The Lower Scioto Greenway Trail (also known as the Scioto Trail) is a very popular route among runners in Columbus. Known as the city’s first greenway trail, the paved multi-use path travels along the downtown riverfront, connecting some of the most popular neighborhoods in Columbus, and serves as the trailhead for several parks including Scioto Audubon, North Bank, Bicentennial, and Battelle. The trail is also widely known for serving as the spine of the famous Scioto Mile, a string of prominent parks, civic landmarks, and promenades. Pro tip: The trail tends to be plowed, especially between North Bank Park and the Rich Street Bridge, on both sides of the Scioto River.

The main part of the Scioto Trail is the ~7 miles running mainly along the east side of the Scioto River. From downtown, run for up to 4 miles south to Berliner Sports Park, or west for ~3 miles to Grandview. There’s a spur at the west end which goes to McKinley Ave., using the 550-foot-long Scioto River Hilltop Bridge Connector. There are river views a good part of the way. We think the section from downtown headed south is the more scenic, especially through Scioto Audubon Park, including a trailhead at the Audubon Nature Center.

There’s also a 1.8 mile section along the west side of the river, between Dodge Park and N Souder Ave.

Add-Ons & Connections to Additional Trails:  At the north edge of downtown, connect to the Olentangy Trail, which runs north for up to 13 miles along the Olentangy River. At the west end @McKinley, use the Hilltop Bridge Connector (pedestrian bridge) to connect to the Chase Camp Trail, which goes west for 16 miles. We also like running in the Grandview Heights neighborhood, just east of the northern end of the trail (use 5th Ave.).