Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN COLUMBUS
Thinking of bringing your bike to Columbus? Great call. This underrated Ohio city has a thriving bike scene with a wide range of routes—perfect for tourists who want to explore at their own pace. Whether you’re into scenic river trails, urban rides through vibrant neighborhoods, or multi-day journeys into the countryside, Columbus delivers a mix of flat, well-marked paths and exciting tour-worthy circuits. This guide breaks down the top spots to roll through, from casual rides to adventurous loops.
Relaxing trails inside the city
Columbus is known for its accessible and scenic urban bike trails, ideal for vacationers who want a low-effort, high-reward riding experience. Many of these paved paths follow rivers, cut through green parks, and offer safe, car-free cycling options that are beginner-friendly and easy to reach from downtown hotels.
Olentangy Trail: The city's favorite ride
The Olentangy Trail is a top pick for visitors. Stretching over 13 miles, it runs north-south along the Olentangy River and connects several city parks, Ohio State University, and residential neighborhoods. It’s a great intro to Columbus by bike and offers plenty of picnic spots and rest areas along the way.
Length: 13+ miles (one way)
Surface: Paved, multi-use
Highlights: Ohio State campus, riverside views, quiet zones
Best for: Families, casual riders, easy sightseeing
Scioto Mile + Downtown Loop
If you want a quick but visually rich ride, combine the Scioto Greenway Trail with a downtown loop. This route hugs the riverbanks through the heart of Columbus, showcasing fountains, bridges, skyline views, and cultural landmarks. It’s flat and scenic—perfect for snapping photos or stopping for a coffee along the way.
Length: ~6–8 miles loop
Surface: Smooth pavement
Highlights: Riverwalk, downtown skyline, Bicentennial Park
Best for: City riders, casual cyclists, quick tours
These urban trails are ideal for low-effort days when you want to ride, relax, and explore the city on your own schedule.
Longer routes for scenic day rides
If you’ve got a full day to dedicate to riding, Columbus has multiple mid-range bike routes that take you beyond the city center. These trails mix urban charm with rural scenery, giving you a well-rounded taste of central Ohio's landscapes without straying too far from your hotel base.
Alum Creek Trail: A forested ride through the east side
The Alum Creek Trail stretches nearly 25 miles and is a favorite for locals who want an immersive ride through forested parkland, creeks, and green spaces. The northern section is especially scenic, winding through Blendon Woods and passing by the Hoover Reservoir. It’s paved the whole way and great for a relaxed but rewarding day ride.
Length: ~24.5 miles
Surface: Fully paved
Highlights: Forests, bridges, quiet east side paths
Best for: Day-trippers, fitness riders, nature lovers
Camp Chase Trail + Prairie Corridor
For a westward adventure, hop on the Camp Chase Trail, a 16-mile rail trail that links up with the larger Ohio-to-Erie Trail. You’ll roll through open prairie landscapes, small towns, and wooded corridors—all while staying on a separated, paved path. Bring snacks and water—services are limited once you’re a few miles out.
Length: ~16 miles one way (extendable)
Surface: Smooth pavement
Highlights: Big Darby Creek, farmland, wide-open skies
Best for: Endurance riders, rural escape seekers
These rides are perfect for travelers who want to cover some distance and soak up the changing scenery outside the city’s urban core.
Multi-day tours and epic loops
For adventurous cyclists planning multi-day bike tours, Columbus sits at a strategic point along one of America’s most ambitious bike corridors: the Ohio-to-Erie Trail. Combine that with a few creative loops and you’ve got serious vacation mileage potential—complete with charming towns, historical sites, and plenty of ice cream stops along the way.
Ohio-to-Erie Trail: The big one
This 326-mile trail runs from Cincinnati to Cleveland—right through Columbus. It’s mostly paved, well-signed, and dotted with bike-friendly stops. Riders often use Columbus as a midway point, either heading north toward Amish country and Cleveland or south toward the riverfront charm of Cincinnati. You can hop on for a 2–3 day section or tackle the full trail in 5–6 days.
Length: 300+ miles total
Surface: ~85% paved, rest crushed gravel
Best for: Bikepackers, long-distance riders, explorers
Highlights: Columbus, Dayton, Amish country, Cleveland
Columbus to Granville and back
Looking for a 2-day loop with scenic roads and charming towns? Ride east out of Columbus toward Granville, a picturesque village with historic buildings, cafes, and Denison University. The route follows a mix of bike paths and low-traffic country roads. Spend the night in Granville and return the next day via a slightly different route for variety.
Total distance: ~80–90 miles round trip
Surface: Mixed (paths + road)
Overnight stay: Granville (lots of B&Bs)
Best for: Weekend tourers, college town fans
Bring panniers or bikepacking bags, and make sure to book lodging in advance—small towns can fill up, especially in summer.
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