This spring I started hiking the parks near my home in Dublin, Ohio.  Beginning with a few short hikes lasting a couple of hours, I was ready to embark on a longer, more challenging hike and decided on an urban hike near downtown, crossing through several neighborhoods.

My cousin had suggested I try the Olentangy Trail which passes close to his Clintonville home.  I learned the paved pathway follows along the Olentangy River for nearly 22.5 miles.  It was a beautiful Saturday and I decided to tackle the north trail starting at Northmoor Park (near the corner of Olentangy Boulevard and Northmoor Place), make a stop at the Whetstone Park of Roses and end at Worthington Park for a trip of nearly 10 miles.  I would complete the remaining miles of the trail on another date.

From Northmoor Park, I was 1.75 miles from Henderson Road and 3.75 miles from Antrim Park.

Columbus Recreation and Parks celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2010.  With nearly 400 parks throughout Franklin County, there is a never ending opportunity to hike and connect with nature.  The organization is committed to improving the physical and mental health of its residents in addition to making a positive impact on our community.

Shortly into the hike, I noticed so many locals enjoying the trail from bicycles, bikes with child seats, tricycles and bicycles built for two.  The pathways were full of cyclists, joggers, marathon trainers and leisurely strollers.

The trail markers helped track how close I was to the end of my trail.  They were a welcome sight and a reminder that I was closer to completing my goal.

Throughout my hike, I photographed plants, trees, flowers and bees.  The highlight of my day was photographing the 12,000 plus beautiful roses and flowers at Whetstone Park and enjoying the picnic lunch I had been carrying in my backpack.

In addition to the paved trails and walkways at Whetstone Park (also referred to as the Columbus Park of Roses) there are restroom facilities and a drinking fountain to replenish your water bottles.

Just after reaching Henderson Road, I crossed the bridge that would lead to the river’s west bank.

Posted trail signs confirmed that I was approaching Antrim Lake Park and I decided to take a loop around it.  I could see the freeway and hear the cars passing by when I finally noticed the interstate sign for OH 315.  The trail also crosses under this busy stretch of highway which leads to Antrim Park for restrooms, benches, picnic tables and parking.  Arriving at the end of my hike for the day, I was happy that I had challenged myself on a longer hike enjoying the sunshine and smelling the roses.

What to See and What to Do: 

Hike the Olentangy Trail (North) 

To reach the northern trailhead in Worthington Hills Park, take I-270 to Exit 22, and head north on OH 315. In 0.5 mile, find the Olentangy Valley Center on your right. The trailhead and parking are located in the southeast corner of the shopping center.

Though no designated trail parking lots are on the south end of the trail, its northern half has numerous parking spots in the parks that line the route. Visit the trail’s websites for details.

Where to Stay:

Moxy Columbus Short North
808 N. High Street
Columbus, OH  43215
Telephone:  614 412 7664

Where to Eat:

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
569 North High Street
Columbus, OH  43215
Telephone:  614 224 2204

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
• North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
• The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
• Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

• Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
• Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
• Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
• Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

• Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
• Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
• Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
• Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
• Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
• Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
• German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
• Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
• Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
• Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
• Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
• Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
• Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
• Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
• Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
• Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
• Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
• Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
• Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
• Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
• Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

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