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Olentangy Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbus, Ohio · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Olentangy Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Pedestrian and scenic trail that follows the Olentangy River, popular for walking and biking.
What runners say about Olentangy Trail
“An excellent scenic trail along the river for walking, running, and biking near the OSU campus.”
One night, as I was walking home from the hospital when they repaired my hand, I met some interesting festival-goers who were sitting in the woods. Due to the significant loss of blood that I experienced on my way to the Wexner Hospital, I traveled east instead of west.
One of my favorite trails! If you’re looking for a long bike ride/jog, it is an excellent trail to start from the top and take it down to the Mile trail. It’s well kept and you have a great view of nature and the River. 5/5!
Love walking my dog daily on the trail. Some days there are lots of joggers and bikes, but most are courteous when passing. Beautiful flowers, nature, often see deer.
Whenever I have a chance to get to Columbus, The Olentangy Trail is a must for me. There is nothing better in the morning than to get out and enjoy some of Mother Nature's best on the banks of The Olentangy River!
Trail conditions & character
“An excellent scenic trail along the river for walking, running, and biking near the OSU campus.”
Plan your run at Olentangy Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park
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Wetland area with university research center, trails & an observation pavilion, open to the public.
Glen Echo Park
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Deep ravine featuring a stream, waterfall and bird murals, plus hiking trails, picnic tables and woods.
Nationwide Blvd - Olentangy River Trail Bridge
4.9 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
Scioto Mile Promenade
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,204 reviews
Downtown riverfront promenade, featuring bike trails, fountains and green space.
Reed Road Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 102 reviews
City park with a playground, picnic areas, volleyball and tennis courts, and a pool.