Our readers' Columbus bike trail recommendations
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Thanks to our readers who added a few more recommendations to our local bike trail guide.
🚲 Julie W.: We do the Genoa/Alum Creek/Ohio to Erie Trail from Sharon Woods in Westerville to Galena. From our house it is about 20 miles round trip, broken up by a stop at Galena Diner, Son of Thurman, The Coffee Vault, or Toni's Trattoria.
- The trail is mostly shaded, and there are parks along the trail if you need to stop or find a restroom.
- If you want to make it a longer trip, you can follow the Ohio to Erie trail up through Sunbury, Centerburg, and on to Mt. Vernon — and beyond if you like!
🛍️ Marissa S.: Most of my big rides are usually from Pickerington to Easton and back (about 50 miles round trip). Lots of stops in Bexley and Easton. It's almost all trail.
- You can easily grab coffee or ice cream in Bexley, or breakfast depending on the time of day. Then on to Easton for shopping, lunch or dinner.
🏟️ Matt L.: My close-to-home (Grandview area) 8-10-mile bike ride loop starts on 3rd Avenue, wiggles over to 5th Avenue westbound down the hill to the Scioto Trail.
- Take it along the river to the Olentangy Trail (has some construction), head north to the OSU area loop around the Oval and Horseshoe, then back up the hill using King Avenue, which has a bike lane on the westbound side.
- 3rd Avenue has a bike lane on the eastbound side, which is great for heading downtown to the riverfront if you take the Olentangy Trail south.
Pro tip: Map My Ride is a good, free app, Matt says.
Reader John M. has three suggestions:
🌳 40-mile round trip: Granville to Blackhand Gorge and back. Mostly bike trail, with the exception of downtown Newark. The trail through Blackhand Gorge is rated as one of the prettiest sections of bike trail in the country.
☕ 41-mile round trip: Westerville Community Center to Centerburg and back. Bike trail the whole way, with the exception of a couple of blocks in Sunbury.
- Coffee shop at the turn around in Centerburg. Stop at Galena Diner on return.
🍺 83 miles one way: Columbus (leave car at casino on West Side) to Cartridge Brewing in Maineville (just north of Cincinnati).
- Have someone pick you up or make arrangements in advance with any of the shuttles that provide this service.
🖼️ Our bonus idea: Take a bikeable, skateable "muroll" tour through downtown and the Hilltop and admire public art.