Where is the best biking in Columbus, Ohio? With over 100 miles of dedicated bike trails, Columbus is staking its claim as one of the top biking destinations in the Midwest.
Our interactive bike map (available on our full post...link below) matches color-coded trails with some of the best places to eat, stay, and play along your ride. If it doesn’t load, just hit the refresh button on your browser.
Undoubtedly, the Ohio to Erie Trail is Ohio’s premier destination bike ride. It runs 326 miles, primarily on rail trails and canal paths. It runs from Cleveland to Cincinnati and passes through Columbus in the middle.
The Scioto Trail is the heart and soul of the city and the literal centerpiece of biking in Columbus.
Casual riders will enjoy getting bikes from the bike share (many locations available) and riding the Scioto Mile Promenade from the North Bank Pavilion to Bicentennial Park (Neil Ave to Main).
The Olentangy Trail is Ohio’s first rail trail dating back to 1967. It’s where I fell in love with Ohio and biking, and it is one of the most popular trails in the state, with over 1/2 million annual visitors.
Over the last 50 years, it has integrated into the parks and community along the river and trail.
While not technically a bike trail, the tree lined streets of Upper Arlington are generally easy to ride. In general, stay off Lane, Riverside, Fishinger, and Henderson, and you’ll be ok.
Alum Creek Trail runs from Westerville to Three Creeks Metro Park, with roughly a dozen creek crossings. It’s not just the quantity of bridges but the quality and diversity.
I’ve never been on a paved trail that was as twisty and windy as the Blacklick Creek Trail. It roughly follows Blacklick Creek from Three Creeks Metro Park to Blacklick Woods Metro Park. Sometimes you’re creek side.
Regarding trails for out-of-towners to avoid, let’s talk about the Downtown Connector Trail. It’s a rough trail through a rougher neighborhood with drab scenery and a lot of broken glass.
After a short on-road connector through a quiet neighborhood, Camp Chase Trail picks up and runs almost arbitrarily westward. It turns into Robert’s Pass Trail after 15 miles and reaches London seven miles later.
I’m putting Darby Creek Trail in this guide for several reasons. One, it completes the biking coverage of Columbus Metro Park Greenway Trails. Also, I want to clarify the trail length....
The Heritage Trail is the final metro greenway and the final trail in this guide. It runs 6 miles straight from Old Hilliard to Plain City. The ride is pleasant but perhaps a little short with a couple of road crossings.