Hit the Trail

Check out these trails and parks as the weather gets warmer and the skies get sunnier

By Joe Frye 

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to start exploring the great outdoors again. Serving as the 14th-biggest city in the U.S., Columbus has plenty of urban delights but also plenty of treasures to be found in nature. Here is a list of trails and parks to check out as the weather gets warmer and the skies get sunnier. 

Scioto Mile 

Located downtown, the Scioto Mile is one of the 10 best riverwalks in the country, according to USA Today. The trail underwent a revitalization in 2015, turning it into 33 acres of outdoor space between the river and the skyline. Along the trail is Bicentennial Park, which hosts free summer concerts, and COSI, the city’s popular science museum.  

233 S. Civic Center Drive, Columbus 

Topiary Park 

Lovers of post-impressionism can check out Topiary Park, a seven-acre park inspired by Georges Seurat’s painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” Housed on the former property of the Ohio School for the Deaf, topiary sculptures recreate scenes from the painting and feature sculptures of 54 people, eight boats and various animals. 

480 E. Town St., Columbus 

Highbanks Metro Park  

This 1,204-acre park gets its name from the 100-foot-high shale bluff that stands over the park. In addition to the towering natural structures, visitors to Highbanks can enjoy the nine trails, three shelters and more that make this park one of the best in the region. In addition to hiking and biking throughout the park, canoeing is also popular along with skiing and sledding in the winter. 

9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center 

Antrim Park  

In addition to an enchanting trail, Antrim Park is known for its lake and the fishing opportunities attached to it. Providing guests with a dock to fish off, along with access from the banks of the lake, the park allows visitors to try and catch a rainbow trout that is stocked by the state once a year. 

5800 Olentangy River Road, Columbus 

Indian Run Falls 

Known for its waterfalls, Indian Run Falls in Dublin invites guests to hike among its trails and view the cascading water throughout the park. Located just a few minutes from historic downtown Dublin and Bridge Park, this park’s central location allows guests to enjoy the scenic surroundings while also taking part in the luxuries of Dublin.  

700 Shawan Falls, Dublin