Go for a climb on the via ferrata.
It’s hard to beat the views of this park with 12,000+ roses on display. City Editor Mitch loves this park, especially with a cold brew in hand from the nearby Global Gallery.
Take a walk here to find a piece of Columbus history, one of City Editor Mitch’s favorite ways to explore the city. The skate park here was designed by Tony Hawk’s father in the 1990s. It was just renovated in 2024 after Tony returned to CBUS to raise awareness about it.
This classic park is more than your go-to for local festivals. Many dog walkers, busy parents, and fitness fans use this park every day for to its paved walking paths and iconic fountain.
Multiple safety enhancements were just installed throughout this trail, including high visibility crosswalks and signs. It spans and crosses the Olentangy River, making it a popular spot for runners.
Are there any Pokémon Go fans still out there? We can confirm there are, and you can find them at Schiller Park on sunny days living up to the name of the game: Catching them all.
This downtown path is perfect for grabbing a city skyline photo while taking your dog on a nightly walk. Runners and bikers also frequently visit here in the warmer months.
You’ll know you’re here when you see the big red Metro Parks water tower. We love this park for leisurely walks + outdoor rock climbing when the weather permits.
Bring the kids to spot nature and wildlife on smaller trails, ranging from 0.3 miles to 0.6 miles. Some have paved paths, like the Lake Trail, and others have gravel, such as the Overlook Trail or Ripple Rock Trail.
You know a park is picture-perfect when it’s consistently chosen as the backdrop for weddings. Such is the case for Franklin Park, which features a pond, quiet streams, and light walking paths.
Not all trails have to be outdoors . That’s why we recommend taking a group tour of the Franklin Park Conservatory where you can walk through the greenhouse and butterfly exhibit while learning about species and wildlife.
Keep your dogs at home if you visit here, but don’t let your four-legged friend hold you back. It’s great for kids with a playground on-site, or you can simply walk the naturally wooded area.
This small, but mighty park is the official park of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Plan a full day here of walking, picnicking, and fishing thanks to all of its amenities.
Battelle is one of the most sought-after parks since it is home to bison — yes, bison . Despite how big bison are, they are surprisingly challenging to spot, so stay patient on your walk.
“Big Run” is no exaggeration . It’s one of the biggest parks in the Columbus Metro Parks’ system, boasting 270+ acres of greenspace, wetlands, and woods.
There aren’t many trails that are considered “moderate difficulty,” so it’s worth re-emphasizing that this one is. Plan for a longer hike if you want to do the full trail, and remember that it is point-to-point , not a loop.
Dogs are welcome here, but a friendly reminder that this is a favorite trail of birdwatchers in CBUS. It’s also a popular spot for runners as its just slightly larger than a 5K in distance and has minimal elevation.
Walk through plains, prairies, and grasslands that were populated with native seeds from Darby Plains. Experience hikers can try the 5+ mile Birdl Trail, or beginners can get started on the Alder Trail, which is 0.6 miles.
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