Summer weather has officially arrived, even if the official start to summer is still a couple of weeks away.
Taking a stroll is an excellent way to discover and explore parts of Columbus you’ve never seen before. From urban oasis parks to expansive wildlife preserves, there are wonderful trails snaking through every nook and cranny of our city.
As we all know, the weather in Columbus can get a lschiittle unpredictable. So if the sun is shining and it’s not too hot, then it’s the perfect time to head out for a beautiful summer walk.
Scioto Grove Metro Park
About: Scioto Grove is a stunning, 620-acre park situated south of Columbus along the Scioto River. There are 8 trails at the park, ranging from .3 miles to 2.5 miles. Some wind through the countryside of Grove City and others hug right along the river, but all are perfect for a walk on a nice day.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 5172 Jackson Pike Grove City, OH 43123
Batelle Darby Park
About: Battelle Darby Creek Park is over 7,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and pastures. Bison have been reintroduced to the park, roaming through two pastures. The park has over 14 trails to chose from, so strap on those hiking boots and get out there.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 1775 Darby Creek Dr Galloway, OH 43119
Rocky Fork Metro Park
About: Rocky Fork Metro Park offers more than three miles of walking trails, winding through woods and fields. There is a bridle trail, dog park, and an off-leash trail for dogs.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 7180 Walnut Street, Columbus, OH 43081
Schiller Park
About: Schiller Park is the second oldest park in the city and is the perfect place to take an evening walk. Surrounded by historic German Village, the park has paved paths throughout and the park is super pet-friendly, which means you can bring your furbaby along for the walk.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Location: 1069 Jaeger Street, Columbus, OH 43206
Scioto Mile
About: The Scioto Mile is a great place to take a casual walk. There are miles of paths hugging the shore of the Scioto River with great views of Downtown Columbus.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Location: 25 Marconi Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Goodale Park
About: This 32 acre park is the oldest park in the city, nestled in the adorable Victorian Village neighborhood. There are walking trails, a gazebo, a pond, and more.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: 120 W. Goodale Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Topiary Park
About: Looking to get a little fancy on your walk? The Topiary Garden is so elegant and the paths are easy to navigate, perfect for a leisurely evening.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: 480 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Antrim Park
About: Antrim is a nearly 120-acre park surrounded by a quarried lake and the Olentangy Greenway Trail, great for running, walking, biking.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: 5800 Olentangy River Rard, Columbus, OH 43085
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
About: Scioto Audubon is one of my favorite places for a summer stroll in the city. The 120-acre park has 4 trails: Scioto Greenway, a ten mile, paved path, Connector, a 2.5 mile trail that connects different sections of the park, Hermit’s Thrush, a quick, .1 mile walk on a mulched path, and the Wetland path, a nearly half-mile loop around the beautiful wetland area.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 400 W. Whittier Street Columbus, OH 43215
Hayden Falls
About: The best kind of walk includes a reward. And the reward on this trail is a beautiful waterfall. The trail is 2 miles long.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
