Hike the REI River Trail at Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks’ Scioto Grove Metro Park

Filled with towering trees and running alongside the gentle flow of the Scioto River, the REI River Trail promises a fun, low-difficulty hike. The 3.6-mile, out-and-back trek has backpacking sites along the way for camping and, thanks to its shorter length, provides a place where younger or beginner backpackers can practice their skills for longer adventures. 

Located within the Columbus suburb of Grove City’s 620-acre Scioto Grove Metro Park, the trail is just part of the draw here. There are also 3D archery courses, a playground, fire tower and opportunities for fishing. 

Park at the Hickory Picnic Area parking lot and follow the Multipurpose Trail to the Overlook Trail for a short walk that connects to the northern end of the REI River Trail. The Scioto River runs to the east of the path, and several outlets provide access to the water’s edge. Once hikers come to the first fork in the path, they will see the first backpacking site come into view as they continue along the route. 

As the dirt path turns to a grassy straightaway, hikers will see the second and third backpacking sites. The path continues past the park’s two archery areas and a scenic overlook platform before heading to the end of the trail where one of its most well-known features awaits: a swinging bridge that crosses Grant Run. 

After crossing the bridge, hikers can either continue to the Mingo Trail and lengthen their hike (it covers an additional 2.5 miles and includes the park’s fourth and fifth backpacking sites) or head back the way they came, either retracing the route or making a left onto the Overlook Trail just past the second backpacking site, which leads back to the Hickory Picnic Area parking lot. 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City 43123, 614/949-1078, metroparks.net

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