The capital of Ohio, Columbus, is the 15th largest city in the US. Despite being so big and industrial, the city has a great running scene, thanks to the Scioto and Olentangy rivers and the many creeks flowing in and out of them. It also has no lack of amazing parks and architectural landmarks in its downtown areas.
The weather for running in Columbus is fairly accommodating. There are hot summers and somewhat cold winters, but it’s no Alaska or Texas, where temperature extremes will get the best of you. Most trails are well-lit at night and shaded during the day, making them perfect for any time of the day.
Public transportation in Columbus might not be the most varied, but the sprawling network of bus stations gets the job done.
Are you itching for a good run in Columbus, OH? Are you growing tired of running in your neighborhood and wondering, “What are the best jogging trails near me?” Worry not because this article will present you with the top 8 running routes in Columbus.
1. Lower Scioto Greenway Trail
The Lower Scioto Greenway Trail is over ten miles of nice paved, shaded, and well-lit road adjacent to the Scioto River. It is one of the most popular local running trails, so expect to see many other runners, bikers, hikers, and tourists.
This is the city’s first greenway trail, traveling along the riverfront through downtown Columbus, crossing and connecting the city’s most popular neighborhoods, parks, landmarks, and trails. The course also crosses the river multiple times, so you will have plenty of time to take in its beauty.
For added length, we recommend turning into one of the parks (Scioto Audubon, North Bank, Bicentennial, and Battelle) or scenic neighborhoods (Grandview Heights, Flytown, Marble Cliff).
Why is it great?
- Iconic Columbus route.
- Great riverside views.
- Many options for extension.
- Well-lit at night and shaded during the day.
- Paved road.
- Flat course.
- Some restrooms along the way.
2. The Scioto Mile
The Scioto Mile is the destination of Scioto Miles, one of the most esteemed Columbus running races. This paved flat 1-mile loop stretches along the downtown part of the Scioto River, from the Arena District to the Whittier Peninsula.
The trail also takes place in Columbus’s “urban oasis,” the Scioto Mile Park, comprising 175 acres of lovely parklands, scenic views, and fountains. Be sure to do some cross-training at the country’s largest free outdoor climbing wall.
The adjacent Scioto Audubon is the prime spot for birdwatching, as it attracts both shore birds and birds of prey. The trail is also adjacent to many beautiful buildings, including the Statehouse, City Hall, the Ohio Supreme Court, Le Veque Tower, and Nationwide Arena.
Why is it great?
- Host to the esteemed Scioto Miles race.
- Prime spot for birdwatching.
- Opportunity for climbing as cross-training.
- Many great architectural landmarks.
- Amazing riverside views.
- Paved road.
- Flat course.
- Well-lit at night and shaded during the day.
3. Olentangy Trail
The Olentangy Trail is the most popular bike path in Ohio, but its attractiveness to runners remains, as it is one of the most proliferating local runs in OH.
This 13-mile paved path runs from North Bank Park to Worthington Hills Park. It passed next to the Ohio State University campus and many scenic neighborhoods and parks. There are markers every mile of the route for the convenience of runners and bikers.
To prolong and diversify your route, we recommend visiting the Whetstone Park of Roses, Antrim Park, North Bank Park, Olentangy Park, and other parks along the way. You can also steer to the Ohio State University campus or one of the beautiful adjacent neighborhoods.
Why is it great?
- Iconic riverside trail.
- Flat route.
- Paved course.
- Many extension options.
- Well-shaded during the day.
- Mile markers.
- Some restrooms along the way.
4. Alum Creek Trail
The Alum Creek Trail is a 22-mile paved route with both flat and hilly sections. It runs through southeastern Columbus, from Three Creeks Park in the south to Westerville in the north. The trail is popular with runners, hikers, and bikers.
Why is it great?
- Long trail with flat and hilly sections.
- Well-shaded during the day.
- Paved road.
- Great greenway views.
5. German Village
Settled in the 19th century by German immigrants, German Village is a scenic 230-acre neighborhood adjacent to downtown Columbus. This lovely area has beautiful architecture with German and Italian influences.
If you crave green, Schiller Park in the south can give you up to 1.5 miles of it. Otherwise, we recommend choosing a street you like and winging it.
Why is it great?
- Flat route.
- Brick road.
- Well-lit at night.
- Course versatility.
- Unique architecture.
6. The Ohio State University Campus
The Ohio State University has the third-largest university campus in the US. It is your best bet if you are looking for a good place to run in Columbus, as it combines 1700 acres of nice green parks and wide sidewalks with the grand architecture of the university.
The place is well-lit for the most part. It also features affordable places to eat after your run, an abundance of restrooms, parking spots, cross-training stations, and other amenities.
Why is it great?
- Well-lit at night.
- Wide paved pathways.
- Cross-training stations.
- Restrooms.
- Parking spots.
- Affordable diners.
7. Big Darby Creek Metro Park
Big Darby Creek Metro Park stretches for 7,000 acres, featuring lush forests, vast prairies, and sprawling wetlands. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the best park for running as it features almost 22 miles of trails of various elevations and intensity, with both paved and rugged dirt paths.
The trail has plenty of restrooms, as well as amenities for other activities, such as biking, kayaking, skiing, fishing, hunting, ice skating, picnicking, sledding, and hiking. Moreover, the park features two enclosed pastures where bison can be seen free-roaming.
Why is it great?
- Flat and hilly trails.
- Paved and dirt paths.
- Well-shaded during the day.
- Plenty of bathrooms.
- Opportunities for many other activities.
- Places to see bison.
8. Highbanks Metro Park
Highbanks Metro park is a massive 1,159-acre park with over 9 miles of internal trails on the northern side of the park and over 12 miles of perimeter trails. It features some of the most challenging Columbus routes over rolling dirt paths. It also has beautiful natural scenery and wildlife.
Why is it great?
- Well-shaded during the day.
- Challenging rolling dirt paths.
- Beautiful nature and wildlife.
Conclusion
Although Columbus does not have that many trails, they are all diverse and fairly lengthy, so it will be a while before you get bored with what the city has to offer. If you grow tired of running the same routes, you can always run in one of the nicer neighborhoods, such as Victorian Village, Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, and Worthington.
We hope you like our compilation of the best Columbus runs. Did we miss your favorite running spot? Let us know in the comments!
