Columbus is built along rivers and creeks, and the city’s greenway trails follow them: the Olentangy from Worthington to downtown, the Scioto through downtown, and Alum Creek across the east side [1][2][3]. Add a free climbing wall and obstacle course at Scioto Audubon Metro Park, and you can train all year without a gym bill [5][6].
At a glance
- Olentangy Trail
- 14 miles, Worthington to downtown [1]
- Alum Creek Trail
- 24.5 miles, Westerville to Three Creeks Park [2]
- Scioto Trail
- 5.6 miles, through downtown and the Scioto Mile [3]
- Central Ohio Greenways
- Over 230 miles of multi-use trail [4]
- Metro Parks
- 22 parks, free and open every day [6]
- City fitness pass
- $108 a year for adults, 20 centers [8]
The Olentangy Trail
The Olentangy Trail runs 14 miles along the Olentangy River from Worthington to downtown, through the Ohio State campus, and meets the Scioto Trail at the north edge of downtown [1][3]. It’s also an alternate route of the statewide Ohio to Erie Trail [1].
Trailheads with parking are at Antrim, Clinton-Como, Northmoor, Tuttle, Whetstone and Worthington Hills parks, plus the City of Worthington’s Olentangy Parkland and Worthington Flats [1].
You don’t have to cover the whole trail. Start at the trailhead nearest you and go out and back for 20 or 30 minutes.
The Scioto Trail and the Scioto Mile
The Scioto Trail is 5.6 miles along the Scioto River through downtown. Between North Bank Park and Bicentennial Park, it’s the main path of the Scioto Mile; a section follows the west bank from Souder Avenue to Dodge Park, and it continues about 4 miles north to its current end at W. 5th Avenue [3]. Trailheads with parking are at Lou Berliner Sports Park, Dodge Park and Scioto Audubon Park [3]. The Hilltop Connector joins it at McKinley Avenue and Harper Road [3].
The Alum Creek Trail
On the east side, the Alum Creek Trail runs 24.5 miles from Westerville through Columbus to Three Creeks Park. Parts of it are also on the Ohio to Erie Trail and U.S. Bicycle Route 50 [2]. Park at Academy, Casto, Cooper Sports, Hayden, Innis, Madison Mills, Three Creeks or Wolfe parks [2].
| Trail | Length | Route | Parking at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alum Creek Trail | 24.5 miles | Westerville to Three Creeks Park | Academy, Casto, Innis, Wolfe, Three Creeks and others |
| Olentangy Trail | 14 miles | Worthington to downtown, via Ohio State | Antrim, Whetstone, Northmoor, Tuttle and others |
| Scioto Trail | 5.6 miles | Downtown, Scioto Mile, north to W. 5th Ave. | Lou Berliner, Dodge Park, Scioto Audubon |
Scioto Audubon Metro Park: climbing wall and obstacle course
Scioto Audubon, at 400 W. Whittier St., is one of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks’ 22 parks, which Metro Parks says are free and open every day [5][6]. Two features make it a real outdoor gym [5]:
- Climbing wall: three towers and two arches up to 35 feet, more than 7,000 square feet, for bouldering, top-rope and lead climbing, with four auto belays. Bring your own harness. Children under 16 need an adult, and belayers must be 13 or older. Auto belays are usually up from late March to late October, weather permitting.
- Columbus Rotary Obstacle Course: a quarter-mile running track with a tire run and flip, an 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, cargo climb, belly crawl and log run.
| Season | Park | Climbing wall |
|---|---|---|
| April 1 to September 30 | 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| October 1 to March 31 | 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. | 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
The park also has sand volleyball and bocce courts and grass playfields, and it’s a Scioto Trail trailhead, so you can run the riverfront and finish on the obstacle course [3][5].
When it’s too cold: city fitness centers
Columbus Recreation and Parks runs 20 Get Active fitness centers, with cardio equipment, weight machines and classes, and one pass covers all of them: $108 a year for adults, $60 at 60 and older, or $5 a visit [8]. BestOhio’s Ohio free workout guide has the full price list and tips for exercising through an Ohio winter.
Closures and cautions (November 15, 2026)
Columbus Recreation and Parks lists these alerts [7]:
- All parks and trails: storm debris and damage from August 11 remain in places. Follow posted closures and warning signs.
- Barack Community Center: closed since August 11, 2026, from storm damage.
- Beatty Community Center: closed since an August 2024 fire, with no reopening date; most programs have moved.
- Whetstone Park: the pond is being drained for a liner repair, October 23 to December 31, 2026. The park is an Olentangy Trail trailhead [1].
- Mock Park: construction on the Mock Road Connector trail through the end of 2027; the city expects minimal disruption.
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least 2 days a week [9]. One way to get there in Columbus: five 30-minute brisk walks on the Olentangy or Alum Creek Trail (150 minutes), plus two strength sessions, one on the Scioto Audubon obstacle course and one at a city fitness center or at home with bands.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [10]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [10]
- 12-inch loops [10]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [10]
- Made of latex [10]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [11]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [11]
- About 74 x 24 inches [11]
- Elastic carrying strap [11]
- Hand wash only [11]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [12]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [12]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [12]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [12]
- Quick-release buckle [12]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Olentangy Trail
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Alum Creek Trail
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Scioto Trail
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Central Ohio Greenways
- Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks: Scioto Audubon
- Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks: About us
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Facility Alerts and Updates
- Columbus Recreation and Parks: Fitness
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
How long is the Olentangy Trail in Columbus?
Columbus Recreation and Parks lists it at 14 miles, from Worthington to downtown Columbus along the Olentangy River. It runs through the Ohio State campus and connects to the Scioto Trail downtown. Trailheads with parking include Antrim, Whetstone, Tuttle, Northmoor and Clinton-Como parks.
How long is the Alum Creek Trail?
24.5 miles, from Westerville through Columbus to Three Creeks Park, according to Columbus Recreation and Parks. Parking is at trailheads including Academy, Casto, Innis, Wolfe and Three Creeks parks.
Is the Scioto Audubon climbing wall free?
Metro Parks says its parks are free and open every day, and its Scioto Audubon page lists no climbing fee. You must bring your own harness, children under 16 need an adult, and belayers must be 13 or older. The wall is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October through March.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least 2 days a week.