With the Polar Vortex and snowstorms of 2019 finally behind us, it’s time to get out, stretch your legs, and soak up some Vitamin D. Columbus-area residents have plenty of spring hiking opportunities to choose from. If you live at The Charles at Bexley, in particular, you can access a number of beautiful trails literally steps from your door. Add in a day or weekend trip to one of the beautiful areas outside of Columbus, and you’ll find your cabin fever cured in no time.

Daily Jaunts

The Alum Creek Trail

Across the street from The Charles at Bexley lies the local gem known as the Alum Creek Trail. This paved path is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, offering the sights and sounds of bird-filled trees and a burbling creek among picturesque bridges and parks. Get a breath of fresh air at Alum Creek!  

Columbus Metro Parks

Explore wildflowers, wetlands, prairies, and woods just minutes from The Charles at one of 19 natural areas in the Columbus Metro Parks system. Wind down at the end of the day with an invigorating hike, and when you have a bit more time, celebrate the season with boating, horseback riding, or a round of disc golf.

The Scioto Mile

Can’t decide between a city or nature walk? You don’t have to! The Scioto Mile is a 145-acre urban oasis located along the riverfront in downtown Columbus, connecting city and river through an integrated system of parks, bikeways, and pedestrian paths that will turn your cabin fever to spring fever.

Weekend Adventures

Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills area offers a spring wonderland of caves, waterfalls, and wildflowers within an immense network of 9 state park and nature preserves, 3 state forests, a national forest, and plenty of local and metro parks. Whether you choose to stay in a tent, cabin, bed and breakfast, or luxury treehouse, you’ll spend just an hour or so on the road to reach your perfect weekend hiking getaway.

Mohican Valley

Feel your stress melt away in the spring sunshine as you hike, birdwatch, and soak in all the natural beauty the Mohican Valley has to offer. Mohican State Park, located five miles south of downtown Loudonville, features 13 miles of hiking trails with an additional 32 miles of hiking trails accessible in the adjacent state forest. When it’s time to rest your feet, try horseback riding, ziplining, canoeing or relaxing at one of the area’s many campgrounds or cabins–less than 90 minutes away from Columbus!

Ready to get out and about this spring? When you live at The Charles at Bexley, it’s easy to find ways to enjoy the outdoors. To take a look at our community, where nature is just a stone’s skip away, visit The Charles at Bexley.