State: OH Length: 25.6 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Alum Creek Multi-Use Trail is part of the larger Ohio to Erie Trail that will eventually link Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. This Alum Creek section follows a north–south route along a riparian corridor of its namesake creek, connecting neighborhoods, parks and commercial districts. As of early 2012, the trail had three sections: one runs between Westerville (Schrock Road) and Easton (Sunbury Road near Walnut Creek); one runs between Innis Park and Sunbury Road near Ballyvaughn Road (by Alum Creek Arlington Park); and a third runs between Ohio Dominican University (Airport Drive) and Three Creeks Metro Park, where it also doubles as part of the Blacklick Creek Trail. At Schrock Road in the north, the trail continues as part of the Westerville Bikeways system.
Rail-Trail
State: OH Length: 4.26 miles Surface: Asphalt
This path has some of the best scenery Ohio has to offer: a flowing river, spring water trickling from steep rock ledges, rock formations and cool, thick woods. The trail also crosses a creek and passes between a huge section of rock that had been blasted through to allow a previous rail line to pass. Aside from the scenic beauty along the paved trail, there are also several hiking trails to explore in the gorge. One such trail on the opposite side of the river features a tunnel through solid rock that at one time allowed an electric rail line to pass through. I spotted several canoers on the river, which suggests there may be a canoe livery nearby allowing one to get yet another perspective on the gorge.
State: OH Length: 12 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Blacklick Creek Trail totals 12 miles in three separate segments (as of autumn 2011): 1. In the southwest, the trail courses through Three Creeks Metro Park, where it shares the same path as the Alum Creek Trail for part of the way. The trail ends near US 33. 2. The second segment is between Shannon Road and Portman Park. There is also a connector between Portman Park and Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. 3. The northernmost segment runs between Blacklick Woods Park (beginning just south of I-70) and to JFK Park.
State: OH Length: 6.1 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Buck Creek Trail runs between Buck Creek State Park and Plum Street by Wittenberg University. At its eastern end in Buck Creek State Park, the trail makes a loop and heads into 2 different directions bordering the southwest side of the reservoir. The trail follows a route that is mostly wooded but includes open space and a short, more urban section just north of Springfield city center. Following Buck Creek itself, the trail passes through a few city parks. Near the playing fields at the Municipal Stadium, the Buck Creek Trail crosses the Simon Kenton Trail.
State: OH Length: 4.25 miles Surface: Asphalt
The newest addition to the expanding Licking County trail system is the Buckeye Scenic Trail. This trail goes 4 miles from just outside the commercial district of Heath to Lakewood High School along US Route 40. The asphalted trail goes past classical Ohio farmland as well as well-kept homesteads.
State: OH Length: 5.5 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
The Camp Chase Rail-Trail is a paved, 5-mile pathway stretching from Lilly Chapel to Georgesville in central Ohio's Madison County. It will one day total 11 miles and extend into Franklin County and the Columbus metro area. It gets its name from the active Camp Chase Railroad that it follows and is part of the Ohio to Erie Trail, which will one day stretch 300 miles from Cincinnati to Cleveland.
State: OH Length: 1 miles Surface: Asphalt
This one mile paved trail connects the municipal pool complex in the village of Canal Winchester to the bustling commercial district along Gender Road.
State: OH Length: 7.8 miles Surface: Gravel
The Darby Creek Trail is currently available in two disconnected segments that parallel the Big Darby State and National Scenic River on the western outskirts of Columbus.
State: OH Length: 7.5 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Fairfield Heritage Trail winds through and connects the community of Lancaster. It links a college, high school, junior high school and elementary school, as well as numerous parks and shopping and dining opportunities along its 7.5-mile path. Well-maintained, the asphalt trail begins at the Ohio University Lancaster campus parking lot and heads south along the edge of campus. A small waterway, Fetters Run, borders the trail to the east. One-third of a mile from the trailhead is the John Bright #2 covered bridge, built in 1881 in nearby Carroll and moved to this site in 1988. Continue on your way to reach John Bright #1, another bridge, which was built by the Hocking Metal Bridge Company. Continuing on you pass Lancaster High School and its many athletic fields and tennis courts, an exercise course and the football stadium, all paralleling Arbor Valley Drive. After another 0.25 mile you cross Fetters Run via the painstakingly restored McCleery Covered Bridge, upon which you reach Thomas Ewing Junior High School. A well-signed crosswalk guides you across Fair Avenue, where the trail then passes among a beautiful grove of trees before entering a neighborhood. The route becomes a painted bike lane once you turn south onto Franklin Street. At mile 1.5, cross 6th Avenue and ride through Lanreco Park, where the paved bike trail begins again. A quarter mile around the park brings you to a busy crossing of Cherry Street, so use caution at this junction. The trail then passes over Baldwin Run on a bridge, at which point the trail transitions to a sidewalk. Keep an eye out for Goslin Street, which you follow for a short distance until the asphalt trail reappears on the right of the street. A shopping center dominates the landscape to the left before the trail dips beneath Main Street and continues south to a bridge crossing of Baldwin Run into Mary Burnham Park (baseball fields, basketball court, playground, picnic area, parking). At mile 2.5 you leave Ma
State: OH Length: 4.85 miles Surface: Asphalt
Part of the Ohio to Erie Trail, the Geno Trail runs between Northgate Way in Westerville and Weise Road in Galena. The trail parallels the east side of State Route 3 and is separated from the road by a nice corridor of trees, shading nearly the entire length of the trail. The paved trail was extended in 2010 from Plumb Road to Weise Road in Galena and includes a pedestrian-bike bridge over Old 3C Highway, following the northwestern shoreline of the Hoover Reservoir along a scenic nature preserve.
State: OH Length: 16 miles Surface: Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone
The Heart of Ohio Trail extends from the Knox-Licking county line just south of Centerburg north to Mount Vernon. It offers nearly 16 miles of walking, skating and biking, while an adjacent trail between Thayer Road to Tucker Road (about 3 miles) will please equestrians. The Knox County Horse Park is nearby. The trail's surface is mostly ballast, stone and fines, suitable for a hybrid or mountain bicycles. However, the trail is being paved in phases. Into 2012 more sections will be paved, including the segment between Bishop and Updike roads and Updike Road west to North Clayton Street in Centerburg. Trail development is made possible through Ohio Department of Transportation grants and local matches, in part from the Knox County Park District levy. Dry Creek cascades beside portions of the trail, and you'll enjoy wildflowers from spring through fall. Incidentally, Centerburg is the geographic center of Ohio, hence the town's name and a befitting name for the trail: Heart of Ohio.
More than half of the smooth, flat, 6.1-mile Heritage Rail-Trail has a parallel 4-mile horse trail. The equestrian corridor starts at Hayden Run Road and continues northwest to the Cemetery Pike trailhead. If you're walking, biking or inline skating, start the trail in downtown Hilliard off Main Street. The trailhead has an abundance of parking, a warm-up area and bike rack; the adjacent Old Hilliard historic district has numerous shops and eateries. Journeying northwest you immediately come across a lovely fountain and a pond on the south side of the trail. From an observation platform on the banks of the pond you can view Canada geese. If you prefer art to wildlife, an excellent display of public art includes some colorful sculptures. This trail has numerous well-designed connections to soccer fields, tennis courts and the local high school football field. There are also connecting paths to the many housing subdivisions in this rapidly growing part of central Ohio. For example, the Vaniard Trail branches off to the south at Hoffman Farms Drive and connects to a subdivision of homes and Hoffman Farms Elementary School. It ends at Municipal Park and Pool, which has baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a pool and plenty of parking. The trail links two major parks: Homestead in Washington Township and Hayden Run Metro. Homestead Park is approximately 1.3 miles from the start in downtown Hilliard and has a restored Conrail caboose, restrooms, parking, vending machines, public telephones, a 0.75-mile loop trail, playground equipment, an information kiosk, a fishing pond and picnic tables. After Homestead Park the trail continues through the countryside. If you like birding, there are many bluebird boxes along the trail. Hayden Run Metro Park, on Hayden Run Road, is just 1.1 miles from Homestead Park. The parallel equestrian path begins in this park, and the area features a corral and horse trailer parking. The coarse gravel horse trail runs on the east side of the
State: OH Length: 3.5 miles Surface: Asphalt
This short bikeway parallels old Leonard Avenue and Interstate 670 in Columbus from Airport Drive to Cleveland Avenue. The path starts at Airport Drive and passes right through the city. It begins by moving along some of the highway walls along I-670. There are a few moderately high curbs to jump, particularly on bridge crossings, along with a few busy street crossings as well. This bikeway may work as a bicycle commuting corridor, but I wouldn't recommend it for recreational rides. Portions of the nearby Olentangy-Scioto Bikeway, the Sharon Woods loop trail, or even the Heritage Trail in Hilliard would be better suited for that purpose. Future plans may connect this bikeway with the nearby Olentangy-Scioto Trail, or the proposed Alum Creek Bikeway.
State: OH Length: 14 miles Surface: Asphalt
Part of the 320-mile Ohio to Erie Trail, the 14-mile Kokosing Gap Trail travels through a landscape of ravines and farmland and passes a beautifully restored train and a cheerful wood caboose. This outstanding trail connects the towns of Mount Vernon, Gambier, Howard and Danville on a smooth asphalt surface with park benches about every half mile. The gap between each community is about 4 miles, give or take. Starting at the trailhead in Mount Vernon, the first part of the trip takes you along the sunken valley of the Kokosing River. Heading east you pass one of several overlooks of the river and surrounding valley and take two old railroad trestles across the river. The bridges have been meticulously restored and are well worth a stop to admire the handiwork. Shortly after crossing the first bridge you reach the Brown Family Environmental Center at Kenyon College. A visitor center and a butterfly garden beckon you to take a break and come in for a self-guided tour through this wonderful garden area. Where the trail intersects busy State Route 229 and enters Gambier, you will want to pay close attention for a safe crossing. Gambier is home to Kenyon College, and after passing the campus of this distinguished liberal arts school, you can't miss Gambier Station and its four train cars, a locomotive, tender, flat car and caboose. Howard, like the rest of the towns along the Kokosing Gap Trail, provides notable diversions. The trailhead has a parking lot, restroom and a playground donated by the Rotary Club. Just after an arched stone passage under US 36, an incredible old barn towers over the trail. Another bridge provides views of a smaller tributary that flows into the Kokosing River, and the trail soon opens up again onto farm fields and pastures. After about a mile more you are back among trees, but you periodically get to peek out of the gaps in the forest to see the farm fields in
State: OH Length: 78 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a jewel in the crown of Ohio rail-trails. The 78-mile paved path links Terrace Park near Cincinnati to Springfield, a dozen towns and four counties to the north. It passes through quaint small towns, beautiful state parks, picturesque scenery, old and new bridges and natural habitat. If you are interested in a shorter trip, start at Xenia Station. Trails radiate from Xenia like sunbeams, lending this charming town a reputation as the crossroads of Ohio trails. Feeling energetic? Take in the Little Miami in one fell swoop, starting and ending at the Avoca Park trailhead in Terrace Park. This beautiful park has plenty of natural green space to relax in after one of the best rides Ohio has to offer. Southern Section As you leave Terrace Park, a bridge takes you over US 50, and you soon come to Milford. Here, and for most of the southern portion, the Little Miami River is your companion. Just north of Milford a lovely 2,500-foot-long bridge carries you across the river toward Loveland. "Old Loveland," the quaint older section, is jam-packed with stores, cafes and even a bike shop. The trail is busy here, and traffic remains constant all the way past Hamilton Township's Fosters Park, where you'll find parking, restrooms, and shady large trees, to the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge. The bridge, named after a former governor, is the highest bridge in Ohio—a twin deck, arch truss bridge looming 239 feet above the river. Near the town of Morrow, with its railroad depot and an ancient (but safe) iron trestle, the trail congestion ebbs. There is a lot of ground to cover between Morrow and Xenia, but don't miss Fort Ancient State Memorial, home to a large museum and 3.5 miles of mounds built by the Fort Ancient tribe. Just to the north is Caesar Creek State Park, with more than 70 miles of great hiking and bridle trails as well as canoe rentals. The town of Corwin, at about mile 32, is a pleasant place to stop and r
State: OH Length: 12 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
From Marion County Park District:
The first section of the trail to be finished will be the easternmost stretch, starting at Gateway to Health park on Holland Road (1.7 miles west of Marion). We will pursue additional grants in order to develop the remainder of the trail, which will eventually go west and slightly north to the Hardin County line. We anticipate opening a short stretch of paved trail this year, and opening up pedestrian access to Herr Road, where there is a beautiful pond. The trail will eventually pass through the Big Island Wildlife area, and the entire trail will have a delightful mix of shade and open areas.
State: OH Length: 16 miles Surface: Ballast
The Moonville Rail Trail is a 16-mile trail that utilizes the former Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad that began service in the 1850s. This railroad provided only industrial service, never carrying passengers because of its proximity to the Red Diamond Dynamite plant. This rail-trail will take visitors through beautiful southeast Ohio forest lands including Zaleski State Forest; the communities of Zaleski and Mineral; past New Marshfield School, which ceased operation in 2004, after more than 100 years of continuous use, and Lake Hope wetland areas. The corridor holds water on both sides of the trail creating a wetland area that is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Additional points of interest along this trail are two unique and historic tunnels. King Switch Tunnel is a 120-foot structure carved through the rock and lined by a series of 12x12 wooden beams. The Moonville Tunnel is brick lined and thought by some to be haunted. Currently, 10 miles of ballast surfaced trail, perfect for horses or walkers and hikers, are available from Lake Hope School to the Moonville Tunnel. Future plans are for the trail to extend approximately eight miles to the east and link with the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway in Athens. To the west the trail will eventually extend to the Jackson County line. To reach parking and trail access at Lake Hope School take State Route 278 to Lake Hope Dam. Turn east on to Wheelabout Road and continue approximately half a mile to the school.
State: OH Length: 3.8 miles Surface: Crushed Stone
This multi-purpose recreational trail is located on an old Penn Central Railroad right-of-way. Farm fields border on the west and the historic Ohio and Erie Canal borders on the east. A watered portion of the canal extends from the Hebron State Fish Hatchery to State Route 79 and is a popular area with fishing and birding enthusiasts. A genuine wooden-truss covered bridge can be found along the trail.
State: OH Length: 320 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Ohio to Erie Trail spans the state of Ohio from a tributary of the Ohio River in Cincinatti to Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. When complete, this trail will connect four of Ohio's metropolitan cities, a dozen large towns, and numerous small villages -- all done on easily accessible, paved trails that are completely separated from highways and automobiles. As of October, 2009, 234 miles have been paved of the 300 with 270 miles of right of way secured for trail use. Along the way, the trail passes through rural areas, farmlands, nature preserves, and regional parks giving the adventurous a hearty helping of nature's finest. At the metropolitan perimeter, meadows and woods give way to exciting urban centers, affording the traveller a contemporary taste of Ohio's culture and arts. The OTET has sparked the construction of dozens of other trails leading to it across the State of Ohio!
State: OH Length: 1 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
This is a newly opened 1 mile trail in Logan, Ohio the gateway to the Hocking Hills region of southeast Ohio. The trail can be reached from the parking lot at the county fairgrounds in Logan or at the lot at Aqueduct Park in Logan. Starting from the fairgrounds the trail is a crushed gravel surface and goes just over three tenths of a mile through the Old Town Creek Preserve a 56 acre preserve that was protected as a part of this trail development. The gravel trail turns into an asphalt trail after crossing Front Street near the Old Town Creek bridge. This portion of the trail goes just two tenths of a mile to the parking lot and entrance to the Aqueduct Park section of the trail. At Aqueduct Park the trail turns into a grassy ballast surface as you get onto the old railroad grade. The historic aqueduct arch bridge that can be seen from the trail makes for an awesome entrance to this final three tenths of a mile. The trail currently ends at the active railroad tracks with plans for crossing the active corridor and continuing this great trail already being discussed.
State: OH Length: 13 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Olentangy Trail picks up near the north end of the Scioto Trail, heading 13 miles north through several parks and Ohio State University. Portions of the trail are rough going, but for the most part it is serene and scenic. From Confluence Park, head north and use the crosswalk at Dublin Road. Once across the road, the trail travels north on the west side of the Olentangy River. At some points the trail is very close to the river, and flood warnings are posted. After passing under several highways, the trail becomes quieter, meandering along the river bank under light tree cover. The sound of flowing water drowns out some of the city noise. At Third Street a bridge takes you to the east side of the river, and at Fifth Avenue you must choose between a lower trail along the river bank or an upper trail with access to Fifth Avenue and part of the Ohio State University campus. Between Fifth and King avenues there is an overlook with a large concrete deck jutting over the river edge; check it out for a good look at the lowhead dam spanning the river there. Through campus—roughly 1 mile—you may want to dismount if traveling by bike and walk. A local landmark rises on the right side of the trail in this section. Ohio Stadium, or the Horseshoe, as locals call it, is the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. The trail then passes under the new Lane Avenue Bridge, a striking structure with an amazing cable-stayed design. The anchorages for the bridge cables are 47 tons each, making them the largest pieces of steel ever galvanized. Unmarked neighborhood trails feed into the bikeway periodically. Near mile 4 the university's wetland research area flanks the west side of the route. Feel free to take a self-guided tour of the native plants and wetland habitat. A short stretch takes you on a well-marked route over city streets in Clintonville before you travel though Whetstone Park and t
State: OH Length: 16.5 miles Surface:
The old Cincinnati-Muskingum Railroad grade from Circleville to the County line at New Holland is now owned by the Pickaway County Park District. Efforts are now underway to develop the Pickaway Trail which will eventually be over 16 miles of continuous trail.
State: OH Length: 29 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Prairie Grass Trail is an important piece of the Ohio to Erie Trail, the extensive cross-state, 320-mile trail. This beautifully maintained asphalt rail-trail segment stretches 29 miles between London and Xenia, generally following US 42. The northern trailhead is located in London, behind the senior citizen's center, and has a picnic pavilion and public restroom. The first mile west of London has several benches and another small picnic pavilion for trail users. The trail takes a rural flavor immediately upon leaving London. The corridor has been planted with natural prairie grasses, surrounded by flat, open farmland. In keeping with the prairie grass landscape, there are few trees, which makes it important to keep your water bottles full. After 10.4 miles you reach the small town of South Charleston. As it passes through town the trail diverts onto sidewalks for 0.5 mile. The South Charleston trailhead is highlighted by the wonderfully restored train depot; it also offers picnic tables, water and restrooms. The almost 10 miles between South Charleston and Cedarville are dominated by huge fields of corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see. There is virtually no tree cover, so protect yourself against wind and sun. The trail travels close to US 42 for much of the way and also shares the corridor with power lines owned by Dayton Power and Light (which allowed an easement on the corridor that made the trail possible). About 7 miles after leaving South Charleston you cross the county line from Clark into Greene County. In Cedarville, the trail travels beside Massie Park, with parking, a playground, water and restrooms. The trail runs another 9 miles from Cedarville to the endpoint in Xenia. As you head out of town you pass a good-sized lake to the right that is separated from the trail by a high chain-link fence. Just before the crossing at Murdock Road, 1.7 miles out of Cedarvill
State: OH Length: 6.5 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Roberts Pass Trail runs from downtown London, Ohio, to rural Fairfield Township. The trail passes through farmland for 6.5 miles, although dense tree cover shades the route at all times. Although the trail might not offer varied scenery, it is an integral part of the planned Ohio to Erie Trail, a 320-mile route stretching from Cincinnati to Cleveland. Two other components of the larger trail system also directly abut the Roberts Pass Trail; in the west, the Prairie Grass Trail continues south to Xenia, while in the east, the Camp Chase Rail-Trail takes trail users to Georgesville.
State: OH Length: 6.15 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Scioto Trail is an early urban greenway at its best. The 6-mile multiuse trail hugs the banks of the Scioto River and connects parks, links with other trails and offers fabulous views of downtown Columbus. Portions of the route are considered the state's oldest rail-trail. The trail starts just north of State Route 104 and follows the west side of the Scioto River. However, the best place to park and access the trail is at Berliner Park, across the river from German Village. The park is a hot spot for team sports, with ball diamonds and athletic fields. From the park you can travel north or south on the rail-trail. If you head south, the trail travels though lush forest all the way to the endpoint near State Route 104. Going north takes you to downtown Columbus. The start of this section is also densely forested, making it easy to forget that you are traveling in a large city. At Greenlawn Avenue you can ride or walk straight across the street or descend a steep slope below it to get to the other side. Once you get onto Greenlawn Avenue, cross the Scioto River on the Greenlawn Avenue Bridge. The bridge has a great bike and pedestrian-friendly path along the edge. The next 0.3 mile along Front Street alternates between brick and concrete sidewalk. The route here is unmarked. Turn left and head west on Whittier Street to regain the paved rail-trail route. You pass a trailhead at Lower Scioto Park on the left. The trail curves along the river on the Whittier Peninsula. Interstate 70 roars overhead near mile 10, followed by a breathtaking view of the Columbus skyline. First Bicentennial Park and then Battelle Riverfront Park provide vantage points overlooking the river, the urban environment, and a replica of Christopher Columbus's sailing vessel the Santa Maria. At North Bank Park, a good stopping point, you can enjoy the million-dollar view of downtown Columbus and the previously mentioned parks that make up its riverfront. Restrooms and parking ar
State: OH Length: 16.6 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Simon Kenton Trail is a tribute to the hardworking volunteer group that built and maintains the corridor, once part of the Erie-Lackawanna rail line. The rail-trail is well designed, has extensions and improvements in the offing and has excellent signs throughout the trip connecting Urbana to Springfield. Beginning at the Urbana YMCA, head into town, intersecting a short bike route to Melvin Miller Park, the city's main park with a pond, pool, athletic fields, skate park, and playgrounds. This stretch offers an excellent strip of rail-with-trail, where freight trains mainly hauling grain travel next to the path before you enter Urbana proper. While the trail passes through many of Urbana's industrial tracts, downtown is just a couple of blocks to the east. Just north of Miami Street, you'll encounter the Urbana Station Depot, which offers a coffeehouse, restrooms, and a community information center inside a restored railroad station. Cross the street heading south to continue the trail out of the more populated part of Urbana. Trail signs are just 0.5 mile ahead. At the intersection of Edgewood Avenue and State Route 55, there is a trailhead with benches, a bike rack and parking lot. South of here the trail is nicely shaded, and a short trip west on Woodburn Road will take you to Cedar Bog Nature Preserve. The preserve has an ADA-accessible boardwalk that allows visitors to experience the unique environment without harming it. The preserve is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including more than 50 that are rare or endangered. Cedar Run, a small tributary of the Mad River, for which the bog takes its name, is one of the few Ohio streams that has a native population of brook trout. Cross County Line Road and enter Clark County. At Tremont City Road, pass the Clark State Community College Truck Driver Training Institute. After crossing the railroad tracks and several creeks, you reach a connecting trail to the west that accesses the
State: OH Length: 9.9 miles Surface: Asphalt
Beginning just east of downtown Newark, the T. J. Evans Panhandle Trail runs parallel to active tracks of the Ohio Central Railroad, making this trail a nice example of rail-with-trail. Built and funded by the Thomas J. Evans Foundation, the trail is primarily used as a recreational corridor by the families living along the trail. If you like, you can head west from Newark along the sister path, T.J. Evans Trail. The few first miles of this nearly 10-mile trail are tucked behind neighborhoods and businesses and run along State Route 16 and the rail line, illustrating how much urban activity and transportation can fit along a single corridor. Looking south around mile 3.5, you can't miss the home office of The Longaberger Company, maker of handcrafted baskets. This seven-story office building is a replica of the company's Medium Market Basket. Longaberger employees designed the picnic-basket exterior and interior, managed the entire project and constructed more than 50 percent of the building. The interior has cherry woodwork harvested from Longaberger Golf Club property and milled, sawed and shaped by Longaberger employees. For the next handful of miles the trail winds through the rural landscape of eastern Licking County. Here in Amish County, horse and buggy caution signs are as prevalent as cornfields. You sail past grazing cows and hear frogs croaking in marshy areas along the trail. Summer days find turtles sunning on logs and creek banks. American sycamores, slippery elms, and bittersweet grow in the surrounding woods, and whitetail deer visit isolated ponds along the route. The best time to visit this trail is early October, when the leaves are bright and the air is crisp. The last 2 miles of the Panhandle Trail mark the southern border of the Longaberger Golf Club property. The course is one of most coveted in the state, with 12-month-long waiting lists.
State: OH Length: 14.2 miles Surface: Asphalt
The T.J. Evans Trail is a very popular route, drawing locals and visitors as well as through-travelers on the Ohio to Erie Trail that counts this rail-trail among its 300+ miles from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. The southern trailhead at Cherry Valley Road in Newark has a kiosk with a pay phone, drinking fountain and user guidelines. On the other side of town in East Newark, you can pick up the sister trail, the T.J. Evans Panhandle Trail. Heading west on the main T.J. Evans Trail, just after you leave you pass a connecting trail to ranch-style condominiums. This is the first of several residential developments that tie in to the trail. After passing a second parking lot, you come to a connecting trail going east. Although unsigned, it takes you a couple miles to the Ohio State University's Newark campus and to the Newark YMCA. Rapids in Raccoon Creek keep the pace on the trail's east side, while you trek through a beautiful shaded ravine area. A bridge across the creek has a marker discussing the trail's rail history. After passing under State Route 16, cow-dotted fields extend from both sides of the trail. At about 4 miles you come to Granville. There is a sign directing you off the trail to downtown Granville for shops, dining and overnight options. A short climb brings you to the quaint and amazingly beautiful downtown, where you can find many restaurants, as well as Denison University (a noted liberal arts school that counts Hollywood's Jennifer Garner as a graduate). Continuing along the trail, a pedestrian crossing guides you over State Route 37 at the former Granville Railroad Station, which now houses a realtor's office. If you're looking for a break, stop at Wildwood Park near mile 3.5, with open fields and an incredible, wooden castle-shaped play area. Continuing north, you shortly arrive at the rui
State: OH Length: 0.6 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Urban Trail is one of several throughout Wilmington, OH, and runs between Mulberry Street at the Luther Warren Peace Path and near Southeast Neighborhood Park at the 4-C Bicentennial Trail. The trail is really a series of sidewalks along the street, although Hawley Street does not have sidewalks. The route is mostly signed. To get from the east end of the Luther Warren Peace Path at Mulberry Street, head south on Mulberry Street then east on Truesdell Street. Three blocks later at Charles Street, head south 1 block to Hawley Avenue. Go east on Hawley, cross the tracks (use caution!), then go south on Grant Street. Head 1 block to Doan Street and turn east. Go 1 block to Wall Street heading south, and in just a few hundred feet, where the road curves to become Marlena Drive, head slightly south and west to the western end point of the 4-C Bicentennial Trail (between the houses).
State: OH Length: 31.5 miles Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Tri-County Triangle Trail is a 52-mile rail-trail project that will eventually connect Washington Court House, Chillicothe, Frankfort and Greenfield, Ohio. Currently, about 28.6 non-continuous miles of the trail completed are as follows: * Chillicothe to SR 138 (approx 19.3 miles) * Robinson Road to Mills Road in Fayette County (approx 5.33 miles) * 3 miles through Washington Court House * 1 mile in Greenfield along Paint Creek In Frankfort there is an ice cream shop, restaurants and other stores along Main Street less than 2 blocks from the trail. Be sure to let the store owners know how much you enjoyed the trail. For more information on the development of this project, please visit the Tri-County Triangle Trail website.
State: OH Length: 20.2 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The Westerville Bikeways is a system of paved multi-use paths throughout the town, stretching from Hoover Reservoire on the east to as far west as Worthington Road. On-road bike lanes allow for cyclists to ride a variety of loops. Visit the city of Westerville online for route maps. At Schrock Road south of Alum Creek South Park, you can pick up the Alum Creek Trail and head south through Columbus to Three Rivers Metro Park and points beyond.
State: OH Length: 15.4 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Xenia–Jamestown Connector Trail links these two eponymous trails, and travels east beyond Jamestown to the Green—Fayette county line at Rosemoor Road. In Xenia the trail links at a hub with the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the Creekside Trail and the Prairie Grass Trail. The trail is relatively new and offers a beautifully maintained asphalt surface suitable for all uses except horses and motorized vehicles. Start at the east end off Rosemoor Road southeast of Jamestown. You can also park off South Limestone Street in Jamestown. From here, more amenities quickly become available along the trail as you head toward Xenia. Just a half mile into the journey a wooden bridge off the right side of the trail leads to grocery, which offers beverages, food and restrooms. Another trailhead on the left just 1 mile from the Jamestown trailhead is at Frank Seaman Park, offering restrooms, water and parking. In addition, it has numerous baseball fields, a covered pavilion and picnic area, as well as ample green space to either warm up for your ride or unwind afterward. Continuing northwest brings you to the crossing at Quarry Road. The trail corridor is amazingly well shaded in summer by a thick canopy of deciduous trees. The periodic breaks in the trees over the next 2 miles allow you to get a peek of the vast farm fields that dominate this part of central Ohio. Just past mile 4 the trail crosses South New Jasper Station Road, and less than 0.5 mile past this, the trail crosses a bridge over the North Fork of Caesar's Creek. The bridge is a nicely built concrete deck and the view both up and down the meandering waterway, with its lush vegetation clinging to the banks, is well worth a stop. The remaining 3 miles or so offer a smooth quick ride th