The best traffic-free bike rides around Columbus
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Columbus are characterized by an extensive network of multi-use trails, primarily the Central Ohio Greenways, which offer generally flat terrain with gentle elevation changes. The region features numerous river corridors, including the Olentangy, Alum Creek, and Scioto Rivers, providing lush green pathways through urban and suburban landscapes. These trails often connect to diverse Metro Parks, which encompass forests, prairies, and wetlands, enhancing the natural appeal for cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Columbus
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Olentangy Trail – Olentangy Trail loop from Franklin County, a 9.7 miles (15.5 km) easy trail that takes about 55 minutes to complete. This route follows the Olentangy River through quiet, forested areas.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Alum Creek – Alum Creek Trail loop from Historic Crew Stadium, a difficult 59.4 miles (95.5 km) path. This extensive route runs along Alum Creek and features numerous scenic bridges.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Three Creeks Metro Park – Heron Pond loop from Catalpa Park, a 25.5 miles (41.0 km) trail leading through the Blacklick Creek greenway corridor, often completed in about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Columbus is defined by extensive multi-use trails, scenic river corridors, and diverse Metro Parks. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance paths.
- The routes in Columbus are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 1200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Columbus's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
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40
riders
27.2km
01:35
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
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22
riders
72.5km
04:07
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
29
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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12
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41.0km
02:21
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15
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21.4km
01:14
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Columbus
Tips from the Community
This park derives its name from the confluence where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks come together. It comprises five areas with separate entrances, all interconnected, offering a variety of routes to explore.
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Ohio Stadium, nicknamed "The Shoe," hosts Buckeye football games, concerts, and events, with a record attendance of 110,045 set in 2016. A guest host called a "Redcoat" can take fans behind the scenes of Ohio Stadium.
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The Olentangy Trail Hydration Station is one of a few water stations along this popular recreation route. Popular with hikers, runners, and bikers, the hydration station gives them a chance to stay hydrated.
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The Camp Chase rail trail cuts close to wide, placid Darby Creek here. If you follow the trail north it'll actually cross the creek on a bridge, then continue to the west.
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This 92-acre park has a rain garden, picnic tables, athletic fields and some woods. It also serves as the trailhead for the Blacklick Creek Trail.
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Here, you will cross a bridge that spans over Alum Creek, a 58-mile-long stream flowing through central Ohio. The creek begins in Morrow County, travels through Delaware County, and ends in Franklin County, where it merges with Big Walnut Creek, eventually draining into the Scioto River.
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Franklin Park is a 59-acre regional park and home to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The conservatory, which dates back to 1895, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Franklin Park is also home to artworks by Dale Chihuly, a world-famous glass artist.
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The Ohio State University Stadium is home to The OSU Buckeyes. This stadium seats 102,780 and is the largest on-campus facility in the United States of America.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Columbus?
This guide features 14 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Columbus. The majority, 12 routes, are rated as easy, with one moderate and one difficult option for more experienced cyclists.
Are there family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Columbus?
Yes, Columbus is excellent for family cycling, with many routes designed for all abilities. The terrain is generally flat with gentle elevation changes. Routes like the Olentangy Trail loop from Franklin County are particularly suitable, offering a quiet and relaxing experience along the river.
What kind of scenic views can I expect on these car-free bike routes?
Columbus's no-traffic routes offer diverse scenic views. You'll find lush green corridors along rivers and creeks, forested areas, and open fields. The Alum Creek Trail loop from Historic Crew Stadium, for instance, runs along Alum Creek with numerous bridges for scenic stops. Many trails also pass through Metro Parks, offering natural beauty year-round.
Are there any loop touring bike trails without traffic in Columbus?
Yes, several routes offer convenient loop options. The Olentangy Trail loop from Franklin County is a great example of a circular route that keeps you off busy roads. The Columbus Loop, while not a single komoot tour in this guide, is a popular 30-mile, mostly level, traffic-free loop around the city, linking major trails.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Columbus?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Columbus, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of multi-use trails, the generally flat and accessible terrain, and the beautiful natural settings found within the city's Metro Parks and along its rivers.
What attractions or points of interest can I see along these routes?
Many routes offer access to natural attractions and urban green spaces. You can find beautiful lakes like Hoover Reservoir Park, Heron Pond, and Antrim Lake Deck. The trails also connect to Metro Parks such as Battelle Darby Creek, known for its Bison Prairie, and Scioto Audubon Metro Park with its city skyline views.
Are there any less crowded no-traffic bike touring routes near Columbus?
While popular trails like the Olentangy and Alum Creek can see more traffic, exploring sections of the Ohio to Erie Trail or routes through less central Metro Parks like Blendon Woods can offer a quieter experience. The Darby Creek loop from Cherry Creek provides a peaceful ride through natural areas.
What is the best season for no-traffic bike touring in Columbus?
Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for touring cycling in Columbus. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while fall offers stunning foliage. The Metro Parks, in particular, are beautiful year-round, with changing leaves in the fall and diverse flora in the spring.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic bike touring trails?
Many of Columbus's multi-use trails, especially those within the Central Ohio Greenways and Metro Parks, offer designated parking areas at various access points. It's advisable to check the specific trailheads or Metro Park websites for detailed parking information before your ride.
Are there any routes that pass by unique natural features like waterfalls?
Yes, Quarry Trails Metro Park, a unique park developed from an abandoned quarry, features an impressive 25-foot waterfall. While not directly on a touring cycling route in this guide, its proximity to the trail network makes it an accessible and worthwhile detour for cyclists looking for unique natural features.
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