Really awesome path to run, walk, or bike! A lot of it is shaded and it's mostly flat, signs are super clear and the miles are marked clearly as well. Not too many people on weekday mornings (went on a Friday and Monday), quiet from the general city noise. Many entry points from the neighborhood streets, really awesome spot, would recommend! read more

Biking this summer is not cancelled. In fact, unless one is extra susceptible to the plague, cycling is recommended. To bath in sunshine key in building a strong immune system, to improve fitness key in successfully fighting off infection, and to raise serotonin key in bating off anxiety caused by the media's panic-porn are three reasons to take Freddie Mercury's advice to "get on your bike and ride." Of the many outstanding bike trails in Columbus the Olentangy River Greenway is my top choice. As multi-use trail, it garners excellent reviews for runners, biker, and rollerblades alike. My ranking has not changed since my review in 2014. I update to include the northern stretch I had of yet to explored then. The origin is behind The Hills market there off Rt 315, Worthington Hills, beside Rusty Bucket and that weird coffee shop Subway place. Going south, it hugs the river going by the boulders of Worthington Hills Park and off into the woods of Olentangy Parkland. There are many splits, bypasses, off-trails, and alternate surfaced byways in this area to spice up your ride. Going under the rumbling ramps and bridges of 270 will reveal Olentangy Park with a skatepark attached. From there the trial breezes through Highgate Park, then up the grasses of John Galipault Field to 161, across the river, and down into the woods near the Olentangy split. Here it spans next to 315 until Antrim park, where a large quarry sparkle. From there the trail once again hugs the highway. This section can be noisy with the varooms, and clonks, and rumble of the gas hogs flying by. But soon the greenway lightly sways away following the bends of the river into scenic greenery, wooden bridges, under ancient trees. Nearby, a new connector way to Bethel has recently been built, a convenience for me who lives nearby. Coming to Henderson Road is beautiful in the juxtaposition of the low rusted bridge and rustic background. Down the other side is Whetstone ravine with the correspondingly named school and park. Found here is a pedestrian bridge, an urban relic connecting to the quiet environs of the Knolls to the west--often I connect to the trail via it. South are trail leading to the Park of Roses, a Japanese pond, and shelter houses. On the trail is a maze of prairie grass that you can spend some time exploring. Staying on the greenway leads to Northmoor Park, a great place for a rest and a cool view of the river. From here the trial runs over the back streets of Clintonville by Rockwellian houses and quiet yards. Crossing North Broadway, it swoops down a back alley by a picketed fence with WB cartoons painted on it. A left at the river and it becomes pedestrian only again. Here it goes over the former grounds of the Olentangy Park, once the largest amusement park in the nation. Crossing over the river brings OSU Nature Reserve and Union Cemetery. Going under Dodridge takes you to a darker ravine. A side loop leads to a photogenic gothic staircase climbing to Hudson. From there it runs by Tuttle Park, under Lane Avenue, and by Ohio Stadium. Beyond the University hospital the scenery becomes more desolate. A look out plaza shows the inside plumbing of the city, with 315 on ramps above the river it is so ugly its scenic. Keeping on you reach Harrison West and Side-by-side park. You have a choice: turn left and hit a ramp under 3rd Ave. that will take you through a tunnel and off into the final stretch, or go straight to Harrison Park and over a reused railroad bridge, right at Goodale St, down a ramp onto the original trail. Here it will turn more urban, graffiti take the place of nature for viewing pleasure. This stretch runs under train tracks and highways with a romantic darkness, like the feel of the Lost Boy film or a Doors song. This will take you to route 33 where it terminates. I usually go on to the connected Scioto trail from here. The diversity of sights, neighborhoods, and different feels is what makes this trail my favorite. read more

This is a nice greenway trail. We traveled on the sections near the OSU campus, Tuttle Park, and The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park. It's nicely paved, has some good shady sections, and some nice stops. There are access points to the Olentangy River, playgrounds, the wetlands at the research park, and spots like a nice water fountain station at the Tuttle Park. We saw plenty of cyclists, joggers, walkers, and some dogs all out enjoying the trail too. It's great as a way to get from one place to another, or as a place to have a good jog or walk. read more

When I lived in the Short North, I took the Olentangy Bike Trail to and from work every day. I actually generally try to avoid it, but it provided the quickest route for most of my commute (see what I did there?). I try to avoid it for a handful of reasons: 1) I don't like swallowing bugs. 2) Joggers listening to ipods don't respond to your passing warnings. 3) It actually gets crowded sometimes and I like to ride fast. Moving cars go more my speed. 4) I don't like picking bugs out of my eye. 5) I usually end up on the road anyway due to construction somewhere on the trail. So there are a number of reasons not to bike the trail, but all that said, it is a great trail for recreational activities. There are numerous parks along its route, it has nice, serene scenery when it isn't passing under 315. The bugs are only a big problem in warmer weather. Then again, there aren't many other bikers out there in winter. More aesthetic stretches include the Park of Roses, downtown/scioto stretch, and Antrim Park. I'm also a fan of Como Park, but for more utilitarian reasons. Enjoy! read more

Olentangy River Greenway - Overflowin - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I've been up and down this greenway, riding my bike, and loved every minute. You can ride from roughly Hills Market to downtown and beyond, alongside the river. Plenty of access points and parking, lots of places to stop and rest. I use it for biking but I see joggers, people walking dogs, painters, picnicers, you name it. It's shady and well-kept, and we are lucky to have this in our fair city. Go to MORPC for a map that shows this and other trails, and stop by for a quick walk, lunch, or just commune with nature. Even though this runs right behind and through neighborhoods, you feel like you're outside of the city. Okay, sometimes traffic noises intrude, but in general it is very calming. I usually go during the week and it's not busy; I can't speak about the weekends. read more

I really love the Olentangy trails. It's the perfect place to bike without worrying about cars, traffic lights, silly hills, and potholes. I love getting out there on a pleasant weather day and seeing how far I can get. I love that it runs along and over the river and through parks and wooded areas. It can get quite busy and crowded when the weather is nice, but don't let that discourage you. If you need a break from the crowded trail or your chosen activity, you can easily stop off at one of the benches, potty stops, water stops, or parks along the way. This trail is very well constructed and maintained nicely. About the only serious drawback is that, when the river gets high, the southern parts can become a little flooded and muddy. read more

My absolute favorite place to run. I'm here several days a week to run...did a 16 miler today. They do an amazing job getting the pathway cleared after big snow storms. Unfortunately, there are parts that get flooded occasionally, but usually there is a way around it. ..might just slow you down a bit :) read more

The Olentangy River Greenway (AKA Olentangy Bike Trail) was a mystery to me for 6 years of living in Columbus. And what a shame that is! If you do not know about it yet, I am here to let you know all about it! Stretching from downtown to Worthington, this 15-mile south-north bike path is hands down one of my favorite parts of the city. The trail is NOT a loop (I made that mistake before) so a round trip could potentially be roughly 30 miles. With many on and off points along the way, however, you can pick and choose exactly how long your trip will be, and what parts of the city you would like to see most. From beginners to the most seasoned of bike riders, the entire trail will be enjoyable. It is not too difficult, yet not too simple. There are some hills sporadically, but great views the entire way through and through. The bike path is how I was able to discover a large number of parks I never knew about in the city...from the smallest and tiniest park I have ever seen (Side By Side Park in Harrison West) to the majestic Antrim Park in Worthington. The path also goes through the Park of Roses in Clintonville, along the ravishing Olentangy River (of which it gets its name), and right past the Santa Maria ship downtown. Everyone you encounter on the bike path is courteous and polite. The trail twists and turns through parts of the city tucked-away amidst trees and rivers. It provides a nice and safe way to enjoy bike riding for either recreational or transportation purposes. Just writing about the bike path makes me miss the nice weather and makes me eager to get back on it again soon! It is a therapeutic and exciting ride through Columbus that will undoubtedly make you smile. read more

There is a reason that the Olentangy mutiluse trail is so busy whenever the weather is nice. It's convenient, located to where lots of people live. It's attractive, winding along the banks of the Olentangy (which doesn't usually smell too much). And it is connected, getting you places that you need and want to go. Overall, it's definitely an asset to the city. That popularity has a few downsides. Namely that it can get REALLY crowded. In such instances, proper trail etiquette is important. Don't walk more than two abreast. Keep an eye on your dog's leash. And most importantly: Signal when passing!! That last point needs to be driven home the most. Especially it seems for experienced bikers clad in the latest kit. For whatever reason they're the worst offenders. You'd think they'd know better. When they don't they're a pretty significant hazard as they're more often than not exceeding the trail's (unofficial?) speed limit. read more

Beautiful bike trail, a jewel of Columbus as many people have said. The stretches from campus to downtown somehow mix the beauty of nature with a great showing of Columbus's many road and rail bridges. If you are a a cyclist, best to avoid the busy hours. Too many close calls with drunk fishermen, power-walking girls on cell phones, and leisure riders 2 or 3 across. read more

I was excited about this path when I heard about it, even before I moved to Columbus. I have lived here a bit over 2 years now, and I regularly run or ride my road bike on it. It is 14 miles long from start to end, and as the first reviewer mentioned, it has several entry points. It you are inside the outer loop, you are likely relatively near one of them. It is well marked with mile markers, signs at any forks, etc. While I had been on each part of the path at some point or the other, this past weekend was the first time I went the full length at once (on my bike). It's a lot of fun because you go through the suburbs, campus, and downtown and get to see the different parts of Columbus. The more northern parts are nice as there are more trees and shade and you go through some of the major parks. When you get closer to downtown it is a little more sketchy and the highway becomes your scenery - although the path gets wider there too, which is nice. The only things keeping me from giving it 5 stars: - There are a few hairpin and blind turns (more a problem when biking than running) - A little north of campus you are on the roads for a little while instead of the secluded path - It can get pretty busy (again, more a problem when biking. might feel like you're on an obstacle course) read more

This is my zen. I love love love the bike path. Everyone on it is super polite. Such a great community! I am ride this path every day (mostly North now that the downtown path is under construction where I live). It is always clean, always in good shape (unless in repair . . .) and always so refreshing. Seriously, if I leave Columbus I will miss this more than any other place found on yelp. I have been riding for the entire time I've lived here and I still can't get bored on the bike path (can't!). It is pure joy. To all yelpers in Columbus . . . you MUST go for a walk, a jog, a ride, a saunter, whatever on the path. It is a religion. Also, it passes by Hills Market . . . so you can pick up some nice produce while you're around. Way cheaper than a yoga class (even at the RPAC) and twice as effective (not to mention the calories . . . if you're into that sort of thing). Again, my zen. Can't get enough. read more

Yes, bike trail. I 4 star pieces of you, I also 5 star the nice pretty pieces of you that are tree-covered and 3 star the ugly parts near the highway. Past 161, you split a bunch and are confusing. Update: bike trail, you flooded recently. That was sad for me. I had to take high street, which is bumpy. I heard that the city might start plowing parts of you this winter though. read more

Note, a portion near OSU, just north of the "Shoe", remains under construction (fixing a bridge I think). There's decent detour, but just not as continuous. On the good side, the trail now connects past the Scioto Mile down to the Grange Audubon Center, south of I70. read more

I used to jog this path every day when I lived in Clintonville. Alas, that has been 3 years ago. But this sunny weekend, the boy and I decided to have a picnic lunch in the sun and then burn off a few bites with a walk along the trail. The picnic areas were clean having not yet been barraged by too many people and the people around us were some of the friendliest people that you will find at any park. The trail is well maintained if not starting to show its age, but I can tell that there have been numerous improvements made since I've last been there. There are plenty of places to sit and rest if you need to and the scenery, even before the full bloom of spring, is still nice enough to remind you that there are some beautiful spots of green in the Columbus Metro area. read more

Also known as the Olentangy Bike Trail. It's a nice long stretch of wide, paved trail that goes between Downtown Columbus, past Ohio State, through Clintonville, and ends in Worthington. You can access the trail from Worthington Hills Park, Clinton-Como Park, Antrim Park, Whetstone Park, Northmoor Park, Tuttle Park, OSU, Confluence Park, as well as from many streets. The trail parallels the Olentangy River, so the atmosphere is nice and green and there is no traffic to worry about. There are a couple of spots where the trail crosses roads, but most of it is separated from cars and traffic. Some sections of the trail are shaded, some are in the sun. The southern part of the trail, south of about 3rd Avenue, is hilly, but north of that point, up to the Tuttle Park area, it's fairly flat. The trail is used by bicyclists, walkers, runners, roller bladers, etc. I run on this trail a couple of days a week, and have found most users to be polite, and I really enjoy being near the river. The trail is interrupted near the north end of OSU for further construction, but there is a detour that allows you to pick it back up. If not for the construction, I'd give 5 stars. I love having this resource so close to where I live! read more

This is an OK bike trail. The best part of it is between Lane Ave. and just short of North Broadway. There are plenty of dirt tracks that shoot off the main paved trail through this part, and most aren't really challenging at all so even novice riders should not hesitate to get off the beaten path in that part. There are one or two spots for more experienced riders to get their rocks off, but it is easy to identify these locations from a distance so novice riders can avoid them. read more

Olentangy River Greenway - Bike Trail - Parks Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Great trail for walking or riding bikes- there are play areas for kids, but you wouldn't want to take them on the trail as the bike riders are moving pretty fast. I walked about 5 miles round trip and the only downside was no obvious bathrooms. Found an outhouse though . Trail is somewhat secluded but felt safe walking alone. Nice scenery with the river and well kept. Would definitely come back! read more

What a great bike trail this is. If I worked downtown and lived a little closer to it, I'd be tempted to ride it to work every day. The trail's northern end is in Worthington Hills, right next to the Hills Market, which is an excellent place to get something interesting to eat and drink after a long ride. From there until you get to Whetstone Park (about half the trail), the scenery is incredibly beautiful as you ride alongside the Olentangy River and the glimmering Antrim Lake. Even the bridges are pretty, notably the one just south of Antrim Park, which must've cost taxpayers a bundle with its stylish intersecting arches. South of Whetstone Park, the trail's a little less naturally scenic, but still visually interesting. You do have to ride along surface streets for a couple of blocks near North Broadway, and through campus, the trail's a bit sketchy in parts. Closer to downtown Columbus, you're riding through a concrete jungle, with interstate overpasses everywhere.... not "scenic" per se, but very cool from my perspective. There's even a tunnel. This bike trail is one of the few ways I've found to get some exercise that's not stultifyingly boring. read more

Wonderful place to run, walk, bike or just get outside. Put down all the electronics and take a (real) book, find a park bench and decompress. I'm sure I could find some drawbacks, but it's a public service! A successful one. read more

Went for a fantastic run here Saturday morning. Did about 5 miles and then used the parks chin up, dips, and ab bench. Beautiful weather and scenery. read more

Great place to go walking or ride your bike!

Love this trail for biking. Out early on a Saturday morning, birds singing, mist rising from the water, and more "good mornings" in one hour than I get in an average month. You'll pass friendly and considerate runners, walkers and bikers (watch and learn, Chicago LFT) on an occasionally-narrow path that meanders along a densely-wooded riverbank. Between Park of Roses and the north trailhead, major street crossings are easy and safe. Traveling south to downtown, street crossings can be a little trickier and signage could be improved, but still a safe trip, even if you and your entourage are on a rolling pubcrawl. If you are driving to Columbus spring/summer/fall, bring the bike. read more

Our Olentangy Greenway is on-par with running/biking paths in other cities I have been to. I really enjoy the north end - Henderson Rd to the Hills Market. The Southern end can be crummy near campus, with occasional weirdos, graffiti, crowds, and flooding. If you are not interested in running, walking, or biking, then you can also enjoy the trail simply for it's natural beauty and rich Columbus history. Try to catch a glimpse of the rare Olentangy muskrat. Once plentiful, the muskrat was hunted to near extinction by early Ohio Valley settlers, who prized it for its tantalizing musk. This is not a true fact. read more

Great place for a morning run for visitors to the Ohio State campus. What a treasure to be able to enjoy running in nature when the city and the traffic are so close by. read more

After five years of living in Columbus, I found myself stumbling down the path at 3rd Ave to get on the trail. I wasn't moving gracefully or quickly, but here we are, three months later. I see this trail 3-4 times a week, have started moving faster (maybe not so much more gracefully), and have grown to love my time on this trail. The other day, sadly, part of the trail was washed out. This is my only complaint about the trail. When the rain comes, the water is right there. Hopefully we get some dry weather, because this girl has to train for a half marathon and this trail will be just perfect for that goal! read more

The Olentangy Greenway is a great path to run, bike or walk on. I'm usually on it for at least a few miles 5-6 days a week. During the weekends it can get a bit crowded with all the bikers and marathon trainees out but during the weekdays it is quite manageable. There are many places to access the path as well as many parks to explore on the side. read more