Parks and Trails Near Northern Woods in Columbus, Ohio

Nina Afshani

Oct 7

2 min read

For a lot of renters, the outdoors matters as much as the floor plan. A neighborhood with real green space nearby changes how you spend a Saturday morning, whether that's a long run, a dog walk, a bike ride, or a picnic with the kids. The Northern Woods area of Northeast Columbus is better positioned for this than most people expect.

Metro Parks Within Easy Reach

Central Ohio's Metro Parks system includes several large parks around Westerville and the northeast side of Columbus, all free to enter:

● Sharon Woods Metro Park: more than 750 acres with Schrock Lake, paved trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a large nature preserve with gravel nature trails

● Blendon Woods Metro Park: roughly 650 acres with a nature center, observation shelters, picnic areas, and a sledding hill in winter

● Inniswood Metro Gardens: about 120 acres of botanical gardens, woodland paths, and wildflowers, a quieter option for a slow walk

● Rocky Fork Metro Park: walking trails plus a dog park and an off-leash dog trail

● Char-Mar Ridge Park: a ravine trail system with birdwatching and a natural play area

Trails for Running and Biking

The Alum Creek multi-use trail runs for roughly 25 miles through the area and is a popular choice for runners, cyclists, and walkers who want a longer, continuous route rather than a loop. Closer to home, smaller neighborhood parks, including Northern Woods Park with its shaded play area, are good for a quick evening walk when you don't want to drive anywhere.

Why This Matters When You're Choosing an Apartment

● Free, nearby green space can replace a gym membership or a long weekend drive for exercise and fresh air

● Dog owners get places to walk and, in some parks, designated off-leash areas

● Families get playgrounds, nature centers, and open space without paying for entertainment

● Working from home or working long hours is easier when a trail is a short drive away for a reset

Woodcroft Apartments: Close to Green Space in Northern Woods

Woodcroft Apartments sits in the Northern Woods area of Columbus, a short drive from these parks and trails, with quick access to State Route 161, I-270, and I-71 for everything else. Our one bedroom, one bath and two bedroom, one bath homes run from $950 to $1,250 a month, and each includes a fully equipped kitchen, side-by-side washer and dryer hookups, central air and heat, and spacious walk-in closets with extra storage for bikes, gear, and outdoor equipment.

The community has a pool, ample on-site parking, and 24/7 emergency maintenance, with water, sewer, and garbage included in rent. Residents can pay rent and submit maintenance requests online. The property is pet friendly, subject to size and breed restrictions, a pet deposit, and monthly pet rent, so your dog can come along on the trails.

Come See the Neighborhood

Call 614-985-1950 or email leasing@continentcolumbus.com to schedule a tour. More details are available at woodcroftapt.com.

Park acreage and features are drawn from public Metro Parks and local tourism listings and may change. Confirm hours, rules, and current trail conditions with Metro Parks before visiting, and confirm drive times from the property to any park when you tour.