The best cycling routes in Franklin County

Franklin County offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 100 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy scenic rides to more challenging excursions.

Yes, Franklin County has many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Hoover Reservoir Park loop is an easy 12.5-mile path offering a serene landscape. Another great option is the Olentangy River Trail – Antrim Lake Deck loop from Ohio School for the Deaf, which is 15.5 miles and also rated easy.

Many touring cycling routes in Franklin County are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular options include the Alum Creek and Olentangy Trail Loop, which is a 35.7-mile moderate route, and the Hoover Reservoir Park loop, an easy 12.5-mile ride.

For those seeking longer rides, Franklin County offers several routes over 30 miles. The Alum Creek – Char-Mar Ridge Park loop from Easton is a challenging 57.3-mile route, while the Alum Creek and Olentangy Trail Loop covers 35.7 miles with scenic river views.

Franklin County's touring cycling routes offer a diverse blend of urban and natural scenery. You'll find paths alongside waterways like the Olentangy River and around reservoirs such as Hoover Reservoir. The Metro Parks system provides extensive trails through natural areas, while routes like the Camp Chase Trail transition from rural farmlands to urban landscapes, sometimes featuring historical sites and even bison herds at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.

Along Franklin County's touring cycling routes, you can explore various attractions. Many routes pass by the Olentangy River and Alum Creek. The Hoover Reservoir Park is a popular spot for bird watching, including American Bald Eagles. You might also encounter highlights like the Antrim Lake Deck or even the iconic Ohio Stadium on some urban routes.

Yes, several routes provide scenic views, particularly those along the Olentangy River and around the Hoover Reservoir. The Alum Creek and Olentangy Trail Loop offers scenic river views, and the Bench with view of pond at Portman Park is a specific highlight for a pleasant vista.

The touring cycling routes in Franklin County are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths, the blend of urban and natural environments, and the accessibility of the Metro Parks system.

Absolutely. The extensive trail network, particularly the Metro Parks system and paths along the Olentangy River, are designed to connect various communities and urban areas within Franklin County. Routes like the East Columbus loop are great examples of routes that traverse different parts of the city.

Yes, the area around Hoover Reservoir Park is known for excellent bird watching opportunities, including sightings of American Bald Eagles. The Hoover Reservoir Park loop would be an ideal route for this activity.

For experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge, the Alum Creek – Char-Mar Ridge Park loop from Easton is rated as difficult. This route spans approximately 57.3 miles and features more significant elevation changes compared to other routes in the area.

Many routes in Franklin County utilize the scenic river corridors. The Olentangy River – Delawanda Park loop from Broadmeadows and the Olentangy River Trail – Antrim Lake Deck loop from Upper Arlington High School are excellent examples of routes that follow the Olentangy River, offering pleasant views and a connection to nature.