4.5
(118)
1,579
hikers
27
hikes
Hiking around Columbus, Ohio, offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences, characterized by its extensive metro park system and riverine landscapes. The region features trails winding through forests, along bluffs overlooking rivers, and across open meadows. These natural areas provide varied terrain, from flat, accessible paths to more rugged routes with moderate elevation changes.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
9
hikers
3.31km
00:50
10m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
6.34km
01:37
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
24
hikers
8.41km
02:13
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
5.18km
01:20
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Columbus
Schiller Park is an almost 25 acre park and is the city’s second‑oldest park. It has benches, a pavilion, playgrounds, and outdoor amphitheater.
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The Scioto Trail runs through the heart of downtown Columbus along the Scioto River. The trail is almost 7 miles long and is completely paved.
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With the sparkling water in front of you and the city skyline in the background, this is a great place to stop and take in the view. It's especially great on calm, clear nights when the city lights reflect of the water.
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The Olentangy River reaches 97 miles from Morrow County through Delaware County to Columbus, where it meets the Scioto at Confluence Park. Originally called "Keenhongsheconsepung," meaning "sharp tool river," settlers renamed it "Whetstone River" before a legislative mix-up in 1833 assigned it the name "Olentangy." The river serves as a drinking water source for Delaware County, while the Delaware State Park Reservoir is used for flood control. Restoration efforts, including dam removals, have reduced the river’s width and improved ecology.
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Along the Scioto River Trail, visitors get views of the downtown Columbus skyline with the river in the foreground. Columbus is the nation's 14th largest city and this walking path provides some of the best views of its most well known buildings.
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Art installation in downtown Columbus https://www.columbusmuseum.org/current/
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Metro Parks of Franklin County created this park from what used to be the grounds of an abandoned quarry called Marble Cliff Quarry. This park was the 20th Metro Park in the county. Quarry Trails Metro Park is known for a scenic waterfall, hiking and biking trails, and lakes.
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Along the Scioto River Trail, visitors get views of the downtown Columbus skyline with the river in the foreground. Columbus is the nation's 14th largest city and this walking path provides some of the best views of its most well known buildings.
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There are over 20 hiking routes around Columbus that are easily accessible by bus. The majority of these, 18 out of 24, are rated as easy, making them suitable for a wide range of hikers.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails in Columbus are family-friendly, particularly those rated as easy. For a pleasant urban park experience, consider the Schiller Park Trails, which offer a gentle 3.3 km loop perfect for families.
The Olentangy River is a prominent feature in Columbus, and several bus-accessible trails follow its banks. The Olentangy River – North Bank Park Pavilion loop from Columbus is an excellent choice, offering scenic views along the river. You can also explore the Olentangy River itself as a natural highlight.
Yes, for those looking for a slightly more challenging experience, there are 6 moderate-difficulty bus-accessible routes. One option is the Roberts Millikin Ditch loop from San Margherita, which covers about 8.4 km and offers a good workout.
Columbus's bus-accessible trails often lead to or pass by diverse natural features. You might encounter the Olentangy River, or explore areas near Alum Creek and Darby Creek. Some routes also offer views of Mirror Lake or the Hoover Reservoir Park.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes in Columbus are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing to retrace your steps. Examples include the Olentangy River – North Bank Park Pavilion loop and the Current Clock on High Street – Rooftop Infinity Pool loop.
The bus-accessible trails in Columbus are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 110 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility, variety of landscapes, and the convenience of reaching these natural escapes via public transport.
Yes, some trails offer excellent viewpoints. For instance, the Antrim Lake Deck provides a great spot to take in the scenery. Additionally, the Overlook Deck is another highlight offering panoramic views.
Absolutely. The Current Clock on High Street – Rooftop Infinity Pool loop from Columbus is a great example, offering a blend of urban exploration and green spaces, easily reachable by bus in the heart of the city.
The lengths vary, but many bus-accessible hikes are designed for shorter excursions. For example, the Schiller Park Trails are around 3.3 km, while the North Bank Park Pavilion – Olentangy River loop is about 5.2 km, offering options for different time commitments.
While the focus is on natural trails, some areas might have historical significance. For example, the Fort Ancient Burial Mound is a notable historical site in the broader Columbus area, though you'd need to check specific bus routes for direct access.

