DESCRIPTION

The Worthington Section runs, appropriately enough, through western Worthington. It is around 2 miles long, all asphalt trail. It meanders through the Olentangy Parklands on the east side of the river through some wooded areas and along park fields. At the northern end, it terminates in a small park which can be accessed off Wilson-Bridge Road about a mile west of High Street. (US 23). At the southern end, the trail passes under Dublin-Granville Rd (SR 161) and makes a switch back climb over itself and the Olentangy river via the sidewalk of SR 161. There, it turns reaches the south-east corner of the intersection of SR 161 and the ramps to SR 315 and meets the north end of the Parks North section.

The Worthington Section has  distance markers  which are unique to this section. The northernmost are at the trailhead off Wilson-Bridge Rd. The southernmost are at the corner of SR 161 and SR 315. Recently, I've noticed paint marks which seem to indicate that the overall Olentangy trail mark system may soon be extended through the Worthington section. There is no centerline on the Worthington section. This has never presented an issue during my runs or rides.

The northern terminus of the trail, for a long time, was in Olentangy Park. In the summer of '05, however, the Parks Department opened the Worthington Hills Extension which takes the trail a mile farther north. This section has been modified to reflect that though I expect that Olentangy Park will continue to be a major entry point for trail users.

This section is easily accessible from just about all points on the trail. It has several connectors with local streets which are marked with street signs along the route. The quality of the asphalt is good with a very slight crowning--however there are some sections nearer the river which have a slight but perceptible riverward slant. Thankfully, there are usually narrow parallel dirt tracks alongside which can be used if the angle is bothersome. (In fact, it is almost possible to dirt-run the majority of the distance along the trail.

The Worthington section is relatively shady and protected. The northern part of the section is wooded and the southern part runs along the edge of several park fields with a partial tree canopy. The Park maintenance crew keep it free of leaves which is nice. The shadiness, though, makes for slow melting when snow-covered.

There are a couple of minor bump-ups and downs but no significant hills. The most challenging climbs are the relatively mild switchback up to SR 315 at the southern end and a 1/3 mile rise to the northern finish. If the white cross markers are used, a fairly demanding conclusion can be had going north as the last marker is past the finish and up the steep access road near the intersection with Wilson-Bridge Rd.  UPDATE: The reworking of the trail has added a sizeable bump in Olentangy Parklands. The new bridge necessitated a rise for the approaches which puts about a 6' rise over, perhaps, 50 yards. The approach from the south is a bit steeper than from the north.

Parking can be had at the park off Wilson-Bridge Rd in three different lots. (Two small ones adjacent to the trail head and a larger one down the hill.) Also, near Thomas Worthington High School and, I suppose, there is street parking in and around the intersection of SR 315 and SR161. 

IMPRESSIONS

Running this section is a little like running through quiet leafy neighborhood streets. It doesn't really have the feeling of remoteness than some other parts of the trail do nor any of the bustle of some of the more urban sections. The parklands and the fields are adjacent to neighborhood streets and, most days, it seems like there are lots of people walking, playing, etc. using the parklands as an extension of their own back yards There are usually sports of some kind going on in the fields and there is a roller blade park at the north end that sometimes generates spectators or participants who spill onto the trail. At the southern end, the trail skirts the athletic fields of Thomas Worthington high school and the track teams use parts of it--including competitions. Because it is removed from both SR 315 and any major trafficked roads, except at the southern end, it is usually a fairly quiet section.

This part of the trail gets a lot of use. I've noticed that some cycling groups have a weekly park and start from the northern end. A trip from this end to Antrim Lake and back is about 5 miles--a fairly standard distance and, it would seem, a popular one from either direction.

I use this section a lot, as it is the closest to home. It is a nice, uncrowded, scenic run with a minimal challenge.

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06/02/2008