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Nelson Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 459 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbus, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Nelson Park'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.
Sizable green space with access to greenway trails, athletic courts, playground & picnic areas.
What runners say about Nelson Park
“The playground equipment is well maintained and the covered pavillions make it nice to get out of the sun or to have and family get together.”
“The grille works, and it's right along the river which is beautiful.”
“Super invaded by geese the day I went, but otherwise was generally quiet.”
Cool place for trail hiking and getting away from the urban environment of Columbus. Good for getting out in nature and enjoying all of the things that nature has to offer... Unless you take your cellphone and stare at it the entire time that youre supposed to be enjoying nature.
Giving 4 stars only because of the amount of tables and picnic areas available. If you have a large family and you're try to celebrate this place probably isn't for you.!! You have to get there early as possible to reserve and set up. This park fills fast and what little areas are available are gone to quick.
Now i was told that this is a hood park and not to go, but it is one of my favorites to take my dog to and let run in the grassy area by the basketball courts. They have a trail thay runs all thw way around and through the park. I've never had any problems at this park.
This is a nice park. I went here while walking the Alum Creek Trail and was satisfied with my experience. This is a small park with a playground, basketball court, soccer field, and large grass expanse. It’s right by Alum Creek, so you can walk onto its banks.
Trail conditions & character
“Super invaded by geese the day I went, but otherwise was generally quiet.”
Plan your run at Nelson Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecolumbusrecparks.com
- Phone(614) 645-3300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
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.
Jeffrey Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 656 reviews
Wooded 40-acre parkland with a community pool, tennis courts, playground & walking paths.
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.
Alum Creek Trail-Leonard Ave connector path
4.3 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
