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July
6
6
The Complete Guide to Being Outdoorsy in Columbus
While we might not live in a mountainous outdoor mecca, Columbus has so much to offer when it comes to exploring the outdoors. The city is located on the confluence of two large rivers and boasts lush prairie land, awe-inspiring shale cliffs and fields of flowers ripe for exploring. Cyclists, hikers, climbers and runners alike are able to challenge themselves, and you'll likely find an abundance of kind, like-minded people on the trail! After all, this town boasts some of the most friendly people in the country.
Whether you're looking to get out of your comfort zone and try something new, make friends or simply explore the area, getting outside is the best way to go. Here are some ideas to get you started. Have fun out there!
When you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, your best bet is to lace up your boots and hit the trails! There are tons of trails and Metro Parks within easy driving distance from Columbus, allowing for a quick and easy outdoorsy escape. Hikes in the area traverse breathtaking ravines, rolling hills, picturesque rivers and lush foliage. We rounded up 11 of the Columbus area's most popular hikes to help you on your way.
Columbus offers runners an abundance of options for getting in a little extra cardio. A nearby Metro Park would be a great place to start, but there are also some great running groups and clubs in the area that can help point you in the right direction. Plus, joining a club ensures that you will meet like-minded people during your workout! Who says running can't be a social activity? Consider joining the Rock and Roots Trail Runners, who meet every Thursday night and most weekends to run through Alum Creek Park. We also love the Columbus Roadrunners Club, which is the oldest running club in the city!
For more information on running clubs, check out this helpful piece from Fitt Columbus.
To cover longer distances and see more of our town, hop on a bike! We have several awesome bike trails around town that make it easy to get some miles in while working up a sweat.
The best bike trails in Columbus include:
Sometimes a day in the great outdoors just isn't enough, so why not make a weekend out of it? Gather friends or family, pull the sleeping bags out of the closet, and pitch your tent for a fun night under the stars. There is an abundance of incredible camping destinations around Ohio, but here are the 15 best. Have fun — and don't forget the marshmallows!
One thing that we don't have a shortage of in Ohio is creeks, lakes and reservoirs! There are lots of waterways near Columbus to make your kayaking dreams come true. A few of our favorite spots to go kayaking near Columbus include:
Winter in Ohio is fairly cold — but that just means there are more opportunities to play in the snow! When the weather gets chilly, make your way to one of Ohio's ski areas to get a few laps in. Both Snow Trails and Mad River Mountain are within easy reach of Columbus, and they both offer full-day lift tickets for around $50 or less.
Snow Trails opened its slopes in 1961, making it Ohio's first fully operational ski area. It is also the tallest ski area in the state, boasting 300 feet of vertical drop, 80 acres of skiable terrain and 15 different trails.
Mad River Mountain, while not quite as large as Snow Trails, is a better option for experienced skiers. The mountain offers a large chunk of black diamond ski trails and four different terrain parks!
Looking to get in shape in a fun, social setting? Try one of our city's many fitness classes! From CrossFit boxes to yoga studios and everything in between, there is a class here for every personality. During the summer months, many of these classes meet outside as well! Check out this guide to the 19 best fitness classes in Columbus.
Hiking
When you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, your best bet is to lace up your boots and hit the trails! There are tons of trails and Metro Parks within easy driving distance from Columbus, allowing for a quick and easy outdoorsy escape. Hikes in the area traverse breathtaking ravines, rolling hills, picturesque rivers and lush foliage. We rounded up 11 of the Columbus area's most popular hikes to help you on your way.
Running
Columbus offers runners an abundance of options for getting in a little extra cardio. A nearby Metro Park would be a great place to start, but there are also some great running groups and clubs in the area that can help point you in the right direction. Plus, joining a club ensures that you will meet like-minded people during your workout! Who says running can't be a social activity? Consider joining the Rock and Roots Trail Runners, who meet every Thursday night and most weekends to run through Alum Creek Park. We also love the Columbus Roadrunners Club, which is the oldest running club in the city!
For more information on running clubs, check out this helpful piece from Fitt Columbus.
Biking
To cover longer distances and see more of our town, hop on a bike! We have several awesome bike trails around town that make it easy to get some miles in while working up a sweat.
The best bike trails in Columbus include:
- The Scioto Trail: This 9 mile trail running along the Scioto River through the heart of downtown Columbus offers fantastic views of the skyline.
- The Oletangy Trail: Enjoy 18 miles of trail running from downtown Columbus to the northern suburb of Worthington. It's incredibly scenic and also very popular among locals!
- The Alum Creek Trail: This gorgeous trail stretches 31 miles to the east of Columbus through scenic parks and charming neighborhoods.
- Darby Creek Greenway: The Darby Creek Greenway is a 5 mile trail in the Battelle Darby Metro Park that meanders through prairies, woods and bison pastures.
Camping
Sometimes a day in the great outdoors just isn't enough, so why not make a weekend out of it? Gather friends or family, pull the sleeping bags out of the closet, and pitch your tent for a fun night under the stars. There is an abundance of incredible camping destinations around Ohio, but here are the 15 best. Have fun — and don't forget the marshmallows!
Rock Climbing
Photo courtesy of Vertical Adventures
Vertical Adventures To climb outside, you have to train inside! Here in Columbus, the most popular indoor climbing gym is Vertical Adventures. The routes cater to rock climbers of all ages and abilities, and include top roping and bouldering alike. Climbing here is challenging for both the mind and the body, but it's also really fun! In fact, Vertical Adventures landed on our list of the best date night ideas in Columbus. Trek Network Sometimes it takes a group to try something new. If you're looking to learn the ropes of climbing outside, but aren't ready to go solo quite yet, reach out to the Trek Network! The local guides are experts at both indoor and outdoor climbing and can guide you on a complete outdoor climbing and rappelling adventure in Columbus' nearby rock climbing areas. Near the city, the company offers tours on the Scioto Audubon, Hocking Hills and Mad River Gorge (just an hour away).Kayaking
One thing that we don't have a shortage of in Ohio is creeks, lakes and reservoirs! There are lots of waterways near Columbus to make your kayaking dreams come true. A few of our favorite spots to go kayaking near Columbus include:
- Big Darby Creek: Battelle Darby Metro Park really has it all! Along with hiking, biking and running options, you will also find a scenic waterway lined with lush foliage and sunbathing turtles. There are also a few rope swings along the way in case you'd like to leave your boat and take a quick dip!
- The Scioto River: You are probably pretty familiar with the Scioto River already since it runs through the heart of downtown, but the river stretches beyond Columbus' city limits to provide a unique adventure for kayakers.
- Alum Creek State Park: Alum Creek's calm waters make it the perfect destination for a peaceful kayak or canoe ride, but it's a great place for swimming as well! Cool off here on a hot summer day.
Skiing
Winter in Ohio is fairly cold — but that just means there are more opportunities to play in the snow! When the weather gets chilly, make your way to one of Ohio's ski areas to get a few laps in. Both Snow Trails and Mad River Mountain are within easy reach of Columbus, and they both offer full-day lift tickets for around $50 or less.
Snow Trails opened its slopes in 1961, making it Ohio's first fully operational ski area. It is also the tallest ski area in the state, boasting 300 feet of vertical drop, 80 acres of skiable terrain and 15 different trails.
Mad River Mountain, while not quite as large as Snow Trails, is a better option for experienced skiers. The mountain offers a large chunk of black diamond ski trails and four different terrain parks!
Fitness Classes
Looking to get in shape in a fun, social setting? Try one of our city's many fitness classes! From CrossFit boxes to yoga studios and everything in between, there is a class here for every personality. During the summer months, many of these classes meet outside as well! Check out this guide to the 19 best fitness classes in Columbus.
Columbus Outdoor Pursuits
If you're looking to join a community of like-minded adventurers, look no further than Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Founded in 1937 to promote a greater understanding of the outdoors and world travel, the group provides outdoor recreation to the public and organizes fun outdoor trips for anyone who wants to come along. They are most known for their cycling tours, but they also provide opportunities for backpacking, boating, camping, bicycling, hiking, rock climbing, running and winter activities. Information on joining the group can be found here and a family membership for the entire year is just $50!Enjoy your outdoor adventure!
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