Berliner Park, with its 2.6 miles of singletrack and skills park, is perfect for an after-work session. Actually, it’s so close that you could squeeze in a lap or two during your lunch hour. Keep your bike on your rack to be prepared to go any time the trails are dry enough—check the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) website for conditions, as trails are closed when wet. 

Opened in 2020, the new trails are incorporated into the long-existing Lou Berliner Sports Park, better known for its 31 baseball and softball diamonds. Parking is normally free but $5 when a tournament is happening, so check Berliner’s website for tournament schedules. 

Combine MTB trails with Scioto Trail

Follow signs for singletrack and park at the Scioto Lot; from here pick up a trailhead at either the north end of the lot, for the North Loop (1.6 miles), or the trailhead at the south end of the lot, for the South Loop (1 mile). The linear Skills Park connects the two—the Skills Park has natural and wooden features that progress from beginner to expert, including jumps and banked turns (all of which can be skirted). The two narrow loops are non-technical, forested singletrack. You can also hop on a connector to the paved Scioto Trail, which parallels the singletrack for 1.7 miles. It’s easy to make one or multiple loops out of all of these trails to get the distance you desire. 

Ride the Scioto Trail while you’re at it

While you’re here, you might as well get in a few more miles if you have the time. Continue north on the Scioto Trail, a greenway path that travels along the downtown riverfront. In less than 2 miles you’ll skirt Scioto Audubon Metro Park, which is also home to hiking trails and an outdoor climbing wall. Directly north from there, the bike path continues to parallel the Scioto River, taking you through a ribbon of narrow riverfront parks downtown. In total, the Scioto Trail is 10 miles long, and downtown it connects with the 13-mile Olentangy River Trail. More info: combomtb.com/berliner

Getting There

Berliner is at the southeast junction of Interstate 71 and Greenlawn Avenue.

Refresh & Refuel

Berliner is a 5-minute spin from the Brewery District and German Village. Harvest Bar + Kitchen is just across South Front Street from the Scioto Trail, at the corner of Frederick Street (it’s easy to miss). Try the kale Caesar salad and a wood-fired pizza and be sure to ask your server which rotating beers are on tap. 

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.