Columbus City Parks: 422 Parks and 14,000 Acres of Urban Green Space
Trail Map
Interactive map showing the trail route for Columbus City Parks: 422 Parks and 14,000 Acres of Urban Green Space. The map displays topographic information and trail markers.
Elevation Profile
Elevation data not available for this trail.
Chart showing elevation changes along the trail distance. Hover or focus on the chart to see specific elevation values at each point.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department over sees 422 parks across 14,069 acres, making it one of the largest city park systems in the Midwest.
I have compiled a list of the parks and since there are so many I am breaking it down by letter of the alphabet A to Z with each letter having its own blog.
If no address or amenities are listed, I have included that note in my lists.
Here is an example of the 422 parks in Columbus have to offer:
Trail hiking: Head for parks with greenway trailheads like Academy, Alexander, and Portman, which connect to broader networks.
Immersive nature: Visit any of the 25 designated nature preserves or conservation areas such as Abbie Trails Parkland and Albany Wetlands.
Water views: Parks like Albany Crossing, Alkire Lakes, and Airport Golf Course feature lakes, ponds, or riverfronts.
Wildlife watching: Seek out “woods and wildlife areas” and visit early morning or evening for best sightings.
Quick escapes: Small parks such as 15th Avenue Street Park (0.4 acres) offer instant relaxation on busy days.
For more detailed information about the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, here is the website:
Most parks are free to visit and are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entry is free, though golf courses may charge fees. Pets are generally welcome if leashed, but it’s best to check the specific rules for each park.
Conclusion:
Columbus is home to one of Ohio’s best urban park systems, featuring hundreds of parks, miles of scenic trails, and dozens of nature preserves to discover. These aren’t just ordinary city spaces—they’re true natural escapes that bring people together, protect wildlife, and offer endless opportunities for adventure.
