The last time I ran the Dripping Rock Trail the ground was bare and dry. Winter brought record snow this year which made for a picturesque scene. Evidently folks use these trails regardless of season as the path was well packed. Traction at 35 F was fair to poor especially on the steeper inclines. The park is named for the 110 foot bluff that overlooks the Olentangy River. There are more trail settings on this river downstream but the environment is decidedly urban.
Arrive by car if possible because of traffic congestion, noise and fumes on State Rte 23. Once inside the park though it’s solitude and refuge. Splendid natural hardwood forests are on view from all sides. There are some ups and downs and an occasional switchback but the trail is wide hard pack crushed rock. Quite a few people take exercise here in the Highbanks Metro Park. I sampled the Dripping Rock Trail which is a marked loop.
View Map of the downtown Convention Center and Arena District to Dodge Park and Confluence Park. The multi-purpose trail is asphalt and concrete. The city skyline is aways in sight with several historic buildings and parks along side the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers. [ gmaps pedometer ]
Downtown to Ohio State University. At the apex of Confluence Park cross the street and join the bike trail northbound. The din of traffic abates slightly once you cross the river at 3rd Street. This is the Olentangy Trail. Wide asphalt and generally level. [ Gmaps Pedometer ] 3 miles. 
The WARNING-Sewage Overflow sign post didn’t deter the urban vagrant who chose to dip his fishhook anyhow. The Upper Scioto Trail shadows the Confluence of the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers and industrial decay. The section that I ran offers a view of the downtown high rise skyline from paved greenway. The Olentangy Trail is on the ToDo list for next visit. 
The Alum Creek Leisure Path is paved multipurpose greenway, sections of which are subject to closure when the creek has highwater. It is convenient to the ES Corporate Exchange. [ Gmaps Pedometer ] Columbus to Westerville if you turn North or Strawberry Farms Park and beyond when heading South.
I joined the West Loop Trail from Long St. in downtown Columbus. From there I turned south for Lower Scioto Park. The river offers some natural scenery contrasting with skyscraper buildings and the roar of traffic. The multi-use path is 2.2 miles of concrete and pavement. At the end of the return run, a worth while stop is North Market.
