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Alum Creek Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 286 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbus, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Alum Creek Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular 30-mile-long trail following a creek and passing through multiple parks and green spaces that's frequented by joggers.
What runners say about Alum Creek Trail
“Not sure what the construction on the sides of the trail is about but still a very scenic walk.”
An enjoyable stretch of the Alum Creek Trail. Not sure what the construction on the sides of the trail is about but still a very scenic walk.
Just 2.5 miles from the airport, this peaceful oasis of nature is a delightful, walk, jog, or bike ride that meanders through the area. Highly recommend for an escape from reality when staying near the airport.
Good for walking,biking and running. I wish it had some better management and also better civic sense by all we humans. The place has got some thrash and people just dump it there, old bike tires, motorcycles parts, plastic cans..
Nice trail for riding or walking. Have ridden nearly entire length of trail from north to south, passing through multiple parks and green spaces. Not many riders, some walkers but not that many. Trail follows Alum Creek for most part, lots of flowers & wildlife to be seen.
Trail conditions & character
“Not sure what the construction on the sides of the trail is about but still a very scenic walk.”
“Passes through lots of wooded areas, multiple bridge crossings over the creek.”
“Prepare for a muddy time in the non-summer months.”
“This is a trail head parking lot, with a porta john.”
“Also, maybe some more drinking fountains at some of the parks the trail passes by, especially the ones with the bottle filler spout.”
“This is a trail head parking lot, with a porta john.”
“Boardwalk bridges can be insanely slippery when wet, use caution.”
Plan your run at Alum Creek Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitecolumbusrecparks.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Columbus
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Alum Creek Trail-Leonard Ave connector path
4.3 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
Jeffrey Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 656 reviews
Wooded 40-acre parkland with a community pool, tennis courts, playground & walking paths.
Nelson Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 459 reviews
Sizable green space with access to greenway trails, athletic courts, playground & picnic areas.
Wolfe Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 612 reviews
Green space with walking trails for dogs and playgrounds, plus sports fields including tennis courts.
Academy Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 106 reviews
Public park featuring a creek, a trail, and a bridge, plus a restroom.