Stroller Friendly Paved Trails in Columbus, Ohio
After having a new baby, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to leave the house without forgetting something (diapers? wipes? milk? Five extra onesies, just in case?). On top of all that, you might be wondering where to find the best paved trails nearby. Many neighborhoods have their own paved trails and sidewalks, but not all of them do. Even if you have accessible paths near home, you may still want a change of scenery from time to time.
However, it can sometimes be a challenge to find the best trails for strollers. Oftentimes, paths are gravel, dirt, or grass; which can make for a bumpy ride. Now, I’ll admit that I have put my own stroller through some abuse on all sorts of terrain, but that’s definitely not ideal. Plus, paved trails are the best option in wet and muddy weather, too. So, I’ve decided to put together a list of some of the BEST stroller friendly, paved walking trails around Columbus. Most of these also offer playgrounds, natural scenery, or other fun features for your family.
- M.L. Red Trabue Nature Reserve
- Olentangy Greenway Trail
- Pickerington Ponds Metro Park
- Quarry Trails Metro Park
- Rocky Fork Metro Park
- Schiller Park
- Scioto Audubon Metro Park
- Scioto Greenway Trail
- Sharon Woods Metro Park
- Sawmill Wetland Education Area
- Thompson Park
- Topiary Garden
- Walnut Woods Metro Park
- Whetstone Park of Roses
Alum Creek Greenway Trail
Paved Trails:
- Alum Creek Greenway Trail: 24.5-mile trail running all the way from Westerville down to Three Creeks Metro Park.
Parking: There is parking available at multiple trailheads, including Cooper Park, Casto Park, Strawberry Farms Park, Parkridge Park, Nelson Park, Wolfe Park, Academy Park, Madison Mills Park, and Three Creeks Metro Park.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at many of the parks along the trail.
Nearby Amenities:
- Multiple public parks
- Easton Town Center
Alum Creek Trail (columbus.gov)
Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail
Paved Trails:
- Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail: 16-mile trail that winds through Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, and Three Creeks Metro Park.
Parking: Free parking is available at all three of the connected metro parks.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at all three of the connected metro parks.
Nearby Amenities:
- Blacklick Woods Metro Park
- Pickerington Ponds Metro Park
- Three Creeks Metro Park
Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail (columbus.gov)
Blendon Woods Metro Park, Westerville
Paved Trails:
- Lake Trail: 0.3-mile trail that leads from the nature center to the bird blinds on Thoreau Lake.
Parking: Free parking is available throughout the park.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available near most parking lots in the park.
Nearby Amenities:
- Nature Center
- Bird Blinds
- Playgrounds
- Natural Play Area
- Ice-Skating Pond
Blendon Woods – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Columbus Commons, Columbus
Paved Trails:
- Columbus Commons to Capitol Square: 1.3-mile walk from Columbus Commons to Capitol Square
- Columbus Commons Loop: A shorter walk just throughout Columbus Commons
Parking: Paid parking is available in nearby garages, as well as metered street-parking.
Restrooms: Seasonal restrooms are available at Columbus Commons.
Nearby Amenities:
- Carousel (seasonal)
- Jeni’s Icecream (seasonal)
- Ohio Statehouse
Columbus Commons » Columbus Commons
Darby Creek Metro Park, Galloway
Paved Trails:
- Camp Chase Trail (trailhead): 12.5-mile trail that is part of the Ohio-to-Erie trail. This section begins at the Canoe Access/Trailhead parking lot on Alkire Rd, and heads over Darby Creek towards the west.
- Camp Chase Trail (Indian Ridge): The trail can also be accessed from the Indian Ridge area. This part of the trail heads east. (There is a section of connecting trail between these two, but it is gravel)
Parking: Free parking is available at both locations.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at both parking lots.
Nearby Amenities:
- Playground (Indian Ridge area)
- Natural Play Area (Indian Ridge)
- Sledding Hills
- Picnic Tables
Battelle Darby Creek – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Franklin Park, Columbus
Paved Trails:
- Franklin Park: Various walking paths meander throughout the large public park.
- Franklin Park Conservatory: The Conservatory has indoor paths through the greenhouses, as well as outdoor trails among the gardens. You must pay admission to access the Conservatory.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Conservatory, as well as on the western side of the park.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available in the Franklin Park Adventure Center and the Franklin Park Conservatory.
Nearby Amenities:
- Playground
- Ponds
- Community Gardens
- Franklin Park Conservatory
- Wells Barn
Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City
Paved Trails:
- Challenge Course Trail: 0.6-mile loop around the challenge course.
- Ironweed Trail: 2.8-mile trail that connects the northern section of the park with the southern Honda Wetlands & Education Center.
- Marsh Hawk Trail: 3.7-mile loop around the northern section of the park.
Parking: Free parking is available throughout the park.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available near the parking lot.
Nearby Amenities:
- Challenge Course
- Playground
- Picnic Tables
- Dog Park
- Honda Wetlands & Education Center
Glacier Ridge – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Goodale Park, Victorian Village
Paved Trails:
- Goodale Trails: 2.3-mile trail that loops throughout the park.
Parking: Parking lots available in the park; more street and garage parking is available in the surrounding areas.
Restrooms: There may be restrooms in the shelterhouse.
Nearby Amenities:
- Playgrounds
- Fountain
- Gazebo
- Flower Gardens
- Tennis Court
- Picnic Tables
Heritage Trail, Hilliard
Paved Trails:
- Heritage Trail: 6.1-mile trail between Center Street in Old Hilliard and Cemetery Pike in Plain City. This path runs through Homestead Metro Park and Heritage Dog Park.
Parking: Available at the trailhead on Center Street, Homestead Metro Park, and Heritage Dog Park.
Restrooms: At Homestead Park & Hilliard Station (seasonal availability)
Nearby Amenities:
- Hilliard Station Splash Pad (seasonal)
- Homestead Metro Park
- Heritage Dog Park
Heritage Trail Trails – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Highbanks Metro Park, Lewis Center
Paved Trails:
- Big Meadows Trail: 1-mile loop around the Big Meadows picnic area.
- Multi-Use Trail: 2.3-mile trail along the northern edge of the park.
- Oak Coves Trail: 0.4-mile path that winds through the Oak Coves picnic area.
Parking: Free parking is available throughout the park, including at the Big Meadows and Oak Coves picnic areas.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the Big Meadows and Oack Coves picnic areas.
Nearby Amenities:
- Playgrounds
- Picnic Tables
- Nature Center
- Sledding Hill
- Natural Play Area
Highbanks – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Homestead Metro Park, Hilliard
Paved Trails:
- Multi-Use Trail: 0.7-mile loop around the park.
Parking: Free parking is available
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the park office and maintenance building.
Nearby Amenities:
- Playgrounds
- Ponds
- Covered Walking Bridge
- Picnic Tables
- Basketball Courts
Homestead – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Hoover Dam, Westerville
Paved Trails:
- Big Walnut Trail: 1.6-mile trail (not a loop) along the Hoover Dam and Reservoir.
Parking: Several free parking lots along the trail, including one right by the dam.
Restrooms: None
Nearby Amenities:
- Hoover Dam
- Playground (near the dam & marina parking lot)
Hoover Reservoir Park (columbus.gov)
Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville
Paved Trails:
- Brookwood Trail: 0.5-mile path through the gardens
- Chipmunk Chatter Trail: 0.6-mile trail that exits the park
- Frog Talk Walk: 0.1-mile trail along a small pond.
- Sister’s Garden Loop: 0.25-mile loop.
Parking: Free parking is available.
Restrooms: Available at the parking lot and at the Conifer Garden.
Nearby Amenities:
- Flower Gardens
- Innis House
Inniswood Metro Gardens – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
M.L. Red Trabue Nature Reserve, Dublin
Paved Trails:
- Red Trabue Walking Path: 2.6-mile trail with a boardwalk and pond.
- South Fork Indian Run Trail: 3.3-mile trail with an arboretum.
Parking: Free parking available
Restrooms: None available, although you can find public restrooms at the nearby Coffman Park.
Nearby Amenities:
- Fleming Log Cabin
- Arboretum
- Indian Run Meadows Park & Playground
M.L. Red Trabue Nature Reserve (visitdublinohio.com)
Olentangy Greenway Trail, Columbus
Paved Trails:
- Olentangy Greenway Trail: 15-mile trail along the Olentangy River, ranging from downtown Columbus to Worthington. This trail passes through several parks, including Worthington Hills, Antrim Park, Whetstone Park, and Tuttle Park.
Parking: Parking is available at various parks and trailheads along the path, including Worthington Hills, Antrim Park, Whetstone Park, Clinton-Como Park, and Tuttle Park.
Restrooms: Restrooms may be available at various parks along the trail.
Nearby Amenities:
- Multiple Public Parks
- OSU Campus
Olentangy Trail (columbus.gov)
Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, Canal Winchester
Paved Trails:
- Blacklick Greenway Trail: A 16-mile Greenway Trail that partially passes through Pickerington Ponds.
- Burning Lake Trail: 1.5-mile trail through wetlands, prairies, and woods. Connects to the Blacklick Greenway Trail.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Glacier Knoll picnic area.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the Glacier Knoll picnic area.
Nearby Amenities:
- Picnic Tables
- Observation Deck
Pickerington Ponds – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Quarry Trails Metro Park, Columbus
Note: Quarry Trails is still undergoing some construction and certain areas may be temporarily unavailable from time to time. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Paved Trails:
- Boardwalk Trail: 0.09-mile boardwalk over the lake
- Connector Trail: 0.35-mile path that connects the North and Lake areas of the park.
- Flat Rocks Trail: 0.25-mile trail along the eastern side of the lake.
- Lake View Trail: 0.3-mile trail along the western side of the lake.
- Millikin Lower Falls Trail: 0.75 mile trail around the lake, leading to Millikin Falls.
- Millikin Upper Falls Trail: 0.05-mile path to an observation deck over Millikin Falls (beginning from the parking lot on Old Dublin Rd). Note that there may be stairs connecting this trail to the Lower Falls Trail.
- Observation Trail: 0.1-mile trail for viewing the mountain bike area.
- Tall Wall Trail: 0.75-mile trail in the northern section of the park.
Parking: Multiple free lots available.
Restrooms: Porta-potties (a full restroom will be added in the future)
Nearby Amenities:
- Waterfall
- Sledding Hill
- Playground
- Mountain Bike Area
- Historic Cemetery
Quarry Trails – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Rocky Fork Metro Park, Westerville
Paved Trails:
- Beech Woodland Trail: 1.3-mile loop
- Bevelhymer Trail: 0.5-mile trail that leads to Bevelymer Park.
- Millstone Connector Trail: 0.5-mile trail that goes from the Millstone picnic area to the dog park. Connects to both the Beech Woodland and Bevelymer trails.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Millstone and Dog Park picnic areas.
Restrooms: Available at both picnic areas.
Nearby Amenities:
- Picnic Tables
- Dog Park
- Playground
Rocky Fork – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Sawmill Wetland Education Area, Dublin
Paved Trails:
- Boardwalk Path: A short, wooden boardwalk through the wetlands.
Parking: Free parking is available.
Restrooms: None available.
Nearby Amenities:
- Vernal Pools
- Wildflowers
- Benches
Sawmill Wetlands Education Area | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)
Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Columbus
Paved Trails:
- Scioto Greenway Trail: 2-mile stretch of the Scioto Greenway Trail that passes through the park.
- Boardwalk: A small, wooden boardwalk that crosses over a pond. Most easily accessed from the playground area.
Parking: Free parking is available in several locations, including the nature center, playground, and dog park.
Restrooms: Available at the nature center, playground, and obstacle course areas.
Nearby Amenities:
- Nature Center
- Playground
- Sledding Hill
- Volleyball Court
- Rock-Climbing Wall
- Osprey Nest
- Butterfly & Bee Gardens
- Observation Decks
- Dog Park
- Obstacle Course
Scioto Audubon – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Scioto Greenway Trail, Columbus
Paved Trails:
- Scioto Greenway Trail: 10-mile trail along the Scioto River. The path runs from route 104 up to W. 5th Ave and passes through several parks such as the Berliner Sports Park, Scioto Audubon Park, and Bicentennial Park. A small section of the trail also crosses the river and leads down to Dodge Park.
- The Scioto Mile Promenade: The downtown section of the Scioto Greenway Trail, which includes Bicentennial Park, Northbank Park, Genoa Park, and McFerson Commons.
Parking: Parking is available at the Berliner Sports Park (paid entry during events), at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, and Dodge Park. There are also ample paid parking options near the Scioto Mile, including surface lots, parking garages, and metered street parking.
Restrooms: Public Restrooms are available at Berliner Park, Scioto Audubon Park, Dodge Park, and Bicentennial Park.
Nearby Amenities:
- Multiple public parks
- Downtown Columbus & skyline views
- Splash pads at Bicentennial Park (seasonal)
- COSI & Dorrian Green
- McFerson Arch
Sharon Woods Metro Park, Westerville
Paved Trails:
- Multi-Use Trail: 3.8-mile loop around the park.
- Lake Trail: 0.4-mile trail along part of Schrock Lake.
Parking: Free parking is available at multiple lots.
Restrooms: Available at the Apple Ridge, Maple Grove, and Schrock Lake picnic areas.
Nearby Amenities:
- Playground
- Natural Play Area
- Sledding Hill
- Edward S. Thomas Nature Preserve
- Picnic Tables
Sharon Woods – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Schiller Park, German Village
Paved Trails:
- Schiller Park Trails: trails that loop throughout the park.
Parking: Free parking is available at the community center, on the corner of E. Deshler Ave and Jaeger St.
Restrooms: Available at the community center
Nearby Amenities:
- Playground
- Tennis Court
- Basketball Court
- Recreation Center
- Pond
- Outdoor Theater Stage
- German Village
Thompson Park, Upper Arlington
Paved Trails:
- Multi-Use Trail: 1.15-mile path that loops around the park
Parking: Free parking available at multiple lots around the park
Restrooms: Available at both shelterhouses
Nearby Amenities:
- Playground
- Tennis Court
- Athletic Fields
- Sledding Hill
- Picnic Tables
- Upper Arlington Library
Thompson Park – City of Upper Arlington (upperarlingtonoh.gov)
Topiary Garden, Columbus
Paved Trails:
- Garden Trail: A short pathway through the gardens. Located behind the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Parking: Paid parking is available at nearby garages and street parking.
Restrooms: Yes, in the library
Nearby Amenities:
- Columbus Metropolitan Library
Topiary Garden (Deaf School Park) (columbus.gov)
Walnut Woods Metro Park, Groveport
Paved Trails:
- Buckeye Trail: a 2-mile loop at the Buckeye area of the park.
- Monarch Trail: a 1.4-mile trail connecting the Buckeye and Sweetgum trails
- Sweetgum Trail: a 2.6-mile ADA gravel & pavement trail in the Tall Pines area of the park.
Parking: Free parking is available in both the Buckeye and Tall Pines areas.
Restrooms: Available in both the Buckeye and Tall Pines areas.
Nearby Amenities:
- Playground (Buckeye Area)
- Sledding Hill (Buckeye Area)
Walnut Woods – Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
Whetstone Park of Roses, Clintonville
Paved Trails:
- Whetstone Trails: Various connected paths winding throughout the rose and herb gardens.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Whetstone Shelterhouse.
Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available.
Nearby Amenities:
- Rose Gardens
- Arboretum
- Gazebo
- Observation Tower
Although you can find plenty more paths around the city, this list highlights the best paved trails for strollers in Columbus, Ohio. Hopefully, this will give you some ideas for your next walk and some peace of mind that you won’t be trudging through mud or bumping across rough gravel.
