
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.