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Conotton Creek Trail:
Ohio
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Description:
The Conotton Creek Trail is 11.4 miles of scenic serenity in northeast Ohio. The trail emanates rustic beauty and its careworn pavement covers a flat straight route. Several particularly rough spots may bounce you back to consciousness, but the rest of this trail lulls you into a state of relaxation and chases your stress away. If you are searching for rejuvenation, look no further than this trail. Riding from quaint Bowerston east to Jewett makes your return trip slightly downhill. A multitude of wildlife is found on this trail, as well as animals of a tamer variety; horses and cattle graze on the rolling hills of neighboring farms along the trail's southern edge. East of Bowerston are several ponds that draw beaver, ducks, geese and great blue herons. Lining the sides of the trail between Bowerston and Jewett, more than 40 birdhouses attract tree swallows and bluebirds. The trail's crown jewel is the covered bridge in the town of Scio, the approximate midpoint of the trail. For bridge aficionados this is as good as it gets. This unique covered bridge spans the short section across Conotton Creek, fitting in perfectly in rural Ohio. Pay attention to the fine craftmanship of this structure; it is a true testament to the labor required to span this waterway. The waters below the bridge eventually feed into the Ohio River, as well as into the Mississippi River more than 500 miles away. The final handful of miles into the town of Jewett is just as calming and refreshing as those from Bowerston to Scio. Jewett, similar to Bowerston is merely a speck on a map but the town was an important cog in the wheel of this region's development. Jewett was, not only an important stop on the railraod like the other towns you passed on the trail, but it was also once home to a streetcar manufacturer and an opera house.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the trailhead in Bowerston, from Interstate 77, take the exit for State Route 36. Follow State Route 36 east to State Route 250 east. Take State Route 151 northeast toward Bowerston. Before entering Bowerston, you will see signs directing you to the trailhead on the right side of State Route 151. To reach the trailhead in Jewett, from Interstate 77, take the exit for State Route 36. Follow State Route 36 east to State Route 250 east. Take State Route 151 into Jewett and to the well-marked trailhead on the east side of town.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Spring-Time in Ohio, time to take a hike in the great outdoors...
By low_and_slow on April 08, 2009
I want to put a good plug in for this trail. This was the first time I used this trail, but I knew about it from bike trail maps for several years. It was spring time weather and a friend and myself walked this whole trail twice. Step by step 7 to 8 miles a day, out and back from the parking lots until we did the whole trail. That took us about 3 days total.

I like trails that are out in the country with seclusion and privacy.
This trail and the towns traveled along it are just that. Rurally comforting and relaxing to the disposition of one’s self.

The trail surface is paved. You know how some pavement has a “chip and seal” beginning, but after time smoothes out. Some sections of the trail started out being of finer consistency. But all of it has smoothed out with time. A person could, ride a road tire on it now. Flat, mostly long straight stretches with a creek and some wetlands. A couple of covered bridges, and a few uncovered. Benches, picnic tables, trash cans, and nice trail-side shelters are a plenty. There is an active railroad running alongside, a short distance across the creek from the trail. You should see a train or two. Wildlife of birds, beavers, ground hogs, rabbits. Rolling hillside and valley farms with cattle. But most of all: To View the Wilderness ! - So Nice and Peaceful -

I would like to recognize and Thank all parties involved in establishing and maintaining the Conotton Creek Trail. A Great Trail

rural isolation
By E. Jones on July 05, 2005
"I rode the Conotton Creek trail on July 2, 2005. Of all the rail-trails I've ridden in Ohio, this one is the most rural. It's also among the most difficult to locate if you aren't familiar with the area. The Bowerston trailhead is located off route 151 in a residential neighborhood (there is a small sign on 151 pointing the way). From here to Jewett is slightly uphill, so it's best to ride from west to east and back. Lots of country scenery and wildlife on this trail--I encountered turtles, frogs, rabbits, feral cats, and all types of birds along the ride. Unfortunately, there isn't much shade, so on hot days this trail may be a punishment. Overall, a good ride, but frankly there are better trails elsewhere in eastern Ohio."
Good ride on a nice trail
By Douglas L Wilson on September 26, 2003
"For a small rual community this is one nice trail. It has a tar and chip type surface and well done trailheads, some with super Clean Porta Potties. A standard station at the 10 mile mark has drinks and goodies. There's also some nice scenery.

-Douglas L Wilson Sr."