I’ve had the privilege of exploring countless cities, often focusing on food, art, and culture. But Columbus, Ohio, surprised me in ways I hadn’t expected: a city whose heart beats not only in its urban core but in its rivers, forests, and trails. During my first extended visit, I realized that beyond its vibrant neighborhoods, Columbus offers a surprisingly rich menu of outdoor adventures — kayaking, hiking, biking, and even rock climbing — all within a short drive from the city center.
I’ll share my personal experiences with three outdoor activities I’ve actually tried, followed by four recommended adventures that I either haven’t tried yet or return to often with friends. I’ll include locations, routes from the airport or downtown, ticketing and booking info, recommended gear, pros and cons, and most importantly, my honest impressions and feelings. Think of this as a nature-lover’s diary mixed with a practical guidebook.
Stop 1: Kayaking on the Scioto River
Location: Scioto Mile Launch, downtown Columbus, OH.
How to Get There: From John Glenn Columbus International Airport, it’s roughly a 15-minute drive. If you’re staying downtown, you can walk or take a rideshare; parking is available near the launch.
Hours & Rentals:
• Rentals typically open 10 a.m.–7 p.m. from late spring through early fall.
• Prices: Single kayaks $25–30 for 2 hours, tandem $40–45. Weekly rentals sometimes available for around $120.
Booking: I reserved my kayak through Scioto Adventures, their official online platform. Booking online guarantees your kayak and provides optional life jackets and waterproof storage for phones/cameras.
My Personal Experience
The first time I paddled the Scioto, I felt an immediate sense of escape. The skyline reflected on the water, bridges arching overhead, herons skimming the surface. The city and nature coexisted seamlessly here. I rented a single kayak, nervously balancing on the first few strokes, before gaining a rhythm that felt meditative.
Paddling under the Main Street Bridge, I could see downtown bustling from above and below simultaneously. The water was surprisingly calm for an urban river, though occasional wakes from passing boats made me laugh and paddle harder. By the end of my two-hour rental, I felt like I’d done both cardio and meditation.
Favorite Spots on the River
- Battelle Riverfront Park – A calm stretch perfect for beginners.
- Scioto Audubon Metro Park – Wildlife watching is phenomenal here; I spotted turtles and a heron fishing.
- North Bank Loop – My personal favorite for sunset paddling; the city lights reflecting in the river are magical.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Urban scenery mixed with wildlife, easy access from downtown, rentals with safety gear.
• Cons: Can get crowded on weekends, weather-dependent, some areas shallow in late summer.
My Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Paddling the Scioto is both invigorating and relaxing — a must-do for anyone seeking an urban outdoor adventure.
Stop 2: Hiking at Highbanks Metro Park
Location: 9466 Columbus Pike (US-23), Lewis Center, OH 43035.
How to Get There: About a 30-minute drive from downtown Columbus. Limited rideshare options; best by car or bike if you’re adventurous.
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–dark.
Admission: Free parking for all visitors; donations encouraged.
My Personal Experience
Highbanks Metro Park is a hiker’s dream. Tall trees tower over meadows, and bluffs overlook the Scioto River Valley. The first trail I tackled was the Ridge Trail, roughly 3.5 miles long. I remember feeling a surge of exhilaration as I climbed the highest point, looking out over the rolling hills — the city felt miles away, though it was less than 30 minutes’ drive.
The trails were well-marked, with occasional interpretive signs detailing local flora and fauna. I spotted a red fox dashing through a clearing and paused to catch my breath, letting the quiet soak into my lungs. It felt restorative — a reset from urban life.
Favorite Trails
- Ridge Trail – Moderate, panoramic views, ideal for sunrise or sunset.
- Oak Trail – Shorter, easier, shaded; perfect for beginners or a quick nature escape.
- Maple Trail Loop – 2.5 miles, great for fall foliage; I returned here in October and the colors were jaw-dropping.
Services and Facilities
• Visitor center with restrooms, maps, and trail guides.
• Picnic areas with tables and grills; I brought a sandwich and ate overlooking a small creek.
• Benches at scenic overlooks.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Well-maintained trails, diverse terrain, free admission.
• Cons: Some trails can get muddy after rain, limited signage in some secondary paths.
My Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Highbanks Metro Park is a personal favorite. Hiking here feels like a full immersion into Ohio’s natural beauty without leaving the city’s reach.
Stop 3: Ziplining at Tree Frog Canopy Tours
Location: 1290 W. Center St., Bellville, OH 44813 (about 45 miles north of Columbus).
How to Get There: Rent a car for the 1-hour drive; shuttle services from Columbus occasionally available.
Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., weekends only in spring/fall; summer hours extend to 7 p.m.
Admission: $70 per adult for the full zipline tour, about 2–3 hours.
Booking Platform: Reservations strongly recommended via Tree Frog Canopy Tours official website.
My Personal Experience
I had never tried ziplining before, so I was both terrified and thrilled. The guides were encouraging and thorough, showing us how to handle harnesses, brakes, and safety lines. The first platform was a 50-foot drop over the forest floor. My heart raced, and then — swoosh! — I was flying through the trees.
Each line revealed a new perspective: sun-dappled canopy, rushing creeks below, the occasional deer darting across the clearing. I remember laughing out loud, adrenaline mixing with awe, and feeling a childlike freedom I hadn’t experienced in years.
Recommended Experiences
- Night Ziplining – Available select weekends; riding under string lights adds a magical twist.
- Canopy Tour Combo – Zipline plus short ropes course; very challenging but rewarding.
- Photography Stop – The guides let you pause mid-zip for a photo; I captured a perfect image of sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Services and Facilities
• On-site café with snacks and water. I grabbed a granola bar and bottled water for $6.
• Parking is included in the ticket price.
• Lockers available for personal items.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: High thrill, safe for beginners, excellent guides.
• Cons: Weather-dependent, can be expensive for families, requires travel outside Columbus.
My Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Tree Frog Canopy Tours is a must for adrenaline seekers and anyone who wants to see Ohio’s forests from a new vantage point.
Recommended Outdoor Activities
Even if you don’t try all three of my personal favorites, Columbus offers plenty of other adventures:
- Alum Creek State Park – Paddleboarding and Fishing
• Location: 2800 Alum Creek Dr., Delaware, OH 43015 (30 minutes north of Columbus).
• Activities: Paddleboarding rentals ~$20/hour, boat rentals $25/hour.
• Why Visit: Expansive reservoir with wildlife, perfect for calm paddles or fishing. - Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – Wildlife Hikes and Bison Viewing
• Location: 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH 43119 (20 minutes west).
• Activity: Hiking trails through tallgrass prairies and forest. I personally spotted bison on my last visit!
• Recommended Gear: Binoculars, hiking boots, water. - Rocky Fork Metro Park – Mountain Biking and Disc Golf
• Location: 3725 Rocky Fork Blvd., Gahanna, OH 43230.
• Activities: Mountain bike trails of varying difficulty; disc golf course available. Rentals ~$15–20/hour. - Clear Creek Metro Park – Camping and Nature Programs
• Location: 1775 Clear Creek Dr., London, OH 43140 (45 minutes southwest).
• Activities: Campsites, ranger-led nature walks, creek exploration.
• Booking Platform: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks website; camping fees ~$30–50/night.
Tips for Outdoor Adventures in Columbus
• Weather: Spring and fall are ideal; summer can be hot and humid. Always check local forecasts.
• Booking: Kayak and zipline reservations online are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
• Gear: Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a small backpack for essentials.
• Transportation: Renting a car is recommended for parks outside downtown; rideshare works for urban adventures like Scioto Mile kayaking.
• Safety: Life jackets are mandatory for water activities; trail maps and trailhead signs are plentiful but take a photo of your route just in case.
Columbus may surprise some visitors who only know it as an urban hub or college town. But venture a little outside the city, and you find rivers, forests, and treetop adventures that make your heart pound, lungs fill with fresh air, and spirits soar.
From the serene paddling along the Scioto, to hiking through the towering trees of Highbanks Metro Park, to screaming with delight while ziplining at Tree Frog Canopy Tours, Columbus and its surroundings offer a perfect balance of adventure and accessibility.
For any traveler seeking a combination of adrenaline, nature, and mindful exploration, this city is a gateway to the Midwest’s best outdoor experiences. I left each park feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and already planning my next visit.
