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Olentangy River – Olentangy River Trail loop from Capital University
63.0km
03:35
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 4, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Groveport, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many trails and greenways, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the good stuff, not endless scrolling.
That's exactly why we've put together this guide. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless miles here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best touring cycling routes Groveport has to offer. Consider this your shortcut to discovering the real character of cycling in this part of Ohio. You'll find mostly flat to gently rolling terrain, perfect for accessible rides that follow scenic river corridors and connect to fantastic metro parks like Three Creeks. The extensive network of paved trails, well-integrated into the Central Ohio Greenway system, means you can link up for some serious long-distance touring.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Olentangy River – Olentangy River Trail loop from Capital University. At 39.1 miles (62.9 km), it’s a moderate route that truly captures the essence of river-side cycling here. For a slightly shorter, equally rewarding experience that connects urban green spaces, the Franklin Park Conservatory – Three Creeks Metro Park loop from Blacklick Estates, at 24.1 miles (38.7 km), is a fantastic choice. With more than 100 touring cyclists already exploring Groveport with komoot, you're in good company. Dive in and find your next favorite ride!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olentangy River – Olentangy River Trail loop from Capital University | 63.0 km | 180 m | Moderate |
| Franklin Park Conservatory – Three Creeks Metro Park loop from Blacklick Estates | 38.8 km | 80 m | Moderate |
| Bike loop from Groveport | 30.9 km | 50 m | Easy |
| Three Creeks Metro Park – Heron Pond loop from Catalpa Park | 41.0 km | 70 m | Moderate |
| Turtle Pond loop from Lumbercraft | 15.4 km | 20 m | Easy |
63.0km
03:35
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
38.8km
02:14
80m
80m
Embark on a pleasant touring bicycle journey through the heart of Central Ohio, connecting natural greenways with urban attractions. This route guides you along the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail, winding through serene wooded areas and open fields, before reaching the expansive Three Creeks Metro Park. Here, you'll witness the confluence of three creeks and have opportunities to spot diverse wildlife like great blue herons and deer, making for a scenic and engaging ride.
This moderate 24.1 miles (38.8 km) loop, with a gentle 266 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete. The majority of the ride is on smooth, paved multi-use trails, making it accessible for most touring cyclists. While the route is generally easy to navigate, be aware that some sections, especially within Blacklick Woods Metro Park, might feature hard-packed crushed limestone, and you could encounter minor tree root uplift on paved parts.
This loop is a fantastic way to experience the Central Ohio Greenways system, showcasing its extensive network that links parks and natural areas. Three Creeks Metro Park, a significant hub along the route, is renowned for its rich habitat and serves as a prime location for wildlife viewing. The seamless transition from natural creek corridors to the cultivated beauty of Franklin Park Conservatory highlights the diverse ecosystems you'll traverse.
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30.9km
01:47
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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41.0km
02:21
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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15.4km
00:54
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This paved multiuse trail is one of the most popular in Columbus. It provides a great transportation corridor along the Olentangy River, linking users up with neighborhoods, recreation opportunities, local businesses, and the simple opportunity to enjoy some time by the water.
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With the sparkling water in front of you and the city skyline in the background, this is a great place to stop and take in the view. It's especially great on calm, clear nights when the city lights reflect of the water.
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Turtle Pond is located near the Alum Creek Trail. With a short detour, you can visit the pond and take a quick stop to enjoy the scenery.
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This park derives its name from the confluence where Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks come together. It comprises five areas with separate entrances, all interconnected, offering a variety of routes to explore.
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The Olentangy River reaches 97 miles from Morrow County through Delaware County to Columbus, where it meets the Scioto at Confluence Park. Originally called "Keenhongsheconsepung," meaning "sharp tool river," settlers renamed it "Whetstone River" before a legislative mix-up in 1833 assigned it the name "Olentangy." The river serves as a drinking water source for Delaware County, while the Delaware State Park Reservoir is used for flood control. Restoration efforts, including dam removals, have reduced the river’s width and improved ecology.
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Alum Creek streches 58 miles until it drains into the Scioto River. The creek porvides drinking water source for Westerville, and historicly 2,000 years ago, the Adena built mounds along its valley, later inhabited by the Lenape tribe. During the War of 1812, locals built defensive blockhouses, such as Fort Cheshire, a vital role in the Underground Railroad, with the Sycamore Trail aiding escaped slaves. Today, Alum Creek flows through Alum Creek Lake, Westerville, and Columbus before joining Big Walnut Creek at Three Creeks Metro Park.
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This 22-mile trail is one of the most important cycling routes in Columbus, connecting neighborhoods and Ohio State University to some of the city's best attractions: Natural areas, historical sites, cultural areas, and more.
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This 92-acre park has a rain garden, picnic tables, athletic fields and some woods. It also serves as the trailhead for the Blacklick Creek Trail.
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Yes, many routes are suitable for beginners due to the flat to gently rolling terrain. For example, the Bike loop from Groveport is an easy 19.2-mile ride through local parklands. There are several other easy routes available, making the area accessible for various skill levels.
Routes vary in length, offering options for different preferences. You can find shorter rides like the Turtle Pond loop from Lumbercraft at about 9.5 miles (15.3 km), up to longer excursions such as the Olentangy River – Olentangy River Trail loop from Berwick, which is approximately 39.2 miles (63.1 km).
Yes, the paved trails and generally flat terrain make many routes suitable for families. Routes that connect to metro parks, like those around Three Creeks Metro Park, often provide safe and enjoyable environments for all ages.
Many of the metro parks and public trails in the Groveport area are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before you go, but generally, you'll find opportunities to cycle with your leashed canine companion.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Groveport are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Bike loop from Groveport and the Franklin Park Conservatory – Three Creeks Metro Park loop from Blacklick Estates, allowing you to return to your starting location without retracing your path.
The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Groveport, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it's advisable to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on trails.
The routes in Groveport offer a blend of natural scenery and urban parkland. You'll often find yourself cycling along river corridors, through green spaces, and connecting to local metro parks like Three Creeks Metro Park. The topography is generally low-lying, providing a peaceful and accessible ride.
Along the routes, you can explore various natural and recreational highlights. You might encounter serene spots like Heron Pond or Turtle Pond. The routes also connect to larger areas like Three Creeks Metro Park, offering diverse landscapes and facilities.
There are 7 touring cycling routes detailed in this guide, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes have been explored and rated by over 100 touring cyclists in the komoot community.
The touring cycling routes around Groveport are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from nearly 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the accessible paved paths, the scenic river trails, and the connections to well-maintained metro parks, making for enjoyable and varied rides.
Yes, several routes incorporate or connect to metro parks. For instance, the Three Creeks Metro Park – Heron Pond loop from Catalpa Park takes you directly through the popular Three Creeks Metro Park, offering a blend of natural beauty and park amenities.
The touring cycling routes around Groveport are characterized by their generally low-lying topography with minimal elevation changes. You'll find flat to gently rolling terrain, making for a less strenuous ride compared to more mountainous regions. For example, the Bike loop from Groveport has only about 46 meters of elevation gain.


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