No bones about it, Columbus is one happening place. With attractions like the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery, Center of Science and Industry, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, this place will keep you busy. Besides the thriving city scene, this Ohio muttropolis also has a pawsome network of trails for those pets and people that love the outdoors. Local canine residents and their parents can get out and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine as they trot along the trails. There are plenty to choose from. Don’t know where to start? Read on to find out the top trails near Columbus.
It’s easy to see why the locals love this pawsome trail. It runs parallel to the Scioto River and gives Columbus joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers furrific waterfront scenery. From end to end the trail is 12.2 miles. But since it has several access points and connects to some of the most woofderful parks in Columbus, you can make your walk as long or as short as your doggo likes.
Treat your doggo to a walk along this expansive trail. It stretches 25 miles from Westerville to Groveport. Needless to say your pal will have plenty of room to roam. As your doggo trots along this paved walkway, they’ll see all sorts of scenery and pass cyclists, joggers, and other dog walkers. The bridges and underpasses help keep you and your pooch safe from the busy urban traffic.Â
If your pal is begging for some time outdoors, head over to Highbanks Metro Park and check out this 3.5 mile trail. Located in Lewis Center, it is a series of loops that winds throughout the park. So if your pup isn’t full of energy, you can cut your walk short. Keep in mind that the path is made of packed dirt and can get pretty muddy after a rainstorm.Â
Located in Westerville, this puptastic trail is located inside Char Mar Ridge Park. It meanders through a beautiful forest and along ridges that were formed by the Wisconsian Glacier thousands of years ago. That’s doggone impressive! Your pal will also trot through wooded ravines and wetlands that are teeming with wild critters. At 1.7 miles, this trail gives your furry BFF plenty of room to stretch their four legs. Â
Looking for a new place to walk your furry BFF? Hop on the Olentangy Trail and let them get their wiggles out. This 17.5 mile greenway begins in Worthington and follows the banks of the Olentangy River until it runs right into the heart of downtown Columbus. It connects many of the city’s impawtant sites and cuts through Ohio State University, so your pup can get a taste of college life.Â
A walk on this trail will put a little extra pep in your dog’s step. The southern access point is found in Groveport. As the 18 mile trail winds its way north to Reynoldsburg, it passes the southeastern edge of Columbus. This furrific greenway runs through a few parks, so take a detour and let your pal explore the local green spaces. It is a multi-use trail so expect to see cyclists and joggers.Â