Outbound Collective logo

Columbus, Ohio

Top Spots in and near Columbus

  • Scioto River, Ohio

    Fly Fish the Scioto River in Columbus

    Urban fly fishing, a unique and exciting way to explore any city. Whether it is for bass, trout, carp, or panfish almost every city has a pond or river that offers the chance to connect with nature and experience nearby adventures. The Scioto River in Columbus, Ohio is just one of four major rive...
    Read more
  • Columbus, Ohio

    Blendon Woods Loop

    1.97 mi / 112 ft gain
    Blendon Woods Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Columbus, Ohio.
    Read more
  • Dublin, Ohio

    Photograph Hayden Run Falls

    2.0
    A great evening getaway while in Columbus, Hayden Run Falls is easy to access. The path to the falls is a well-maintained boardwalk above the floodplain of the Scioto River, just a little over a 0.1 mile in length. The boardwalk takes you right up to the very foot of the 35 foot tall waterfall, a...
    Read more
  • Grove City, Ohio

    Hike through Scioto Grove Metro Park

    4.0
    7 mi
    New in May 2016, the Scioto Grove Metro Park has about 600 acres of land in Grove City, OH. There are more than 7 total miles of connecting trails as well as picnic areas and jungle gyms.Easy to navigate, there are park maps at all major trail junctions, which makes this hike enjoyable for all. ...
    Read more
  • Westerville, Ohio

    Hike the Overlook-Hickory Ridge-Brookside Trail

    4.0
    1.6 mi
    This gravel woods path at Blendon Woods Metropark, just over 1.5 miles, is perfect for a quick hike when visiting the city! You may be close to Ohio's capitol city, but you feel far away in the woods of this park.  Come into the main entrance and turn right at the Ranger Station.  Park near the n...
    Read more
  • Spindler Road Starting Point, Ohio

    Hike the Mudsock Trail

    4.0
    1.5 mi / 0 ft gain
    This trail begins at a dog park and meanders alongside farm fields and creeks. Stay to the right at the first fork to begin the Mudsock Trail. The second fork in the trail results in a loop that meets up with itself and continues on. Depending on the amount of plant growth/season, there is a trai...
    Read more
  • Dublin, Ohio

    Photograph Indian Run Falls

    4.0
    1 mi
    Indian Run Falls is a family friendly destination for the metro lifestyle. Sitting just outside downtown Dublin, the falls are easily accessible from the nearby parking lot, with the roar of the fall audible as soon as you get out of your car. For those seeking a hike, there is a 1/2 mile trail t...
    Read more
  • Lewis Center, Ohio

    Hike the Overlook-Dripping Rock Loop

    5.0
    4.8 mi / 100 ft gain
    Starting at the nature center near the entrance of the park, the 2.5 mile long Dripping Rock Trail heads off in two directions, to the south and to the west. Either way will take you back to the nature center at the end of the day. Going west takes you past an observation deck and then along a de...
    Read more
  • Galloway, Ohio

    Hike the Darby Creek Greenway

    9.6 mi / 50 ft gain
    Starting your hike from the Cedar Ridge Picnic Area, head north along the Darby Creek Greenway, a well-maintained gravel path that is a multi-use trail alongside cyclists and trail runners. The trail switches between a number of different settings during the 4.7 mile one-way trek, including fores...
    Read more
  • West Jefferson, Ohio

    Fly Fish Big Darby Creek at Prairie Oaks Metro Park

    The Big Darby Creek is just one of four National Scenic Rivers in Ohio. Exploring and fly fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass, or panfish is just one way for you to experience the river near the Prairie Oaks Metro Park. Located within a thirty-minute drive from downtown Columbus, the Prairie O...
    Read more
  • West Jefferson, Ohio

    Hike the Darby Creek Trail

    4.0
    2.6 mi / 30 ft gain
    Parking at the Whispering Oaks Picnic Area on the west side of the park, start on the Darby Greenway Trail and follow it north across the river until you reach the beginning of the Lake View Trail. This 0.9 mile trail takes you along the largest of the Darby Bend Lakes, and even takes you past a ...
    Read more
  • Lewis Center, Ohio

    Out of Africa Trail

    3.15 mi / 131 ft gain
    Out of Africa Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Galena, Ohio.
    Read more
  • Plain City, Ohio

    Run the Ironweed Trail in Glacier Ridge Metro Park

    4.0
    2.8 mi
    From the main entrance on the north side of the park, the Ironweed Trail connects the northern, more wooded section of the park with the wetlands to the south. This 2.8 mile one-way trail is paved, making cycling, running, and hiking an easy activity. The topography of the park also makes it easy...
    Read more
  • Plain City, Ohio

    Conquer the Glacier Ridge Challenge Course

    0.25 mi
    This quarter mile course is perfect for those looking for athletic competition, fun challenges, or ninja training. It is located adjacent to the parking lots in the main area of Glacier Ridge Metro Park, so there will always be plenty of parking for your group. There are water fountains at the be...
    Read more
  • Rockbridge, Ohio

    Hike to Ramona Lake

    11 mi / 1600 ft gain
    Starting at the Creekside Meadows Parking Lot, follow the Creekside Meadows Trail for 0.3 of a mile until it forks into two trails. Follow the left fork towards the road, and as soon as you cross the road, the Cemetery Ridge Trail begins. Once across Clear Creek Road, the trail gains elevation fa...
    Read more
  • Rockbridge, Ohio

    Hike the Cantwell Cliffs Loop

    5.0
    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    Cantwell Cliffs is one of the more northern units of the overall Hocking Hills State Park Region. Located off of OH SR 374, a short 0.1 spur trail takes you from the parking lot to the rim of the gorge and the area's namesake cliffs. From there, you have two choices: Turn left and descend through...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Columbus

Alum Creek Below Dam Area
Galena, Ohio

Alum Creek Below Dam Area

Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA Holiday
Buckeye Lake, Ohio

Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA Holiday

Delaware Lake Damsite Shelters
Delaware, Ohio

Delaware Lake Damsite Shelters

Sunbury / Columbus North KOA Holiday
Sunbury, Ohio

Sunbury / Columbus North KOA Holiday

Deer Creek Lake Day Use
Williamsport, Ohio

Deer Creek Lake Day Use

Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir   Dam Site (Oh)
2630 Croft Road

Cj Brown Dam And Reservoir Dam Site (Oh)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Columbus

8 Trails you must hike in Hocking Hills State Park

8 Trails you must hike in Hocking Hills State Park

Abby Shepard

10 Photos That Will Convince You Hocking Hills Is Straight out of The Lord of the Rings

10 Photos That Will Convince You Hocking Hills Is Straight out of The Lord of the Rings

Katie Y