Another beautiful day, 85 and sunny. Today I am riding the Olentangy Trail south to the Scioto Trail connector at Spring St and then south to Berliner Park on Columbus’ south end, about 20 miles one way. I parked at the Olentangy Parklands trail head next to the tennis courts and unload. The Olentangy-Scioto Trail is Ohio’s very first rails-to-trail.
The park is located on Wilson Bridge Rd just east of Rt 315 (Olentangy River Rd). As I roll out heading south, I realize that there is a new northern section to the trail, which extends a mile up to Worthington Hills Park. I will hit that on the way back. Earlier in my ride, I engage a cycling commuter in conversation about the trail, his name is Wessel.
Me and Wessel (Dutch family name)
Wessel is a molecular biologist performing cancer research at the Ohio State University. He commutes 2-3 x a week from Worthington. He was kind enough to shepherd me thru a few detour sections on the northern 10 miles of the trail. Most of the route, along with detour signs, is clearly marked. Note: follow the yellow broken lines when approaching trail heads and extenders. The main trail will have the yellow lines, the connectors do not.
The trail is flat and primarily runs along the river(s). There are lots of zip-zag blind corners so watch your speed and for other riders-runners-walkers. I enjoy the canopy-covered trail as we meander south. There was a short “on road” section that took us on onto High St (heavy traffic) as well as thru a few neighborhoods.
As Wessel and I approach OSU, we part ways and I continue south. I stop for a few quick pictures next to “The ‘Shoe’ (OSU football stadium).
At 3rd street, I cross the bridge over to the west bank then continue south.
Being a trail newbie, I make a wrong turn at the Spring St connector where the Olentangy and Scioto Trails meet and ride west for a mile or so on the Scioto Trail to the western trail head.
I turn back and then continue on back to Spring St and then south thru a beautiful downtown river’s edge section call Northbank Park.
I’m a sucker for bridges and waters, so stopped for a few pics of some old rail bridges.
Near the Germany Village area, the trail goes on-road for maybe a mile, then re-connects with the paved trail for the last 1-2 miles to Berliner park.
Nice ride thru Columbus. Need to pay attention and follow signage. Lots of changes of scenery. Great asset for the city and surrounding communities.
Bike Ohio 1000 everyone 🙂
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