PARKS, GARDENS AND TRAILS

Columbus has hundreds of acres of green space located conveniently throughout the city. There are so many opportunities to hop off the pavement and onto a trail, even with just a short drive from Downtown Columbus. Columbus Metro Parks offers more than 20 parks with +200 miles of trails for beginner trailblazers and veteran runners alike. Terrain varies from flat fields and rocky ravines to breakneck bluffs and rugged ridges. The parks and trails are beautiful any time of year, from the changing of leaves in the fall to the blooming of flowers in the spring. Check out Experience Columbus' Outdoor Trails Pass, created in partnership with MORPC, to get out and get moving across our miles of trails - you might even get rewarded for it!

The recently renovated Scioto Mile created 33 new acres of parkland in downtown Columbus. With miles of multi-use trails stretching from Bicentennial Plaza in the south to North Bank Park in the North, this is a great spot to take a stroll and enjoy both the city and nature.

Inniswood Metro Gardens, just northeast of downtown is a nature preserve featuring formal gardens and lawns, a trail, with a center for workshops and a library. Looking for a day trip? Head south to scenic Hocking Hills highlighted by cliffs, gorges, rock shelters, and gorgeous waterfalls.

Lucky for us, there are many great parks in the city that offer fun activities and events all year round, so get out and start exploring – and don’t forget your camera!