Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Circleville, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.




















We traveled over 4 hours to the Xenia area to ride this trail. We biked from Xenia Hub to Octa and back for just under a 40-mile round trip. Not real good signage from the Hub to this trail but we biked around until we found it! The trail is in very good condition, asphalt paved. The parks / county does a good job keeping the grass along the trail mowed. The trail is about half shaded and half open farmlands. We stopped in Jamestown for lunch at a Pub in town. There is a short paved path from the bike trail into Jamestown. Not much signage along the trail. Found nice restrooms at Caesar Ford campground between Xenia and Jamestown. At the Octa end we continued through the tiny one-block town and saw where it appears they are working on extending the trail East.
My husband and I intended to ride from JR Smith Park this morning, but the park and its parking lot are CLOSED due to construction. We shifted northeast to the next available trailhead with parking at Newell Recreation Preserve to begin our ride. It was a beautiful day for a ride on the HOOT section of the OTET!
Not many scenic trails of this length have a great brewery, literally on trail, at the midpoint (Austin OH). The trail runs from Chillicothe to Washington Courthouse. There is a little urban clutter/noise at either end but other than that it’s a peaceful, beautiful ride. Lots of shade. You’ll never be in the sun for long stretches. That’s all the good news. The bad news is the trail is completely closed for repairs 9 miles out of Chillicothe and also closed, for the same, about 10 miles out of Washington Courthouse. The construction sites are impassable, and there are no official detours. The whole trail needs repaved but the WCH side is particularly bad. Could be a 5 star with the proper attention.
We parked on a Saturday morning in a gravel pad off of the trail terminus on Canaan road and the car was still there Sunday noon when we returned. This was not a designated parking area on the trail map but the area had been graveled. It wasn’t clear whether the designated parking areas along the trail allowed overnight parking. The trail is delightful as everyone has noted. We spent the night at Primrose BnB in Nelsonville, which was ok but you have to pick up the key at a location 1.5 miles away and the owners aren’t present on site, so mot the most secure arrangement. Nelsonville has many gorgeous brick buildings
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
While there's no real breathtaking scenery along this route, it's a really nice ride. Well maintained, smooth, with a few towns and other places to stop. I did a video of my ride if you're interested in seeing more. https://youtu.be/tIFhje88VpQ
I rode a simple out-and-back ride of 1.9 miles on the Wilberforce Switch Trail. This is a connector trail the connects Central State University to the Prairie Grass Trail. It keeps cyclists off the very narrow Wilberforce Switch Road. Students can ride into Xenia, Ohio on the Prairie Grass Trail which is probably a safer alternative than attempting to cycle 3.5 miles along US-42 into Xenia.
While the trail is in good condition, its utility is limited primarily to Central State University students. If you are riding along the Prairie Grass Trail and want to check out the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, located on the CSU campus, then this trail can connect you to the museum.
I rode both portions on a beautiful spring day. The surface on the gravel trail varies from crushed gravel, packed dirt and larger gravel stones. Your experience may vary depending on your tire size and bike, when it was last groomed, and any past nasty weather. Parts are shaded, but expect most to be in the sun, depending on the time of day of course. The northern portion was flat to rolling hills, but (I felt) it would be doable by most riders. The scenery of the lakes in the northern portion was great. The maps were helpful. The southern portion was flatter. I'm glad I saw the bison. I tried to imagine horses on the track as I pedaled along side it. I put in 20 miles doing both sections.
This trail is good for local people and college students and staff to get to various places close to the Ohio Wesleyan University. A few people were using it at mid-day on a Wednesday during April. It was in fairly good condition. Warning lights help with street crossings. I parked in the lot off of S Liberty St and then biked in both directions.
This is by far the worst bike trail we have ever been on! It was extremely bumpy with a combination of small rock, big rocks and grass. This path has no maintenance and is not bike friendly. At best, it is good for horses and walkers. Avoid biking on this trail. It is hazardous and extremely bad!! I would give it a zero if possible!
Rode this trail 20 miles out from Nelsonville thru Athens past the Ohio University Campus. A wide variety of sights with porta-potties, benches, and even drinking fountain and welcome center with clean bathrooms as we entered Athens. Well paved path with abundant wildlife and sites. Want to do it again soon!
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