Alum Creek Park South truly lives up to its reputation as a peaceful and exceptionally well-maintained oasis on the edge of the city. This park is a vibrant hub of activity and natural beauty, perfectly situated along the Alum Creek Trail - a remarkable 17-mile stretch that's the longest completed bike path in the entire Columbus area and a vital part of Ohio's Greenway system.
One of my favorite features is the impressive hill you can climb for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the entire park, revealing all its incredible amenities. Here, you'll find Columbus's only public outdoor hockey rink (a wonderful spot for youth to learn to play!), a challengy BMX track (wich is currently closed -- a new track is currently under construction), and, of course, the serene recreational path winding along the Alum Creek. The park also boasts fantastic playgrounds, a peaceful pond for fishing, and ample paved parking that conveniently serves as a temporary trailhead for cyclists.
As an avid touring cyclist and someone who values accessible outdoor spaces, I make an effort to visit this park whenever I can. Whether it's for a quick break during my workday or a peaceful stop before heading to my dialysis clinic, this park offers a rejuvenating escape. If you're a touring cyclist passing through or a local looking for diverse outdoor activities, Alum Creek Park South is an absolute must-visit. You'll be glad...
Read moreAllen Creek State Park South is a hidden gem that offers a perfect escape into nature. Nestled in a serene environment, this park is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the lush greenery and well-maintained trails, making it perfect for hiking and exploring the great outdoors.
The park features a variety of scenic trails that cater to all skill levels. I enjoyed a leisurely hike that provided stunning views of the surrounding landscape and abundant wildlife. The tranquility of the area is truly refreshing, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In addition to hiking, the park offers picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, making it a great place for a family outing or a gathering with friends. The facilities are clean and well-kept, enhancing the overall experience.
What sets Allen Creek State Park South apart is its sense of community. I encountered friendly fellow visitors who shared their love for the park, making the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend Allen Creek State Park South for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful...
Read moreThis is an open area that has been turned into a recreational area. It looks like a clearing along the Alum Creek Trail, cleared out, and a sled hill was added, along with a roller hockey rink, and a skatepark. It looks like the bmx trail was an after though to keep the bikes off the skatepark. There is a very small parking lot, maybe 15 spaces, with at least 3 of them handicapped. I think with a turn out for any single activity, there would be no parking.
There is no good place to "get ready" or work on equipment. I saw a bench on one side, and there were bleachers for the hockey rink. The skate park had no covered area to work on your board, and no paved area either. The bmx area was all dirt, and again no area to work on things. The same for the rink. That makes it spill into the parking lot, and like I said, that is very small.
There was a port-a-potty. One. No covered area.
The park is in the middle of a few developed properties. You could maybe park at them, but I'm sure they would tow you. There is a road you could park on, but it is narrow. I don't know if you would get a ticket or towed for parking off the side...
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