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Running Trails
United States
Ohio
Franklin County

Minerva Park

The best running trails around Minerva Park

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 1, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan your jogging routes around Minerva Park, Columbus, Ohio, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many paths and trails, it's tough to figure out which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, run, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best jogging routes Minerva Park has to offer, saving you the guesswork.

Jogging around Minerva Park feels like stepping into a green oasis. You'll find a charming blend of tree-lined streets, serene green spaces, and picturesque lakes and ponds that are remnants of its past. While the village itself offers accessible paths, its real strength lies in its connectivity to broader regional trails like the Alum Creek Trail and Big Walnut Trail, providing everything from easy jogs to more demanding runs. The mild temperatures and occasional rainfall throughout the year mean it's almost always a good time to hit the trails here.

If you're looking for a solid village experience, we'd start with the Running loop from Minerva Park, an 8.0-mile (12.9 km) route that winds through the heart of the green spaces. For a slightly shorter, more immersive nature run, the Sugarbush Trail – Brookside Trail loop from Blendon Woods Metro Park, at 5.2 miles (8.3 km), is a local favorite through wooded parkland. With more than 1,000 runners having explored Minerva Park with komoot, you're in good company. Dive in and discover your next favorite run!

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Alum Creek Trail – Westerville Sports Complex loop from Westerville
  2. 2

    Sugarbush Trail – Brookside Trail loop from Blendon Woods Metro Park
  3. 3

    Running loop from Minerva Park

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Alum Creek Trail – Westerville Sports Complex loop from Westerville

7.37 km

10 m

Moderate

Sugarbush Trail – Brookside Trail loop from Blendon Woods Metro Park

8.34 km

80 m

Moderate

Running loop from Minerva Park

13.2 km

40 m

Moderate

Aaron's Pond loop from Westerville

5.19 km

20 m

Moderate

Alum Creek Trail – Alum Creek Trail loop from Parks Mills

12.0 km

30 m

Moderate

Alum Creek loop from Westerville

13.4 km

20 m

Moderate

Running loop from Stygler Rd & Wendler Blvd

8.49 km

40 m

Moderate

Big Walnut Creek Path – Hoover Reservoir Park loop from Westerville

23.8 km

80 m

Hard

Alum Creek Bridge – Alum Creek Trail loop from Easton

13.0 km

30 m

Moderate

Hoover Reservoir Park – Big Walnut Creek Path loop from Blendon Township

8.64 km

20 m

Moderate

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1.

Alum Creek Trail – Westerville Sports Complex loop from Westerville

7.37km

00:45

10m

10m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2.

Sugarbush Trail – Brookside Trail loop from Blendon Woods Metro Park

8.34km

01:00

80m

80m

The Sugarbush Trail – Brookside Trail loop at Blendon Woods Metro Park offers a delightful and varied jogging experience, guiding you through diverse woodlands and open meadows. You'll traverse hard-packed dirt and crushed stone paths, crossing Ripple Rock Creek and enjoying the natural escape close to the city. Keep an eye out for songbirds and wild turkeys, especially in the meadow section of the Sugarbush Trail, which is a known hotspot for birdwatching. The route provides a pleasant journey through beech-maple and oak-hickory forests, showcasing stream-cut ravines and exposed ripple rock sandstone.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though you should be mindful of trail conditions. The Sugarbush Trail can get quite muddy after rain, so a dry spell before your jog will make for a more enjoyable experience. This moderate 5.2-mile (8.3 km) loop, with a gentle 253 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour to complete. While parking is available, pets are not allowed on most trails, so this isn't a dog-friendly option.

This loop is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Blendon Woods Metro Park, which is known for its interconnected trails totaling roughly 5 miles. The park's varied terrain, from well-drained paths to potentially muddy sections, offers a dynamic workout. It's an excellent choice for those seeking an easy to moderate jogging trail with plenty of natural features and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it one of the popular trails in the Columbus area for a quick nature fix.

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3.

Running loop from Minerva Park

13.2km

01:21

40m

40m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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7.

Running loop from Stygler Rd & Wendler Blvd

8.49km

00:54

40m

40m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8.

Big Walnut Creek Path – Hoover Reservoir Park loop from Westerville

23.8km

02:27

80m

80m

The Big Walnut Creek Path – Hoover Reservoir Park loop from Westerville offers a diverse jogging experience, blending paved sections with scenic views of Hoover Reservoir and Big Walnut Creek. You'll pass through woodlands and nature preserves, with chances to spot wildlife like American bald eagles, but also navigate segments alongside roads. This route is rated difficult, covering 14.8 miles (23.8 km) with 260 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 27 minutes to complete.

Planning your run means being ready for varied conditions; while much of the path is paved, some sections might be unpaved or require running alongside traffic, particularly near Sunbury Road. Shade can be limited in parts, so consider an early start or cooler weather. The trail connects to Westerville's wider B&W Route, but be aware that the Big Walnut Trail system is still under development, so continuous loops might involve navigating different segments.

This trail is notable for its connection to Hoover Reservoir, a vital water source surrounded by thousands of acres of parkland and nature preserves like Hoover Oxbow. It's part of a larger, developing Big Walnut Trail system aiming to stretch nearly 26 miles, enhancing regional connectivity and offering a significant natural escape within the Westerville area.

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Tips from the Community

Alex
January 7, 2025, Westerville Sports Complex

The Westerville Sports Complex is a spacious, family-friendly park featuring soccer fields, basketball courts, a playground, a shelter house, and paved multi-use paths. There is outdoor seating with views of the green space and 2 miles of paths encircling the complex, ideal for walking, running, or biking.

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Henner
December 6, 2024, Alum Creek Trail

Nice little jog along the water

Translated by Google

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Alum Creek Trails travels along one of Columbus's most scenic river corridors. Sections of the trail are also designated as part of the Ohio to Erie Trails and U.S. Bicycle Route 50.

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The Alum Creek Greenway is completely paved and totals roughly 25 miles. This northern terminus is located at West Main Street in Westerville and actually crosses under the bridge that goes over the creek.

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Alex
November 27, 2023, Aaron's Pond

Aaron's Pond and Park is a man-made pond with a fountain, right next to the Westerville Parks Foundation and community center. Here, visitors can find a pool with a lazy river, basketball courts, and a rock climbing wall. There is a wheelchair-accessible parking area and a paved, flat path around Aaron's Pond.

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The Alum Creek Greenway is completely paved and totals roughly 25 miles. This northern terminus is located at West Main Street in Westerville and actually crosses under the bridge that goes over the creek.

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AverieOutside
September 16, 2023, Sugarbush Trail

Sugarbush Trail is a popular birding trail within Blendon Woods Metro Park. Many species of migratory birds pass through the area in the shoulder seasons. This trail passes through woods before opening to a meadow.

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AverieOutside
September 15, 2023, Brookside Trail

Brookside Trail passes through Blendon Woods and over a small waterway. It is a great trail for an autumn walk to Lake Thoreau. The small brook that it crosses has sections of interesting geology of alluvial deposits and glacial till sediments. Visitors are encouraged to go off-trail to explore the hillside and forests of Blendon Woods Metro Park.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can I expect on the running routes around Minerva Park?

The running routes in and around Minerva Park offer a mix of terrain. Within the village, you'll find pleasant tree-lined streets and dedicated walking paths. For more extensive runs, nearby trails like the Alum Creek Trail loop from Minerva Park and the Sugarbush Trail – Brookside Trail loop from Blendon Woods Metro Park provide varied surfaces, often leading through wooded parkland and along scenic waterways.

Are there any easy running routes suitable for beginners in Minerva Park?

Yes, Minerva Park offers several accessible pathways ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed run. The village's green spaces and dedicated walking paths provide a gentle environment. For a specific example, the Running loop from Northgate is a moderate 3.9-mile (6.2 km) route that winds through local green spaces, offering a pleasant experience.

Can I bring my dog on the running trails in Minerva Park?

Minerva Park is generally dog-friendly, with many green spaces and paths suitable for running with your canine companion. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and adhere to any specific signage or regulations posted within the village or on specific trails, especially in nature preserves or metro parks.

Are there any family-friendly running paths in the Minerva Park area?

Absolutely! Minerva Park's dedicated walking paths and numerous green spaces are excellent for family-friendly runs. The serene environment and tree-lined streets make for a pleasant outing. Additionally, the village features playgrounds, which can be a great way to combine a run with other family activities.

What natural features or scenic views can I enjoy while jogging near Minerva Park?

Minerva Park is known for its natural beauty, including tree-lined streets, abundant green spaces, and scenic lakes and ponds. You might spot local wildlife like deer or geese. For more expansive natural views, routes like the Running loop from Edward S. Thomas Nature Preserve offer picturesque scenery within a nature preserve setting. You can also explore highlights like Hoover Reservoir Park or Alum Creek nearby.

Are there any loop running routes available around Minerva Park?

Yes, many of the popular running routes in the area are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore without retracing your steps. Examples include the Running loop from Northgate and the Alum Creek Trail loop from Minerva Park, which provide circular paths through various landscapes.

What do other runners say about the jogging experience in Minerva Park?

The running routes around Minerva Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 5 reviews. Over 700 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the serene village setting, abundant green spaces, and access to extensive regional trail networks.

How many running routes are available in the Minerva Park area?

There are over 70 running routes available for you to explore in and around Minerva Park, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. This includes a good mix of easy, moderate, and more challenging options.

Are there any longer running trails accessible from Minerva Park for more experienced runners?

For experienced runners looking for longer distances, Minerva Park offers easy access to extensive regional trail systems. The Alum Creek Trail loop from Minerva Park is a challenging 10.6-mile (17.1 km) route, and the Big Walnut Creek Path – Hoover Reservoir Park loop from Westerville extends to 15 miles (24.1 km), providing ample opportunity for longer runs.

What are the options for parking when visiting Minerva Park for a run?

Minerva Park, as a village, offers various parking options, including street parking in designated areas and potentially small lots near public green spaces or parks. When accessing larger regional trails like those at Blendon Woods Metro Park, dedicated parking facilities are typically available at the trailheads.

Are there any cafes or places to get refreshments near the running routes in Minerva Park?

While Minerva Park itself is a residential village, its location within Columbus, Ohio, means there are cafes and refreshment options in nearby areas. You'll find various establishments in the surrounding suburbs like Westerville or Gahanna, which are easily accessible by car after your run.

What is the best season to go running in Minerva Park?

Minerva Park offers a pleasant running experience throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming flora or vibrant autumn leaves. Summer can be enjoyable, especially on tree-lined paths offering shade. Winter running is possible, but conditions may vary, so checking local weather and trail conditions is advisable.

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