Greater Columbus bike trails offer something for everyone

For those of us who have been holed up for the winter, spring is the time to break out the bicycles and hit the trails.

“There's nothing better than the first couple rides where you don't have long sleeves on, and where you can wear shorts. Not having to be constantly thinking about your clothing is such a luxury,” said Eric Oberg, Midwest Regional Director of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the country's largest trail organization.

“The wildflowers are out, the trees are blooming, the birds are out, there is so much to see and hear and smell, it's just the best.”

Anyone in Greater Columbus looking to hit the road will find plenty of options for bicycle trails.

“If you live in central Ohio, there isn’t a single trail experience that you could want that isn't accessible,” Oberg said. 

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Find the best bike trails in and around Columbus

One of the online resources Rails-to-Trails offers is Trail Link, which allows users to search for trails in their areas using a variety of criteria.

“The one thing I always recommend when people are looking at Trail Link is to check out the reviews,” Oberg said.

“We have multiple full-time staff who work at making sure Trail Link is up-to-date, but nothing beats somebody who just went out and rode the trail and left a review. Everybody is different. A rough gravel trail might be an adventure for one person, and other people might say, 'What the heck is that?' I think it's really important to do your homework and understand what the trail you're looking at is.”

Also crucial is self-knowledge.

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“Be honest with yourself about what kind of experience you're going for. Are you looking to do as long a bike ride as you possibly can, or are you looking to ride a little bit and find something to do along the way? Be honest about both your capabilities and what experience you're looking for, and choose your destination based on those,” he said.

This time of year, it's important to recognize that you may not be in the same shape you were in the fall.

“That first day, don't go out and think you're going to do 30 miles if you haven't been on your bike in months,” Oberg said.

Before heading out on the trails, do a few checkups, he advises.

Make sure that your bike helmet fits well and is in good condition, and check out your bicycle as well, with special attention to tires, brakes and chains.

For those who are looking for trails, here are a few ideas:

Best urban trail that feels rural: Alum Creek Trail

Oberg says: “This is one of my favorite urban trails. There are sections of it where you'll literally forget you're in a city. It's gorgeous. In spring, the water's a little higher, and there's nothing better than the sound of a creek running while you're riding your bike next to it or over it.”

Length: 25 miles

Location: Westerville to Groveport

Highlights: access to Three Creeks Metro Park and other parks and to Blacklick Creek Greenway

Best trail for families: Scioto Greenway Trail

Oberg says: “It's a perfect example of an urban trail done right. It's big enough, it's got separated walking and biking in the busiest sections, so everybody has space. The best thing about spring on the Scioto Greenway Trail is that it's so full of life. You've got a lot more people out, which means that you've got to be a little more cautious. Once the fountains get turned on at the Scioto Mile, there are always kids and families having a good time, music playing. The whole community comes alive.”

Length: 12 miles

Location: Along the Scioto River in Columbus

Highlights: Splash pad in summer, swinging benches, views of the city, ample amenities

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Most scenic trail: the Heart of Ohio and Kokosing Gap Trails

Oberg says: “They are meticulously maintained and very accessible no matter what your level of fitness. In spring, you'll see the farmers out planting. It's the classic Ohio landscape. There's a certain romance to that — though maybe not for the people doing the work!”

Length: 29 miles

Location: From Mount Vernon to Danville or Centerburg

Highlights: old bridges, long stretches along Kokosing River, ice cream or lunch in Mount Vernon

Quietest trail: Hockhocking Adena Bikeway

Oberg says: “It gets busy when you get to Athens, but for the most part, it's pretty dang quiet, and you're riding right next to the Hocking River. There's nothing better than going down to the Hocking Hills in the springtime. The students will be gone from Athens, so it's a little less crazy.” 

Length: 20 miles

Location: Nelsonville to Athens

Highlights: Shady trail with views of the water and trees

Most exciting trail: Camp Chase Trail

Oberg says: “It's what we call a 'rail-with-trail.' It goes right along an active railroad. You're on a bike or walking, and all of a sudden a train goes right by you. It's a pretty cool experience. Go see the bison at Battelle Darby Metro Park, they're right there. Camp Chase allows you to get out of town without getting in your car. It takes you almost to London, If people haven't been to London for a while, there are some wonderful coffee shops and bakeries and restaurants, so you can rediscover one of your neighboring small cities.”

Length: 16 miles

Location: the Hilltop to rural Madison County

Highlights: long stretch through Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Best trail for a full day of bicycling: Little Miami Scenic Trail

Oberg says: “It's an absolute gem of a trail, beautifully maintained, pretty flat, beautiful scenery. But on a busy weekend, be prepared to take it nice and easy, because there are a lot of people out there. This time of year, the wildlife are out like crazy, baby deer and rabbits. It's a fabulous getaway for a day or weekend. The one caution is that there is a 6-month trail closure at Kings Mills, so getting to Cincinnati will require a little navigation and road riding.”

Length: 78 miles

Location: Springfield to Cincinnati

Highlights: plenty of parks, small towns and places to stop for lunch or a beverage and get on or off the trail

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Best trail for a multi-day expedition: Ohio to Erie Trail

Oberg says: “There aren't that many places in the world where you can get on a trail and just go for that great a distance. From Columbus to Cincinnati, it's about 98% trail, with a 16-mile gap where it's road rather than bike trail in Wayne County.”

Length: 271 miles

Location: Cleveland to Cincinnati, passing through Columbus

Highlights: all of Ohio

Note: Check for possible closures along the trail before setting out.

These trails and many, many others can be found on www.traillink.com

Enjoy!

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Cycling tips

Before you go and on the trail:

• Check the weather

• Check your tires, brakes and chain and do maintenance, if necessary

• Check for trail closures

• Dress according to weather conditions

• Wear a helmet and check to make sure it fits correctly and is in good condition

• Take an extra tire tube and know how to install it

• Take along plenty of water and a snack

• Know your limitations