Alum Creek

Norm

Mayor McCheese
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Alum Creek State Park

Suddenly we're in Ohio. I don't know how this happened but here we are. Best to sit back, relax, and try to enjoy it. As a general rule, at least in my mind, Ohio isn't really a destination state for biking. But now and again you find yourself here so you should make the best of it.

Here we are making the best of it. As far as cities goes, Columbus is turning into a cool little place to visit. Obviously, if you're from the state, you're familiar with OSU and their football program. Columbus is both the geographical as well as philosophical/metaphorical center of this state.

If you find yourself here and need a ride, Alum Creek is definitely a stop worth making. I wasn't expecting much, and it far, far exceeded those expectations.

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Getting There/Parking

Columbus is a long way from NJ. It's highly unlikely that you'll be planning a trip here just to bike. So let's assume you're already here. The park is north of the city center by 20-30 minutes depending where you're staying, and the time of day.

Since there are 2 distinct elements of the park, you can park in the north side for phase 2, or the south side for phase 1.

General Ride/Trail Notes

As mentioned, this park is divided into sections. After reading TF I decided to hit the north, or Phase 2 side.
  1. Phase II - a 5.5 mile loop that is a combination of Raystown and Six Mile. This is incredibly fun
  2. Phase I - another 5.5 mile loop that is presumably loaded with roots and less fun, also older
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Routes
  • August 2024 here - ride this CCW, twice to get a good ride in
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Media



Trip Planner

I may throw together a Columbus ride planner at some point but right now let's assume you are not here for a MTB weekend.

Food & Drink

I've been to Columbus 3 times in 2024 and the list of places to eat & drink here grows each time. This specific park isn't really near anything, so my recommendation would basically be: "Go back to town and find something."

If/when I put together a Columbus trip page, I will include some of my favorite places to stop while here.

Links
 
Next up - Ohio!

Imagine my surprise when I checked the Strava segments and 2 people I know have ridden here. I assumed there was no chance anyone I knew had ever been here. But I was wrong!

If you are in Columbus for whatever reason and need to ride your bike, this park is actually a lot of fun. I am here 1 more day and plan to hit this loop early morning before I hit the road.

That said, I cannot, in good faith, recommend driving all the way to Ohio just to ride your mountain bike.
 
I lived in northeast Ohio from 95' - 2000 I belonged to NOMBA, there were a lot of little places to ride but nothing great. That was a long time ago. Glad you made the best of it 👍
 
I lived in northeast Ohio from 95' - 2000 I belonged to NOMBA, there were a lot of little places to ride but nothing great. That was a long time ago. Glad you made the best of it 👍

That's been my experience. Impressed with the work they have done, but the options are limited. I Was tipped off to a place called Baileys maybe 1.5 hours from here that looks pretty solid. And I am told Mohican is good.
 
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