This trail is out in the middle of no where hard to get to it, but once you do the scenery is beautiful there is no doubt about it, the trail it self is clunky bumpy and somewhat uneven, few bridges along the way and the big pa friendss supposed to be the covered bridge, i wasnt impressed with it very old covered in graffitti it was sad to see. i think this could be a great trail if the community puts some work into it, in the mean time if you ride this trail make sure you bring lost of water and a hat. keep biking my friends.

We rode this trail on the hottest day of the summer, July 5, 2010, so we found out the hard way. There is no shade! If it's a hot day, plan on finishing your ride before 10 am or don't start until evening. We started about 9:30 in the morning and it was great, but by the time we finished, the sun was roasting our brains. Bring a hat or visor and plenty of sunscreen.

We had the hats and sunscreen, but not the mosquito repellent. Especially along the first leg of the trail, between Bowerston and Scio, the trail runs close to the creek and the mosquitoes were on the warpath. We had our picnic on a bench (one of the few semi-shaded ones at noon) and fed at least three dozen mosquitoes at the same time.

Facilities are basic. Port-a-Potties serve the Bowerston trailhead and an intersection about a half mile from the Jewett trailhead. We had stopped at a McDonald's outside of Uhrichsville on the way down and had used their facilities and bought some orange juice, so I didn't need the Port-a-Potty before starting the ride. Unfortunately, about two miles in, the orange juice had percolated through my system and I was in dire need of facilities. My choices appeared to be: get lost forever in the deep greenery on one side of the trail, disappear into the swamp on the other side, or grin and bear it. I chose choice #3. Things were not improving when, lo and behold! at the 6-mile mark appeared an IGA about a quarter mile off the trail. Not only is it a full-service grocery in case you are in need of sustenance, but kindly provided what I needed. Ahhh.

Now the ride was much more enjoyable, and we could admire the covered bridge and multiple memorial benches and unique trailside shelters along the way.

The surface of this trail is chip-seal and not great. We found our teeth rattling a bit along the first leg, though it smoothed out some after Scio and the covered bridge. A variety of ripples and bumps didn't allow for napping either, but we found it quite passable on our recumbent tricycles. Just don't expect a smooth or fast ride.

Signage at the Jewett trailhead calls this trail one of the best for viewing fall foliage, and I believe it. It's very rural, surrounded by fields and forests, but not too hard to get to. Come fall, when the sun is a bit lower in the sky and the temperatures have moderated, we plan to ride it again.

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

"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."

"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."

This trail is paved and an easy ride. The Porta Potty at the start of the trail in browerston was clean. Scio is a good place to stop for lunch. We ate in the shade of the covered bridge. There's nice scenery and the gas station near the end of the trail had drink machines with nice and cold beverages.

Frinedly folks on the trail made for a pleasant afternoon. There were lots of little animals scampering around.

I would recommend this trail.