Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Columbus, United States

Columbus, United States, Columbus, Travel & Transportation, Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas

Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Columbus, United States

1. The Scioto Mile

An urban park along the Scioto River featuring bike trails, walking paths, and various attractions like fountains and sculptures.
  • Urban Setting: Offers a unique blend of cityscape and riverfront beauty.
  • Attractions: Features numerous points of interest such as the COSI science museum and the Columbus Commons.
  • Waterfront Access: Provides easy access to river activities like boat rentals and kayaking.

2. Grandview Avenue

A picturesque street lined with independent shops, restaurants, and Victorian homes, offering both biking and walking options.
  • Independent Shops: Features a variety of unique local businesses not found elsewhere.
  • Restaurants: Offers diverse dining options, from farm-to-table eateries to international cuisines.
  • Historic Homes: Provides a glimpse into Columbus's architectural history with its well-preserved Victorian houses.

3. Bicentennial Park Trail

A paved trail that runs along the Olentangy River, connecting various neighborhoods and parks within Columbus.
  • Connectivity: Links multiple areas of the city for a more comprehensive exploration experience.
  • Scenery: Offers stunning views of the Olentangy River and its surrounding greenery.
  • Accessibility: Features conveniently placed access points throughout the city for easy on-and-off.

4. Franklin Park Conservatory

A botanical garden and glasshouse with a beautiful collection of plants from around the world, complete with walking paths and bike rentals.
  • Plant Collection: Houses more than 400 species of plants in various climate-controlled environments.
  • Art Exhibits: Features temporary and permanent art installations within the conservatory.
  • Bike Rentals: Allows visitors to explore the surrounding park on two wheels.

5. The Columbus Greenway

A network of interconnected trails and parks throughout Columbus, offering both biking and walking opportunities.
  • Interconnectivity: Enables travelers to explore various areas of the city without having to navigate busy streets.
  • Green Spaces: Connects visitors to numerous parks and natural areas throughout Columbus.
  • Community Hubs: Includes community centers, libraries, and other neighborhood facilities along the way.

6. Schiller Park

A city park featuring walking paths, a large pond, and several sports fields, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
  • Variety of Activities: Offers a range of activities including tennis courts, basketball hoops, and playgrounds.
  • Scenic Pond: Provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and bird-watching.
  • Sports Fields: Features multiple sports fields for soccer, football, and softball.

7. German Village

A historic neighborhood with charming cobblestone streets, independent shops, restaurants, and beautiful architecture.
  • Historic Architecture: Preserves the architectural heritage of Columbus's early German settlers.
  • Independent Shops: Boasts unique local businesses and boutiques not found elsewhere.
  • Restaurants: Offers a variety of dining options, particularly German cuisine.

8. Highbanks Metro Park

A large park featuring walking trails, a scenic overlook, and a nature center.
  • Scenic Overlook: Provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Nature Center: Educates visitors on local flora and fauna through interactive exhibits and programs.
  • Walking Trails: Offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

9. The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

A world-renowned zoo featuring various walking trails, a train ride, and animal exhibits.
  • Animal Exhibits: Houses over 10,000 animals from around the world.
  • Train Ride: Allows visitors to explore the zoo grounds in a unique way.
  • Walking Trails: Offers numerous walking trails for exploring the expansive park.

10. Downtown Riverwalk

A pedestrian-friendly path along the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, connecting downtown Columbus's attractions.
  • Connectivity: Links various points of interest in downtown Columbus.
  • Scenery: Provides beautiful views of the rivers and surrounding cityscape.
  • Attractions: Connects visitors to popular downtown attractions like the Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.

11. The Short North Arts District

A vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries, independent shops, restaurants, and street performances.
  • Art Galleries: Showcases local and international contemporary artists.
  • Independent Shops: Offers a diverse range of unique retail experiences.
  • Street Performances: Provides an entertaining and unpredictable experience for visitors.

12. The Columbus Park of Roses

A beautiful rose garden featuring over 350 varieties of roses and walking paths.
  • Rose Varieties: Showcases a diverse selection of rose cultivars.
  • Walking Paths: Offers peaceful walking trails for relaxation and contemplation.
  • Gardening Tips: Provides resources for rose enthusiasts to learn about growing their own roses.

13. The Columbus Botanical Garden

A 38-acre garden featuring multiple themed gardens and walking paths.
  • Themed Gardens: Offers a variety of themed gardens, such as the Asian Garden and the Rose Garden.
  • Walking Paths: Provides tranquil walking trails for exploration and reflection.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops on gardening and horticulture.

14. The Olentangy Bike Trail

A paved bike trail running along the Olentangy River, connecting several parks and neighborhoods within Columbus.
  • Connectivity: Links multiple areas of the city for a more comprehensive exploration experience.
  • Scenery: Offers stunning views of the Olentangy River and its surrounding greenery.
  • Accessibility: Features conveniently placed access points throughout the city for easy on-and-off.

15. The Columbus Velodrome

A unique venue where visitors can watch and participate in bike racing events.
  • Bike Racing Events: Hosts various cycling events, including local races and national competitions.
  • Rider Training: Offers training programs for aspiring track cyclists.
  • Open Practice Sessions: Provides open practice sessions for enthusiasts to try their hand at bike racing.