Columbus family bike rides

Hoff Woods Park

Distance: 5.7
Elevation gain: 117
This out-and-back loop on car-free bike path takes you through some of Westerville’s best parks for playing and picnicking. Take Towers Trail out of Spring Grove North Park, cruise through Towers Park, then wind your way north to circle Hoff Woods Park, where you’ll find a great shelter with picnic tables, basketball and tennis courts, and even a fishing area. If you’re looking for a fun, stress-free route for an easy family adventure, this is the ride for you.

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Westerville Loop

Distance: 8
Elevation gain: 143
Several parks. Zero climbs. Six miles of car-free bike path with just a couple of well-marked street crossings. Start at Trek Bicycle Westerville and take the Towers Trail to Westerville Bikeway. You’ll head south before snaking through neighborhoods and connecting with the Alum Creek/Ohio to Erie Trail, which will bring you past Heritage Park (a great place for a mid-ride break). Hop on Big Walnut Trail for the final stretch back to Towers Trail and the shop.

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Goodale Park Out and Back

Distance: 8.8
Elevation gain: 180
This chill and mostly car-free route from downtown Columbus follows a bike path along the Olentangy River through several well-maintained urban parks. From the turnaround at Clinton Como Park it’s just a five-minute detour to Pattycake Bakery for one of their delectable vegan treats (try the Whoopie Pie). Start and finish at Goodale Park—and head to the nearby historic North Market afterward where you can refuel from nearly 50 food and beverage vendors.

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Scioto Path

Distance: 12.4
Elevation gain: 273
This casual cruise on the car-free Lower Scioto Greenway features the Scioto Mile, which traverses a total of 33 acres of riverside parkland. Highlights include the spectacular interactive water features at Bicentennial Park (including more than 1,000 water jets, misters, and a 75-foot high tower of water, plus a daily musical fountain show). Then there’s Scioto Audubon Metro Park that houses the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the nation (BYO equipment)and miles of nature trails. Start and finish at Talita’s Southwest Café, where you can refuel on one of their famous burritos.

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Short Reservoir Ride

Distance: 13
Elevation gain: 250
New riders will feel unstoppable on this flat, mostly car-free outing to the picturesque Hoover Reservoir Dam. Cruise along the Towers and Big Walnut Trails (plus one quick detour into a quiet neighborhood) all the way across the dam where you can stop for photos and a snack. Check out the Brent Hambrick Memorial Disc Golf Course on the opposite side of the dam before heading back.

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River Paths Downtown

Distance: 13.7
Elevation gain: 336
River views for miles and no fewer than five well-maintained urban parks mean stoke will be high. This route cruises through Scioto Mile, which features some of downtown's best kid-friendly attractions: the nation’s largest free outdoor climbing wall (35 feet, BYO equipment) at Scioto Audobon Metro Park, the interactive water features at Bicentennial Park, and the Center for Science and Industry. Start and finish at the Boathouse at Confluence Park.

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Hoover Dam Loop

Distance: 14.3
Elevation gain: 272
Car-free bike path and quiet neighborhood roads make this tour of Westerville an excellent option for kids ready to build endurance and practice road etiquette. Plus, the seven parks on the route offer great play or picnic stops. Highlights include the BMX track at Alum Creek South Park, the Everal Barn and Homestead at Heritage Park, and the stunning water views along the reservoir and from the dam, where you’ll start and finish.

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Columbus Greenery Ride

Distance: 17.7
Elevation gain: 288
Follow mostly car-free bike path through some of Dublin’s prettiest parks and green spaces all the way to Glacier Ridge Metro Park, one of the area’s largest preserves. Named for the debris left behind when the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago, the 1,037-acre park is now a vibrant oasis with picnic areas, obstacle and disc-golf courses, and several miles of bike trails you can ride before looping back to the start. Start and finish at Coffman Park, which along with a playground, a skate park, and picnic areas, features a selection of public art including a series of whimsical tree sculptures by renowned artist Todd Smith.

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Hoover Bike Path

Distance: 19.6
Elevation gain: 392
This route is made up of car-free bike paths and a few neighborhood sections, so it’s an excellent choice for kids familiar with basic road etiquette and ready for an hour or more on the bike. Start at the south end of Hoover Reservoir and ride north toward Galena. The water views are spectacular, especially from the dam and from the Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk near Galena. Grab a homestyle meal at the cozy, family-run Galena Diner before heading back.

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River Ride

Distance: 22.6
Elevation gain: 631
Do the whole route or just sections. Either way, there’s scenery for days on this riverside tour of Columbus. You’ll enjoy nearly endless water view and pass through more than 10 city parks—including the magnificent Columbus Park of Roses. The free public garden boasts more than 400 rose varieties and is one of the largest rose gardens in the country. Start and finish at Goodale Park, then head to the historic North Market south of the park for your choice of post-ride grub.

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Bike Path to Groveport

Distance: 25
Elevation gain: 477
Starting from Franklin Park just east of downtown Columbus (and home to a spectacular conservatory and botanical garden), you’ll follow the car-free Ohio to Erie Trail all the way to Groveport (or as far as you want to go). Picnic in Three Creeks Metro Park, a 1,100-acre preserve with nature trails, lots of wildlife, and a playground. Or head to Smith Farm Market, about a mile off the trail down Watkins Road, which is a favorite fueling stop for riders on the Ohio to Erie Trail and sells a tantalizing selection of sweet treats out of an 1883 one-room schoolhouse. (Trek staff recommend avoiding this route if you’re alone or after dark.)

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