My girlfriend and I rode this trail November 12th, 2011. Started at the Mount Vernon Trailhead, and rode the entire length to Danville. Along the way are numerous bridges that span the Kokosing River and many creeks that feed the river. We stopped at the Gambier Station area, (restrooms and a sign in book are there). Some photos of the old station are there and some history, I wish the photos were dated though. We continued on to the next stop of Howard, there is an arch bridge there that covered the old rail system. The red barn that is adjacent to the bridge is original to the area, not sure of the age as the photos there do not say. A resident of the area on the trail told us the path with a rail alongside it on the west side, went to the hotel that was there back in the day. The original hotel is no longer there needless to say. No photos of the hotel are there, but the photos show the old barn and the old station. We continued on to the last stop, Danville. Once in Danville we rode to South Market Street which is just a bit off the trail near a Marathon Gas Mart. On the same road is a gun shop, and a BBQ place called Porky's BBQ. It has only been there for about four months we were told by the waitress. We stopped in and had pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, and home made cucumbers and onions. Excellent BBQ and very good prices, we highly recommend this as the place to eat if you ride the trail. Many places along the way to take great pics, nice stops with bathrooms.

With mid to high sixties forecast for November 11th and 12th 2010, I planned my two day biking adventure, left Oberlin, Ohio and arrived in Mt. Vernon at 3:00p.m. on Thursday to take my first ride of six miles before lodging at the Russell-Cooper House in Mt. Vernon. Oberlin, Ohio sports a beautiful 14 mile rail trail, but I found myself jealous not having the Kokosing Gap Trail in my home city.

Throughout the length of the trail I found very friendly walkers, and cyclists abounding. Even though I had missed the fall peak was incredibly beautiful and still spotted with bright colors. I quickly realized my mistake in not arriving early my first day. So setting out early Friday the 12th, I cycled from Mt. Vernon to Howard and back. The way the river meanders along side the trail and under the tressels that cast beautiful plays of light. The Gambier stop with it's restored locomotive, coal box and caboose sitting along the trail as if it has just pulled into load passengers waiting on the benches under a wonderful line of shepherd hook lampposts. The stop at Howard is no less awe inspiring. Sitting down below the upper road, the grist mill, vibrant red, looms next to a magnificent tunnel weathered to perfection.

As I had planned other sight-seeing on Friday, my time was limited so I sadly opted to not bike further on to Danville with the promise to myself of making another trip, maybe in the spring, to experience that part of the trail as well.

This trail truly has it all and it is very obvious the love and dedication the people of these communities have put into this magnificent trail through donations.

I was in Mt. Vernon for the Knox County Fair and had wanted to cycle the Kokosing Gap Trail. I had too much fair food and needed to cycle it off. It was perfect cycling day with temps in the high 70s and sun. The trailhead was easy to find, had plenty of parking and was very clean. Actually, this trail is super clean and very well maintained. The surface is asphalt and the elevation hardly changes at all. I can see why I passed many inline skaters on the trail.

The trail is also quite cool. It is shaded almost its entire length. The first 4 miles parallel the Kokosing River which meandered across 3 times. Beautiful iron railroad bridges carried me across the water. If you plan to cycle this trail, watch for the sign for the Kenyon College Environmental Center at about 3.5 miles. The college has a huge perennial garden that cyclists are invited venture through. I did on my return trip and highly recommend it. This trail has a lot of wild flowers growing along its edge. There is an abundance of buckeye trees too.

At about 5 miles I cycled in Gambier. The trailhead bordered the edge of the Kenyon College athletic complex and fields. This is a super nice trailhead. There were clean restrooms, a steam locomotive and cars that you are invited to explore. A shaded picnic area was an inviting area to rest.

While resting in Gambier I chatted with an elderly gentleman at the station. He gave me the low down on Gambier. Alas, I was not to see the actual town unless I cycled off the trail and up a hill to the campus and village. I did not have the time to take this detour on this trip. He did give me some good tips on the trail east of Gambier.

Howard was the next village I crossed through. There was a very scenic barn along the trail. I am pretty certain it was most likely a feed mill and freight station for the rail line. My Gambier friend told me to exit the trail, cycle up the hill and visit the ice cream stand. I did on my return trip. Here’s my tip for Howard if you cycle this trail. At the top of the hill you will be on Route 36. There was a very tasty BBQ joint with smokers and cold beer. Adjacent to it is the Ice Cream Station, an old converted 60s gas station. I opted for ice cream. I had a slaw dog and an amazing red velvet cake hand dipped ice cream milkshake. Take my advice, stop in Howard for ice cream or BBQ.

Past Howard, the trail was pretty much standard Ohio rail trail. Most people opt to turn at Howard and return to Mt. Vernon. I ventured on to Danville which was probably about another 5 miles. This portion of the trail crosses farm land and is partially shaded. The landscape is pretty run of the mill. The trail ended at nice trail head in Danville just off of U.S. Route 62. I turned at the trailhead and cycled back to Mt. Vernon. Total distance was 27 miles of cycling.

I thoroughly enjoyed this trail. I highly recommend it for any rail trail cyclist. It is definitely one of the best maintained trails and has interesting scenery and attractions along the way.

Had a blast on this trail. Time flies on this trail due to plenty of places to stop and beautiful scenery. Can't wait to go back!!

Only thing I didn't like is the digging they are doing just before you get to Mt. VU. It's creates dust that you cant help but breathe it in and they are destroying a good part of the scenery.

The trail begins in Mount Vernon, Ohio and of course heads south, south east, non-stop into a very small town called Danville. The entire 14-miles is paved, some of which (2009) is rather new pavement. Once in Danville I suggest you ride into town, about a half mile or so, and grab a drink, "liquid bread", or a snack. If you wish the trail picks back up on the other side of town, but there it is no longer paved, but is still good if you have a tour bike of sorts.

This trail shoots through the meandering Kokosing River, which you find over the several bridges you will ride over -- some of the bridges have covered wooden seating areas right beside the river -- just a beautiful place to take a short break and enjoy the sites of the river side. If you pack a lunch, and start to ride from Mount Vernon, about 10 or 11 miles down the trail there will be a little area with picnic tables you can sit at and enjoy your lunch... they also have a necessary-room, and a drinking fountain, but I would still bring your own beverages just in case the fountain is off. The location of the picnic stop area is just before the road tunnel you see in the photos attached to this link... it is a stones throw away from the tables.

Enjoy this wonderful trail, and if you ride in the early evening you might see deer crossing the trail -- please be aware of this.

Enjoy your ride, be it serious race bikes at a fast pace, or a leisure tour bike at a crawl, either way I guarantee a great time!

Get out there and ride.............................

"Today was the first time I rode this trail. I started from Mt. Vernon and rode all the way to Danville and back again. This was a fun, comfortable ride with great scenic views. This should be a great ride for fall color later in the season. "

"Great paved, shaded trail through beautiful Ohio. About an hour each way. Danville is like stepping back in time."

"I rode this trail in late June. It is almost completely new pavement, smooth and fast. The trail stays away from roads and is almost entirely shaded. AAAA+++++"

"I rode this trail about a month ago; it was my first trail ride since buying my new bike -- at 62 years of age. It is a terrific trail; the slope is gradual, scenery beautiful and the amenities -- train engine & caboose, rest rooms, children's playground -- make it truly a family treasure.

Enjoy it whether you bike, walk, jog or roller-blade. You will be glad you did!"

"I first discovered the Kokosing Gap trail as a student at Kenyon College from 1995-1999 and spent many a day on this BEAUTIFUL trail. Each mile of the trail has its own personality, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.

I recently heard a Kenyon student cite the Gap Trail as a big reason she chose Kenyon. As a runner, she said running on the Kokosing was as close to a religious experience as she had ever had! I simply love the Kokosing Gap Trail. It is by far one of the best thing in the state!"

My husband and I enjoy kayaking so this trail is great for that. We kayak the Kokosing River from Mt. Vernon to Howard (12 miles) and then ride our bikes back on the trail to pick up our car (10 miles). Allow about 5 hours depending on the river level.

"I rode this wonderful trail on a misty morning of June 11, 2003. It should be renamed the Chipmunk Trail as there was one of the little fellows every 50 feet! They would sit on the edge of the trail, in the middle, and run out in front of me. You could tell the slow ones by their shorter tails. Some of them are making their nests in holes under the trail. I hope that's not going to cause problems down the road.

After seeing about 30 school kids start out on the trail in Mt. Vernon before I got the bike off the car I thought the trail might be crowded but by the time I got on the trail they were no where to be seen. I had the trail all to myself all the way to Danville. The trail crosses the river on old steel arch tressles or 4 times and follows the river through half the trip to Danville.

On the way back I caught up with the kids in Gambier and threaded my way through them on the ride back to Mt Vernon. They were having fun ride in the last week of school in spite of the mist.

My son and I had ridden the Little Miami the weekend before and the Silver Comet in GA in April but I think tis was the prettiest trail so far. Maybe it was the chipmunks keeping me company."

"Well, I have to say this is my favorite trail along with the Ohio Rail To Trails (Clinton to Massilon Section). Nice, level land throughout (14 miles total) with plenty of benches and rest stops (bridges). Mile Markers appear every .5 miles.

If you start in Danville, you'll be treated to a beautiful rural forest type setting with plenty of bridges, that eventually turns into a farm type setting. Plenty of shade throughout. As you enter Howard, you cross under a beautiful tunnel/bridge with a nice childrens play area after you cross under it.(Briefly) The next stop is Gambier. This part of the trail passes through Kenyon College and begins to become less rural.

Interestingly, there is an old steam engine, coal car and caboose alongside the trail. The trail ends in Mt Vernon at a rest area. Initially, I cycled through this trail on a bike on a Monday. Traffic was very minimal. However, I went back on a Sunday and hiked it (one way) and it was quite trafficky as I left the Danville side. Best to go on a weekday if you can. If you live far away, (60+ miles) as I do, I suggest you at least give a try. You'll probably want to go back soon after!"

"The Kokosing Gap Trail provides a wonderful experience with the expected country side beauty coupled with a number of unique features. The trail is beautifully maintained and has a very gentle (unnoticeable) grade. The largely tree-lined trail follows the Kokosing river as it meanders through beautiful farm land and small villages.

In Gambier the trail features a ""rail station"" shelter house with clean restrooms and a beautifully restored steam locomotive (an 0-6-0 switcher, climb on and ring the bell!)and a spectacular old caboose.

Several bridges with interesting overlooks of the river, and direct access to the Kenyon College Nature Center, are also plesent stops.

Overall, the Kokosing Gap Trail is the best trail we have been on and it will be spectacular as the fall foliage colors appear."

My husband and I biked this trail over Memorial Day Weekend 2002. It was beautiful. We parked in Mt. Vernon and biked about 10 1/2 miles of the trail. It was in great condition and the scenery was breathtaking. Definitely a route to do again. Thanks.

"I highly recommend the KGT to anyone who enjoys being in a peaceful, scenic, rural setting and prefers an uncrowded path. I love it for rollerblading - great surface. I usually see deer and beautiful birds. Be sure to visit Kenyon College when you get to Gambier for great Gothic architecture and a gorgeous campus!"

"I rollerblade or cycle on this trail on a daily basis almost all year round. It's very well maintained, it's always pretty and I enjoy seeing the wide variety of wildlife: snapping turtles laying eggs, near-sighted deer, bunnies galore, stately great blue heron, red-tailed hawks, even the occasional snake or weasel. Additionally, the ""train station"" in Gambier features a real engine and caboose with old fashioned station lights to complete the scene. My hat is off to the volunteers who do such a great job of cleaning, enhancing and maintaining this trail."

"Over the last 4 years, I have enjoyed the Kokosing Gap trail to run on through the year, and to rollerblade in the summers. The water fountains in Gambier, Mount Vernon and Howard make those long skates on hot days far more enjoyable. I also love the railroad theme of the trail, bringing back the original train aspects of the area. The restored C&O 90776 caboose is beautiful and the new railroad theme lights make it a great place to go in the evenings as well. I am looking forward to the adition of a steam locomotive, rumored to be coming soon. "

"In 16 months I have either walked or biked 258 miles of the Kokosing Gap Trail, and I love it more every time I am on it. The woods, the farmland and the Kokosing River make this a very special place in beautiful Knox County."