Some of the best hikes in Columbus offer visitors a great opportunity to spend time in nature, learn, and have fun. We all have different levels of experience with the outdoors, and there are so many metro parks in Columbus to explore that offer trails suitable to all sorts of hikers. If you’re looking for some hiking adventures that would be enjoyable for little ones, seniors, and anyone in between, check out some of the beautiful easy trails around Columbus.
1. Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43230, USA
This is a gravel 0.8-mile one-way trail. It will take you through the gorgeous beech-maple and oak-hickory forest of the park and cross Ripple Rock Creek. Blendon Woods is filled with deep ravines and beautiful views. It is a great park for bird watching. So if you live in Columbus, file this one away under hiking trails near me.
Blendon Woods Metro Park is located at 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville, OH, 43081.
2. Lakeview Trails at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 3225 NE Plain City-Georgesville Rd, West Jefferson, OH 43162, USA
This is a 0.9-mile hike that is a mix of paved road, gravel, and grass pathways. It actually consists of two trails; the Lake Trail will take you past several small lakes, and the Mound Trail will take you around a small Indian mound. Enjoy the wildflowers and the scenic water views! Learn more about these trails and other scenic hikes in Columbus at Prairie Oaks Metro Park, then go visit.
Prairie Oaks Metro Park is located at 3225 Plain City-Georgesville Rd. West, Jefferson, OH, 43162.
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3. Edward S. Thomas at Sharon Woods Metro Park
Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081, USA
This trail is a 1.1-mile loop that is gravel lined and ADA accessible. This wonderful hike will take you through the Edward S. Thomas State Nature Preserve. You will see large burr oak trees and an observation deck on the Schrock Lake. Just remember to be mindful of the preserve and remain on the designated trail at all times. Check out more about Sharon Woods Metro Park, and then pencil in your next visit.
Sharon Woods Metro Park is located at 6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH, 43081.
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4. Confluence Trail at Three Creeks Metro Park
Three Creeks Metro Park, Three Creeks Metro Pk, Groveport, OH 43125, USA
This one-mile dirt trail will take you past the beautiful area where Blacklick, Big Walnut, and Alum Creeks merge into one. There is a wonderful open area by the confluence with a bench to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s also easy to walk down to the water if you like skipping rocks. Learn more about Three Creeks Metro Park and other kid-friendly hikes around Columbus, and then grab the whole family and give one a go.
Three Creeks Metro Park is located at 3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport, OH 43125.
The Red Oaks Trail is a 0.8-mile hike with a short loop on either side. This trail will take you through some of the most wooded parts of the park and several of the woodland restoration areas. Enjoy the beautiful views of red oaks all around you. This is one of the best hikes in Columbus, so don't wait to hit the trail.
Glacier Ridge Metro Park is located at 9801 Hyland Croy Rd., Plain City, OH, 43064.
6. Maple Trail at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, USA
This is a 0.9-mile trail that is ADA accessible and has gravel pathways. You will hike through a loop among a beautiful beech-maple forest and see many varieties of trees, including oak, white ash, red maple, elm, shagbark, bitternut hickory, and dogwood. You will also pass a small wetland on your way, which is a fantastic place for bird watching. This is one of the best easy hikes in Columbus, so grab your binoculars and head on over.
Blacklick Woods Metro Park is located at 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068.
7. Turkey Foot Trail and Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
This is a 0.5-mile loop with a grass trail. Here you will enjoy the beautiful and peaceful scenes of Central Ohio’s grasslands and prairies. Darby Creek is a very large metro park and this is a good place to start exploring all it has to offer. Learn more about Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, and then plan your next visit there.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is located at 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH, 43119.
8. Scenic River Trail at Highbanks Metro Park
Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USA
This is a 0.6-mile one-way trail located within a forested area of Highbanks Metro Park. It is gravel and ADA accessible. The trail runs along the Olentangy River, giving you wonderful water views. The entire trail is located within a Natural Play Area, where hikers and children are encouraged to wander off the path and explore the wilderness around them. Read more about Highbanks Metro Park, then plan your next family outing there.
Highbanks Metro Park is located at 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH, 43035.
Are you ready to set out on some of the best hikes in Columbus? You can find more details about all of these awesome areas on the Metro Parks website.
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More to Explore
best hikes in Columbus
Jessica Bohl|April 29, 2022
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Columbus?
There are some great kid-friendly hikes around Ohio that people living in Columbus will want to check out. These trails are all around 1-mile long and are relatively flat. A great trail that is just about an hour from Columbus is the 1.3-mile Orange Trail in Sugarcreek Metro Park. There you will find the stunning Osage Orange Tunnel, a natural tree tunnel that kids will love running through. It is a really magical place, so spend the day there and don’t forget to bring your camera.
What are some scenic hikes in Columbus?
There are many scenic hikes in Columbus. A lovely hike is in Antrim Park. The Olentangy Trail will lead you around the scenic lake. If you want to make it a longer hike, you can step into the woods and walk along the river. Alum Creek State Park is another great option with three hiking trails and a 7-mile multipurpose trail. All trails offer lovely lakeside views.
