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: [1 trail ratings]
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nice trail .
By sancho on August 27, 2010
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.
Less than perfect
By trikerjim on July 13, 2010
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.
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