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5 Best Biking Trails and Paths Near Columbus, OH

Biking trails | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH
Cycling is a great way to explore the great outdoors, and in Columbus, OH, there's plenty of room to roam. Miles of biking trails wind through the city itself and for long distances outside the limits, giving riders the perfect excuse for a summer's day in the saddle. Whether you prefer skylines or trees, you're sure to find the perfect trail out there for you

1. Scioto Trail

The first greenway in the city of Columbus, Scioto Trail, has been a local favorite since its completion in 1976. Sections of the trail follow both banks of the Scioto River, with fantastic views of the Columbus skyline. The most popular section of the trail is the well-known Scioto Mile, with a string of promenades and local landmarks. The main trailhead is at the southern end of the trail, in the beautiful Audubon Nature Centre, and the trail also directly connects to another major Columbus Trail, the Olentangy Trail.

2. Olentangy Trail

One of the most popular ways for visitors to see Columbus is via the Olentangy Trail, which follows the route of the Olentangy River through the Ohio State University Campus. The trail starts in the downtown community of Worthington and has trailheads in several of the city's major parks, including Whetstone Park.

3. Chestnut Ridge Trail

Located just a few miles southeast of the city, the Chestnut Ridge Trail offers a great mountain biking experience. The trail system is over ten miles long and offers trail difficulties suitable for everyone, including a professionally-built flow trail with some tricky technical sections for seasoned riders. The ridge is surprisingly steep with some tough climbs to tackle – it's actually the start of the Appalachian Mountain range.

4. Dillon State Park

Located just under an hour's drive to the east of Columbus, close to the town of Zanesville, OH, Dillon State Park has an excellent stacked trail system to keep mountain bikers entertained all day long. Over 15 miles of track include flowing singletrack downhills, challenging climbs and accents, and some excellent rock gardens to navigate. However, despite this, the trails tend to be very short on markers and it's quite easy to lose your way so take a map with you when you go.

5. Big Walnut Trail

This newly-renovated trail runs through several of central Columbus's parks, starting in Three Creeks Metro Park and running through numerous parks before terminating ten miles later at Hoover Reservoir, a beautiful spot to stop for a bite to eat while overlooking the water. Previously several disparate sections of trail, new works are currently being undertaken to connect the various sections, but it might still be worth taking a map to help keep you on track. This list is just a short selection of the many fantastic bike trails near Columbus that you can explore, so grab your bike, head out there and see what you can find!
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Live music | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Drive on Over: 4 Popular Live Music Venues in and Around Columbus, OH

There are a lot of exciting activities and attractions to check out in Columbus, OH, including some of the best music venues featuring a number of different bands and musicians. One of the most fun ways to spend a night is to visit one or two of these awesome spots, so check out the list below to see which ones are the most popular in your area! 1. A&R Music Bar Whether you're looking to discover new local musicians or are searching for which bands are touring through the city, this cool spot features a wide range of different shows for you to enjoy. The friendly staff is always ready to make you feel comfortable in any way they can, and the doors are always open, so you can easily take a breath of fresh air whenever you feel like it. Enjoy the awesome atmosphere that this intimate stage and stylish decor provide every night. more 2. The King of Clubs This venue is one of the most visited spots in the city for many reasons. You can watch from the balconies above or hit the floor below for some dancing, but anywhere you choose to stand gives you a great view of the stage. The King of Clubs offers a lot of different genres but is particularly popular among rock fans. Order something to eat or drink while you're here – just remember to drink responsibly when ordering from their bar. 3. Big Room Bar If you want a place that values local talent and music history above all else, come to the Big Room Bar. This is quite an intimate spot, yet there's plenty of room for you to take to the dance floor with your friends! If you're ever in need of some fresh air, the patio outside provides a relaxing environment to chill out whenever you'd like. Getting to this place couldn't be easier, and the great parking available makes it one of the best places to drive to. 4. Woodlands Tavern With two stages and plenty of space for you and your friends to hang out, Woodlands Tavern has remained one of the most beloved spots for over a decade now. There are a lot of musical performances to enjoy at this place, but it also has TVs, a pool table, and other games for you to keep yourself entertained. Their craft beer is always ready, along with daily specials and a menu of delicious tacos, sandwiches, and more. When it comes to finding places that can provide you with the best up-and-coming bands and musicians, there's arguably no better place than this city. If you're ever in the area, you can't go wrong by checking out one of these fun spots – start making your plans today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Ohio Statehouse | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Drive Around Town: 3 Local Attractions to Visit Near Columbus, OH

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