Scioto Trail
A vibrant urban greenway along the Scioto River, perfect for biking, running, and enjoying city views and public art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Scioto Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban greenway along the Scioto River, perfect for biking, running, and enjoying city views and public art.
🗺️ Check for Detours
Construction can cause detours, but they're usually well-marked. Stay updated on the official route! 🚧
🚴♀️ Bike the Full Length
Connect to the Olentangy Trail for an epic ride! Consider a gravel bike for varied terrain. 🚲
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scioto Mile Downtown Views
Downtown Columbus
Enjoy stunning city skyline vistas and the flowing Scioto River as you cruise along the paved path.
Artistic Deer Sculptures
Along the Scioto Mile redevelopment
Discover whimsical 'hairy deer' sculptures, inspired by the river's name, adding a unique artistic touch.
Central Ohio Greenways Connection
Connecting to Olentangy Trail
Seamlessly link to the Olentangy Trail for an extended biking or running adventure through the city.
Scioto Grove Nature Trails
Scioto Grove Metro Park
Explore peaceful, pet-friendly paths like the REI River Trail for a nature escape near the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Scioto Trail
Best Ways to Experience the Trail
Electric scooters are also a popular way to cover ground quickly. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Check for Detours
Construction can cause detours, but they're usually well-marked. Stay updated on the official route! 🚧
🚴♀️ Bike the Full Length
Connect to the Olentangy Trail for an epic ride! Consider a gravel bike for varied terrain.
🛴 E-Scooter Fun
Zip along the trail with an electric scooter for a fast and fun way to explore. 🛵
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Whether running, skating, or walking, good footwear is key for enjoying the miles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Check for Detours
Construction can cause detours, but they're usually well-marked. Stay updated on the official route! 🚧
🚴♀️ Bike the Full Length
Connect to the Olentangy Trail for an epic ride! Consider a gravel bike for varied terrain.
🛴 E-Scooter Fun
Zip along the trail with an electric scooter for a fast and fun way to explore. 🛵
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Whether running, skating, or walking, good footwear is key for enjoying the miles.
🎨 Spot the Art
Keep an eye out for unique public art, like the 'hairy deer' sculptures, along the Scioto Mile.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Scioto Trail's scenic beauty, urban accessibility, and family-friendly atmosphere. The paved paths and connections to other greenways are highly praised for biking and running. Some minor inconveniences include occasional construction detours, but these are generally well-managed.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scioto Trail is accessible from multiple points, particularly along the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus. You can also access it via connectors from other greenways like the Olentangy Trail.
Yes, the Scioto Trail is generally open even with construction. A well-marked detour is in place around the I-70/71 site. This detour is considered the 'official' route through the park.
While direct public transport to specific trailheads might be limited, many COTA bus routes serve downtown Columbus, putting you within walking or biking distance of the Scioto Mile access points.
Yes, numerous parking areas are available along the Scioto Mile, especially in downtown Columbus. Some areas may have fees, so check signage.
Absolutely! The Scioto Trail is part of the Central Ohio Greenways system and offers a connector to the Olentangy Trail, allowing for extensive biking and running routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Scioto Trail and its associated parks are free to access. It's a public greenway system for everyone to enjoy.
The Scioto Trail is generally open from dawn to dusk, similar to most metro parks. Specific park hours may vary slightly, but the trail itself is accessible during daylight hours.
There are no fees to use the Scioto Trail for walking, running, biking, or skating. Enjoy this public amenity for free!
While there aren't official rental stations directly on the trail itself, you can often find bike and scooter rental services in the downtown Columbus area near the Scioto Mile access points.
Yes, the Scioto Trail is very family-friendly. The paved paths are great for strollers, and the scenery is enjoyable for all ages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a wide range of activities including walking, running, biking, rollerblading, and even electric scootering.
The main Scioto Trail is a paved multi-use path, ideal for road bikes, rollerblades, and strollers.
Restroom facilities are available at various points along the Scioto Mile, particularly near popular access areas and parks.
Yes, the Scioto Trail is pet-friendly! Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.
Expect beautiful views of the Scioto River, the Columbus skyline, lush greenery, and public art installations.
📸 📸 Photography
The downtown Columbus skyline provides a dramatic backdrop, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for capturing the skyline and river.
Don't miss the public art, particularly the 'hairy deer' sculptures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in metro parks and urban areas for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check with Columbus Metro Parks regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the skyline, and a telephoto can be useful for wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit