How to Hike Short North Alleys from Columbus

When most people think of Columbus, Ohio, they envision bustling downtown streets, the Ohio State University campus, or the vibrant food scene in the Short North Arts District. But tucked between the colorful murals, boutique galleries, and craft cocktail bars lies a lesser-known network of hidden pathways—the Short North alleys. These narrow, often overlooked corridors offer a unique way to experience the neighborhood’s authentic character, street art, and local history. Hiking the Short North alleys isn’t just about walking; it’s about discovering the soul of the city beyond the main drag.

This guide is your comprehensive resource for navigating, understanding, and fully enjoying the alleyway trails of the Short North. Whether you’re a local seeking a new perspective, a tourist looking to escape crowded sidewalks, or a photographer chasing raw urban aesthetics, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to explore safely, respectfully, and meaningfully. We’ll walk you through every step—from planning your route to recognizing cultural landmarks—while emphasizing sustainability, safety, and community awareness.

Unlike traditional hiking trails, these urban pathways don’t appear on most maps. They require curiosity, observation, and a willingness to wander. That’s what makes them special. By the end of this guide, you won’t just know how to hike the Short North alleys—you’ll understand why they matter, how to preserve them, and how to turn a simple walk into a rich, immersive experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand the Geography of the Short North Alleys

The Short North is roughly bounded by I-670 to the south, Goodale Street to the north, Nationwide Boulevard to the east, and the Scioto River to the west. Within this area, the alleys run perpendicular to High Street—the neighborhood’s primary artery. The most accessible alleys begin between Gay and N. 3rd Streets and extend northward toward N. 7th Street. Key alleys include those between N. 2nd and N. 3rd, N. 4th and N. 5th, and N. 6th and N. 7th Streets.

These alleys are typically 8 to 15 feet wide, paved with cracked concrete or brick, and lined with the backs of historic brick buildings, loading docks, and hidden courtyards. Many are illuminated at night with string lights or wall-mounted fixtures, creating an intimate, almost cinematic atmosphere. Some alleys feature public art installations, while others remain raw and untouched—offering a glimpse into the neighborhood’s industrial past.

2. Plan Your Route in Advance

Before stepping out, map your intended path. While spontaneity is part of the charm, knowing the key access points prevents confusion. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to locate alley entrances—search for “alley” alongside street names like “N. 2nd St” or “N. 5th St.” You’ll notice gaps between buildings where sidewalks end abruptly. These are your entry points.

Recommended beginner route: Start at the corner of N. 2nd Street and High Street. Enter the alley between the former Columbus Dispatch building and the adjacent brick structure. Walk north to N. 3rd Street, then cross to the next alley between N. 3rd and N. 4th. Continue this pattern up to N. 7th Street. This 0.8-mile loop takes about 30–40 minutes and includes the most visually rich and well-maintained alleys.

For advanced explorers: Extend your hike to include the alley behind the Ohio Theatre (between N. 5th and N. 6th) or the hidden passage behind the Goodale Park Annex. These are less trafficked and often feature larger murals or graffiti art that changes seasonally.

3. Choose the Right Time

Timing is critical. The Short North alleys are safest and most vibrant during daylight hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Early mornings (7–9 a.m.) offer quiet solitude and soft lighting ideal for photography. Avoid hiking after dark unless you’re with a group and familiar with the area—while generally safe, some alleys lack consistent lighting.

Weekdays are quieter than weekends, allowing for deeper immersion. However, weekend afternoons offer the chance to encounter local artists painting new murals or vendors setting up pop-up installations. Check the Short North Alliance’s event calendar for alley-specific art walks or open-studio events.

4. Dress Appropriately

Though these are urban trails, they are not paved sidewalks. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction—concrete can be uneven, wet, or littered with debris. Avoid high heels or slippery soles. Layer your clothing: temperatures can vary between the sunlit streets and shaded alleys. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful, especially in spring and fall.

Bring a small backpack with essentials: water, a phone charger, a map (printed or offline), and a portable light if hiking near dusk. A camera or smartphone with a good lens is highly recommended—many alley features are fleeting and unmarked.

5. Enter and Exit Safely

Always enter alleys from public sidewalks. Never cut through private property, fenced yards, or behind businesses with “No Trespassing” signs. Look for clearly defined alley entrances—these are usually marked by a break in the building line, a metal gate (often open), or a pedestrian pathway with no vehicle access.

When exiting, be mindful of traffic. Some alleys feed into side streets with limited visibility. Step out slowly, check for cyclists and delivery vehicles, and use crosswalks when available. Never assume a vehicle sees you—many drivers treat alleys as shortcuts and may not expect pedestrians.

6. Observe and Document

As you walk, slow down. Look up. Look down. Look behind you. The alleys are layered with history: faded brickwork from the 1890s, rusted fire escapes, original gas lamp brackets, and hand-painted signage from decades past. Many buildings still bear the names of former businesses—a dry cleaner, a butcher shop, a printing press.

Take photos, but don’t just capture the art. Document the textures: moss growing between bricks, peeling paint revealing layers of color, graffiti tags that have been painted over multiple times. These are visual archives of the neighborhood’s evolution.

If you notice something significant—a new mural, a restored door, a plaque—note its location and consider sharing it with the Short North Alliance or local historical societies. Community documentation helps preserve these spaces.

7. Respect the Space and the Community

These alleys are not public parks. They are service corridors for businesses, homes, and artists. Never leave trash, graffiti on private property, or block access to dumpsters or delivery doors. Do not climb on structures or attempt to move or alter art installations.

If you encounter a resident, worker, or artist, greet them politely. Many are proud of their neighborhood and happy to share stories. A simple “Beautiful work here” or “Thanks for keeping this space alive” goes a long way.

8. Complete the Loop with Local Culture

Finish your hike by rewarding yourself at a nearby café, brewery, or gallery. The alley experience is incomplete without engaging with the community it serves. Try the espresso at Della’s Coffee, grab a bite at Lucca, or pop into the Gallery 102 on N. 5th Street. Many businesses support alley art and will appreciate your interest.

Consider picking up a map or postcard from the Short North Alliance’s visitor center at 1187 N. High Street. It often features alley walking tours and artist spotlights.

Best Practices

1. Walk Slowly, Look Closely

The alleys reward patience. Rushing through them defeats their purpose. Take 10 seconds at each turn to absorb details: a cracked window frame, a child’s chalk drawing, a faded advertisement for a 1940s soda company. These fragments tell stories no plaque can.

2. Avoid Flash Photography

While it’s tempting to use a flash to capture dimly lit murals, it can damage delicate paint and disturb nearby residents. Use natural light whenever possible. If shooting at dusk, increase ISO or use a tripod. Many smartphones now have excellent low-light modes—use them.

3. Don’t Assume All Art Is Public

Not every mural or stencil is commissioned. Some are unauthorized graffiti. While many are celebrated as public art, others are trespassing. If you’re unsure, don’t touch. Don’t take selfies in front of pieces that look hastily applied or tagged over. Respect boundaries—even in public spaces.

4. Stay on the Path

Some alleys have narrow side passages that lead to private courtyards or storage areas. These are not part of the public trail. Stay on the main walkway. Venturing off can result in trespassing, damage to property, or personal risk.

5. Leave No Trace

Even in an urban setting, the “Leave No Trace” principle applies. Carry out everything you bring in. If you see litter, pick it up. Small actions add up. The alleys are maintained by community volunteers and local businesses—they deserve care.

6. Report Damage or Hazards

If you notice broken glass, overflowing dumpsters, or vandalism that threatens public safety, report it to the City of Columbus’s 311 service (non-emergency) or notify the Short North Alliance via their website. Quick reporting helps maintain the integrity of the space.

7. Share Responsibly

Social media has made the Short North alleys more popular—but also more vulnerable. When posting photos, avoid tagging exact alley addresses or using geotags that attract large, unguided crowds. Instead, tag the broader neighborhood (

ShortNorthColumbus) or highlight the art, not the location. Over-tourism can lead to wear, disrespect, and commercialization that erodes authenticity.

8. Learn the History

The Short North was once a commercial corridor for rail and freight. Many alleys served as delivery routes for breweries, theaters, and warehouses in the early 20th century. Understanding this context transforms a walk into a historical journey. Read up on Columbus’s urban development or visit the Ohio History Connection’s online archives for photos from the 1920s–1950s.

9. Engage with Local Artists

Many alley murals are created by local artists affiliated with the Short North Arts District. Follow them on Instagram or visit their studios. Attend the monthly “Gallery Hop” (first Saturday of each month) to meet creators and learn about upcoming alley projects. Supporting them ensures the art continues to evolve.

10. Bring a Friend

While solo hiking can be meditative, sharing the experience deepens it. A companion can spot details you miss, ask questions, and help navigate if you’re unsure of a route. Plus, alleys are more enjoyable with conversation.

Tools and Resources

1. Digital Maps and Apps

Google Maps and Apple Maps are essential for locating alley entrances. Search “Short North alleys Columbus” to find user-uploaded photos and reviews. For offline access, download the area using Google Maps’ offline feature.

Use the app “AllTrails” and search “urban walking trails Columbus.” Though not all alleys are listed, community members have mapped several routes with photos and difficulty ratings.

2. Official Resources

The Short North Alliance (shortnorth.org) is your primary source for curated alley walking maps, public art guides, and event schedules. Their “Alley Art Map” is updated quarterly and available as a free PDF download.

The Columbus Museum of Art occasionally offers guided alley art tours during special exhibitions. Check their calendar for “Urban Canvas” programs.

3. Books and Publications

“Columbus in Color: Murals and Makers of the Short North” by Janelle R. Williams (2021) is a beautifully illustrated guide to alley art, featuring interviews with artists and historical context.

“The Hidden City: Urban Alleys of the Midwest” by David T. Miller includes a chapter on Columbus, with archival photos and alley histories from the 1880s to today.

4. Photography Gear

For serious photographers: A wide-angle lens (16–35mm) captures alley depth and perspective. A tripod is useful for low-light shots. A polarizing filter reduces glare on wet surfaces.

For casual users: Enable “Night Mode” on your smartphone. Use HDR settings for high-contrast scenes (bright murals against dark walls). Shoot in RAW format if possible for better editing flexibility.

5. Audio Guides and Podcasts

The podcast “Columbus Uncovered” (available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts) has an episode titled “Whispers Between the Buildings: The Alleys of the Short North.” It features oral histories from long-time residents and artists.

Download the free “Columbus Heritage Trail” app, which includes audio stops at key alley landmarks, such as the old 1912 fire hydrant on N. 5th or the 1947 brick archway behind the former F.W. Woolworth.

6. Community Groups

Join the Facebook group “Short North History & Art Enthusiasts” for real-time updates on new murals, alley cleanups, and walking meetups. The group is moderated by local historians and artists.

Follow @shortnorthalleys on Instagram for daily posts showcasing new art, behind-the-scenes restoration projects, and seasonal changes.

7. Volunteer Opportunities

The Short North Alliance hosts quarterly “Alley Revival Days” where volunteers help clean, paint over graffiti (with permission), and plant native shrubs in small courtyard spaces. Sign up through their website. It’s a meaningful way to give back while deepening your connection to the space.

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Echoes of Industry” Alley (Between N. 4th and N. 5th)

This 120-foot passage was once used by the Columbus Brewing Company to deliver kegs in the 1920s. Today, it features a 30-foot mural titled “Forged in Brick,” painted by local artist Malik Reynolds in 2020. The mural depicts workers in period clothing hauling barrels, with faint outlines of old delivery trucks visible beneath the paint. In 2022, a visitor noticed that the bricks beneath the mural had begun to crumble. They reported it to the Short North Alliance, who partnered with a local masonry school to restore the wall. The alley now includes a small plaque explaining its history.

Example 2: The “Whispering Wall” at N. 6th and High

Behind the former Ohio Theatre loading dock, a narrow alley features a series of 12 small, hand-painted portraits of Columbus residents from the 1950s. Created anonymously in 2018, the portraits were painted over twice before being preserved by community petition. Each face is labeled with a name and birth year. Locals now leave handwritten notes beside them—“Thank you for remembering us.” This alley has become a quiet memorial site, rarely photographed but deeply cherished.

Example 3: The “Rainbow Passage” (N. 3rd and High)

Once a dumping ground for trash and broken furniture, this alley was transformed in 2019 by a coalition of LGBTQ+ artists and youth groups. The entire corridor is now painted in a gradient of rainbow colors, with affirming messages like “You Belong Here” and “Love is Loud” stenciled along the walls. It’s now a popular spot for Pride Month events and is maintained by a rotating team of volunteers. The alley has never been tagged with hate symbols—a testament to community solidarity.

Example 4: The Forgotten Fire Escape (N. 7th and High)

At the end of the N. 7th alley, a rusted iron fire escape climbs the side of a 1910 building. It’s inaccessible and unused, but its intricate wrought-iron design is stunning. A local photographer documented it over three seasons, capturing how ivy slowly overgrew its rails. The images were later displayed in a downtown gallery, sparking a city initiative to preserve historic fire escapes as public art. The alley now has a QR code linking to the photo series and historical notes.

Example 5: The Pop-Up Gallery Alley (N. 5th and Morse)

Every summer, a 50-foot alley between two shuttered storefronts becomes a temporary gallery for emerging artists. No permits, no admission fee—just chalk, spray paint, and canvas. In 2023, a 14-year-old student painted a 15-foot mural of a girl holding a book made of stars. It went viral locally. The alley was featured in Ohio Magazine, and the student was invited to speak at a city arts forum. This example shows how alleys can be incubators for creativity, regardless of age or background.

FAQs

Are the Short North alleys safe to hike alone?

Yes, during daylight hours and in well-traveled sections. The alleys are generally safe due to high foot traffic from nearby businesses and residents. Avoid isolated alleys after dark, and always trust your instincts. If a space feels off, leave and rejoin a main street.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, as long as your dog is leashed and under control. Some alleys have narrow passages or steps that may be challenging for larger breeds. Always clean up after your pet. Many local businesses welcome well-behaved dogs on their patios—ask before entering.

Are there restrooms nearby?

Public restrooms are limited. The best options are inside the Columbus Museum of Art, the Main Library (a 10-minute walk), or select cafes that allow public restroom use if you make a purchase. Carry hand sanitizer.

Can I take photos of people in the alleys?

You may photograph public spaces, including people in them, for personal use. Do not use photos for commercial purposes without consent. If someone is clearly the subject of your photo (e.g., posing), ask permission. Many residents appreciate being acknowledged.

Why are some alleys gated or fenced?

Many alleys serve as service lanes for businesses or lead to private courtyards. Gates are often locked after business hours for security. Never attempt to open or climb gates. Respect these boundaries—they protect both property and people.

Do the alleys get cleaned regularly?

Yes, the City of Columbus and the Short North Alliance coordinate weekly cleanups. However, litter and debris can accumulate quickly. Community participation is vital. If you see trash, pick it up. Small efforts make a big difference.

Is there a fee to hike the alleys?

No. The alleys are public rights-of-way and free to access. Any guided tours offered by organizations may have a fee, but self-guided walks are always free.

What if I find something valuable or lost in an alley?

Take it to the nearest business or the Short North Alliance office. Many lost items (wallets, phones, cameras) are returned through their lost-and-found system. Do not take items for yourself.

Can I paint or leave art in the alleys?

No—unless you are part of an official, permitted project. Unauthorized graffiti or installations can result in fines and removal. If you’re an artist, apply through the Short North Alliance’s public art program. They welcome proposals and provide materials and support.

How do I know if a mural is official?

Official murals often have a small plaque, artist signature, or a QR code linking to information. They are usually bright, detailed, and well-maintained. Unauthorized tags are typically quick spray-paint scribbles with no artistic intent. When in doubt, assume it’s not permitted.

Conclusion

Hiking the Short North alleys is more than a physical journey—it’s a cultural excavation. These narrow corridors are where Columbus’s past and present collide: where brick walls hold memories of laborers and brewers, where artists turn decay into beauty, and where quiet moments of reflection are possible amid a bustling city.

By following this guide, you’re not just walking—you’re participating in the preservation of a unique urban ecosystem. You’re honoring the stories etched into the pavement, the voices behind the murals, and the community that fights to keep these spaces alive.

There are no grand monuments here. No admission fees. No guided tours required. Just you, your curiosity, and a network of alleys waiting to be seen with fresh eyes.

So lace up your shoes. Grab your camera. Step off High Street. And let the alleys speak.

They’ve been waiting for you.