It is flat. I mean, really flat. If you’ve spent any time cycling in the Midwest, you know that "flat" is usually a code word for "boring," but the Camp Chase Trail actually manages to pull off something pretty impressive. It’s a 16-mile stretch of paved perfection that cuts right through the heart of Central Ohio, linking the urban sprawl of Columbus to the rural quiet of Madison County. It isn't just a random path for joggers. It’s a vital artery in the massive Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET), which eventually wants to take you all the way from the Ohio River in Cincinnati to the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland.
You’re basically riding through history, even if you don't realize it.
The trail follows an old rail corridor. That’s why it’s so straight. Engineers back in the day didn't care about scenic curves; they cared about moving freight as efficiently as possible. Today, that means you can get into a rhythmic cadence and just zone out. No stoplights every fifty feet. No aggressive SUVs honking because you’re taking up three inches of the lane. It’s just you, the pavement, and a surprising amount of shade.
What People Get Wrong About the Camp Chase Trail
A lot of folks think this is just a neighborhood path. "Oh, it's that trail near the casino," they say. Well, yeah, it does pass near the Hollywood Casino in Columbus, but that’s like saying the Atlantic Ocean is "that water near New Jersey."
The Camp Chase Trail is actually a masterpiece of regional connectivity. It starts near Georgesville Road on the west side of Columbus and stretches out to the village of Lilly Chapel. If you keep going west, you hit the Roberts Pass Trail and eventually the Prairie Grass Trail in London, Ohio.
People also assume it’s unsafe because it passes through some industrial-ish areas on the eastern end. Honestly? I’ve never had a problem. It’s a well-used trail. You’ll see serious roadies in spandex, families on cruisers, and people just commuting to work. The "industrial" parts are actually kind of cool in a gritty, Rust Belt sort of way. You get to see the literal backbone of Ohio’s infrastructure—rail yards, warehouses, and old factories—before the scenery abruptly shifts into cornfields and prairie.
The Civil War Connection
You can't talk about this trail without mentioning the name. Camp Chase.
It wasn't a summer camp. During the Civil War, Camp Chase was a massive Union Army training camp and, later, a prisoner-of-war camp for Confederate soldiers. At its peak, it held thousands of men. Most of the original camp is gone now, replaced by the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, but the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery still stands near the trail's eastern terminus.
It’s a sobering place.
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Row upon row of identical white headstones. It’s a weird juxtaposition—cycling past a site of such historical weight while you're out for a leisurely Saturday morning ride. If you have twenty minutes, lock up your bike and walk through the cemetery. It gives the ride a layer of depth you won't get on a standard suburban bike path.
The Logistics: Where to Park and Where to Pee
Let’s get practical. Nobody wants to start a 30-mile round trip without knowing where the bathrooms are.
If you’re starting from the Columbus side, the best place to jump on is the Wilson Road Park. It’s located at 275 S. Wilson Rd. There’s plenty of parking, a water fountain that usually works, and actual restrooms. From there, you head west.
- Pro Tip: If you’re coming from the west (like London, Ohio), the trailhead at Lilly Chapel is a bit more Spartan.
- The Terrain: Expect asphalt. Smooth, wide, and well-maintained.
- The Wind: This is the big one. Since the trail is so open once you hit the rural sections, the wind can be brutal. If you’re riding west, you’re often fighting a headwind. It feels like you’re pedaling through peanut butter.
- The Gear: You don't need a $5,000 carbon fiber bike. A hybrid, a gravel bike, or even an old mountain bike will do just fine. Just make sure your tires are aired up.
About six miles west of the casino area, the landscape changes. The houses disappear. The sound of traffic fades. Suddenly, you’re in Big Darby Creek territory. This is one of the most biologically diverse river systems in the entire Midwest. The trail crosses the Darby, and the views from the bridge are legitimately stunning. You might see a blue heron or even a bald eagle if you're lucky.
Why This Trail is a Health Goldmine
Cycling is low impact. We know this. But the Camp Chase Trail offers something more: mental clarity.
Because the trail is so flat and predictable, it’s a "flow state" paradise. You aren't constantly shifting gears or worrying about cars turning left in front of you. According to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, these types of "linear parks" are essential for urban mental health. You get the "green exercise" effect—combining physical activity with exposure to nature.
Even the transition from the city to the country is therapeutic. You start in the noise and end in the silence.
If you're training for a century ride or a triathlon, this is your laboratory. You can hold a specific power output or heart rate for miles without interruption. It’s basically a treadmill for bikes, but with better air and shifting scenery.
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Dealing With the "Ohio Factor"
Look, Ohio weather is moody.
You could start your ride in 65-degree sunshine and finish in a sideways rainstorm. Because the Camp Chase Trail is so exposed in the rural sections, there isn't much cover. If you see clouds stacking up on the horizon, turn around. There are no gazebos every half mile. You are out there in the elements.
Also, bugs.
In late summer, especially near the creek, the gnats can be... intense. Wear glasses. Even if it's cloudy. Getting a bug in your eye while traveling 20 mph is a great way to end up in the ditch.
Eating Along the Way
One downside? The trail itself is a bit of a "food desert."
You won't find a cute coffee shop directly on the path once you leave the Wilson Road area. You’ve got to pack your own calories. Bring more water than you think you need. Once you pass the casino, there isn't a reliable spot to refill until you get much further west toward London.
However, if you're willing to venture a mile or two off-trail near the Georgesville Road exit, there are plenty of standard fast-food spots. But honestly, just pack a PB&J and a couple of granola bars. Eating a sandwich while sitting on the edge of the Big Darby Creek bridge is a much better experience than a drive-thru.
The Connection to the Ohio to Erie Trail
It’s easy to view this as a 16-mile bubble, but it’s actually part of something much bigger. The Ohio to Erie Trail is a 326-mile route. Camp Chase is a critical link.
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In the past, cyclists had to navigate sketchy road sections to get from Columbus to the western trails. The completion of the Camp Chase sections was a game-changer. It closed a massive gap. Now, you can practically ride from the heart of Downtown Columbus (using the Scioto Trail) all the way to Cincinnati without ever sharing the road with a semi-truck.
That’s a huge deal for tourism.
Small towns like London and Xenia have seen a massive uptick in "bicycle tourism" because of these connections. People are traveling from out of state to ride the OTET, and they’re all passing through the Camp Chase Trail. It’s turned a "trashy" old rail line into a premier travel destination.
Safety and Etiquette
Don't be that person. You know the one.
The one who flies past a family with a toddler at 25 mph without saying a word.
- Call your passes. A simple "on your left" goes a long way.
- Don't block the trail. If you need to stop and check your phone or tie your shoe, move onto the grass.
- Leash your dog. I love dogs. You love dogs. But a 15-foot retractable leash is a tripwire for a cyclist.
The trail is open from dawn to dusk. Don't try to ride it at night unless you have a very powerful light system; it gets pitch black out there, and you might surprise a deer (or a deer might surprise you).
Actionable Steps for Your First Ride
If you’re ready to hit the Camp Chase Trail, don't overthink it. Just go. But go prepared.
- Start at Wilson Road Park for the easiest access and best parking.
- Check the wind direction. If the wind is blowing hard from the West, be prepared for a workout on the way out and a breeze on the way back.
- Download a map. While the trail is well-marked, having the TrailLink app or a PDF of the Ohio to Erie Trail map on your phone is a smart move in case you get turned around in the city sections.
- Visit the Confederate Cemetery. It’s located at 2900 Sullivant Ave. It’s a five-minute detour that adds a whole new perspective to the name of the trail.
- Bring a spare tube. It’s a long walk back to Wilson Road if you get a flat in the middle of a cornfield.
The Camp Chase Trail isn't the most rugged or mountainous path in the world. It won't give you the thrills of a downhill mountain bike park. But for a pure, uninterrupted ride through the changing face of Ohio, it’s unbeatable. You get the grit of the city, the solemnity of history, and the peace of the prairie all in one afternoon. Just watch out for the headwinds. They're real.