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Historic Columbus Union Station Arch – Franklin Park loop from Columbus

Routes

Running trails & routes

Historic Columbus Union Station Arch – Franklin Park loop from Columbus

Hard

3.2

(26)

runners

Historic Columbus Union Station Arch – Franklin Park loop from Columbus

04:17

41.4km

140m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

293 m

Historic Columbus Union Station Arch

Highlight • Monument

The Union Station Arch stands 35 feet tall and is a Beaux-Arts structure designed by Daniel Burnham. This is the centerpiece of McFerson Commons Park, but it was originally part …

Tip by

862 m

View of Downtown Columbus and Scioto River

Highlight • Viewpoint

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 …

Tip by

5.52 km

Franklin Park

Highlight • Structure

Franklin Park is a 59-acre regional park and home to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The conservatory, which dates back to 1895, is listed on the National Register …

Tip by

6.38 km

Franklin Park Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has an array of exotic plants and offers educational programming. Franklin Park is known as a home to my artworks by Dale Chihuly, a world-famous glass artist.

Tip by

25.8 km

Mirror Lake

Highlight • Lake

Mirror Lake was integral in the decision of the founders of The Ohio State University to build the school where they did. This lake was once a spring and information …

Tip by

25.9 km

Mirror Lake, The Ohio State University

Highlight • Lake

Mirror Lake was integral in the decision of the founders of The Ohio State University to build the school where they did. This lake was once a spring and information …

Tip by

41.4 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

28.0 km

8.97 km

2.63 km

1.65 km

188 m

Surfaces

30.4 km

6.66 km

3.98 km

295 m

134 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Thursday 25 June

27°C

17°C

69 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a serious urban challenge that blends history, art, and green spaces, the Historic Columbus Union Station Arch – Franklin Park loop from Columbus is definitely worth your time. This difficult jogging route covers a substantial 25.7 miles (41.4 km) with 461 feet (141 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 4 hours and 16 minutes to complete. It's a demanding full-day effort best suited for experienced joggers with very good fitness who want to explore Columbus's diverse landscape on foot.

What to expect on Historic Columbus Union Station Arch – Franklin Park loop from Columbus

This extensive loop takes you on a journey through Columbus, primarily on paved and asphalt surfaces, with a few unpaved sections adding variety. You'll start near the iconic Historic Columbus Union Station Arch, a magnificent 35-foot tall Beaux-Arts structure in McFerson Commons Park, offering a glimpse into the city's past. As you continue, you'll enjoy sparkling water views and the city skyline along the Scioto River before heading towards Franklin Park. This 59-acre regional park is home to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where you can appreciate the historic architecture and Dale Chihuly's glass art. Be prepared for the sheer mileage; while the elevation isn't extreme, the distance makes this a true test of endurance.

Planning your visit

Given the significant length of this route, planning is key. Ensure you have very good fitness before attempting the full loop. The trail is mostly paved, making it suitable for jogging in most conditions, but always check the weather. Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days, as there are long stretches between amenities. While specific parking details aren't provided, you'll likely find parking options near McFerson Commons Park or Franklin Park, but arriving early is always a good idea for popular urban areas.