Back in my old stomping grounds for a ride, and this is a good place. The trail is an old railroad right of way, so it is flat and straight. Not necessarily the most fun way to ride, but it is still pretty, the trail is in good shape, and you can get up some good speed. Passes through a couple of parks, and ends at Cosgray; Hilliard needs to connect things up on that end. The other end, which I didn’t reach today, is out in the middle of the country. It was very handy for me when I lived out that way, and let me ride for exercise and pleasure but also gave me a way to get into town to run errands on my bike, drop off my car for service and ride home, etc. A great trail, for biking or jogging, and a nice addition to the community.
Justin J.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Galloway, OH
Did this trail for the first time this morning, at the suggestion of my wife’s coworker. It’s pretty straight forward, about 7 miles one way, give or take, and then go back. It’s very flat, very straight, and fairly simple. There are no real elevation changes, and the scenery is fairly nice. It does cross four or five small roads, but they’re plainly marked, so just wait for passing traffic to stop and you’re fine. As far as a trail goes I don’t think there’s much to be said for it. It would be great for beginners, it has a nice parking lot at the start, and also at the park it passes through after a little distance in, and either is easily accessible. It’s a fairly peaceful ride, almost to the point of boredom, but then again I’ve been biking the Olentangy trail before this one. So its hard to compare the two.
Susan A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Columbus, OH
Wonderful trail — clean, well maintained, wide path, plenty of parking at the trailhead! Heritage trail makes it easy to embark on an afternoon walk or bike ride.
Karen M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Hilliard, OH
Started at the beginning of the trail in downtown«Old Hilliard» and went the full trail and back. It was 12.3 miles overall. Nice ride, not a lot of elevation, not too busy.
J Bradford L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Hilliard, OH
Dog park! I have never ridden the Heritage Rail Trail, but I hear it is a very nice long straight piece of asphalt. What I was here for today was the dog park! I had heard about this, but this was my first time bringing the dog(Elvis) to the park. We both loved it! There are two sides separated by a fence — non-energetic dogs and energetic dogs. Needless to say we went with the energetic side. Big open area with a mound in the middle of it, tunnels through the mound and a watering area with fountains and dog bowls. Lots of room for the dogs to just chase each other around until they get tired. Friendly people and good dogs, for the most part. Dogs have a way of getting along when in neutral territory. New dogs to the group were quickly assimilated to the pack. Water was had by all and yes, there was pooping — easily cleaned up with poop bags provided. We will be back fo sho!!!
Nicholas E.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Hilliard, OH
I have only the best memories of this trail. I have spent countless mornings and afternoons(and even the occasional evening) running or biking or just casually strolling on this trail. Since it expands from Hilliard to Plain City, it provides a scenic route to Homestead Park, or if one is feeling adventurous, a rewarding bike ride to the Der Dutchman. While it doesn’t offer much in the way of thrills(fountains, trimmed shrubbery, bicycle riding bears), it is incredibly tranquil, and I cannot recommend a better way for one to escape from everyday life than to explore what this trail has to offer.
Kayre H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Atlanta, GA
This trail is just over 6 miles long from Old Hilliard to Plain City, and you can get on at a few different parks. I come here every now and then for a long run or short/medium bike ride. You do have to stop for traffic and cross the road about 5 times in the length of the path. They aren’t busy roads though, so a lot of the time you don’t really need to stop. I like it as much as the Olentangy trail, but it just depends on what sort of day it is and what activity I want to do. The trail is pretty much a straight shot, so I like riding on it more than some of the blind/hairpin turns on the Olentangy path. There is comparatively very little traffic here, so if I’m in the mood for a more chill ride/run where I will not have to worry about dodging people every 5 mins, I’m more likely to take this path. It is also really open with very little shade, so on those really hot summer days I may be more likely to run on another path instead.
Lisa R.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Reynoldsburg, OH
This trail was decent. This is really good for bikers or roller bladers, not so great if you’re just walking. The majority of the trail is a very straight shot without much surrounding foliage. The trail is completely paved and can be a little rough to do a fair amount of walking/running if you have bad knees or hip.
Christina C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Columbus, OH
I’ve been looking for a trail wide enough to ride my bike on without the fear of slamming into runners or rollerbladers at every turn, and I’ve finally found it! I’m not saying there aren’t runners or ‘bladers, but thankfully the trail is wide enough for all recreational types to enjoy. You can catch the trail a number of places, but it actually begins in Old Hilliard off Main St. and Center St. The scenery is pretty tranquil(distracting, almost) for most of the trail and there are only a few places where you have to stop to cross the road. Best part is, if you’re looking for a longer distance to ride(or run if you’re completely nuts) follow the suggested route on the website into Plain City. The roads are all great for riding and stop off at Der Duchman in town if you’re hungry! Or, if you’re like me, treat yourself to a beer after your ride or run at one of the Hilliard pubs. You deserve it! ;)
