Find the top rated birding trails in Marion, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I rode the Sandusky and Ottawa County Section of the North Coast Inland Trail using two out-and-back rides during September of 2025. The first ride was from Bellevue to Fremont, Ohio. The second ride occurred one week later from Fremont to Genoa and back.
Overall, I was very pleased with the trail. It is well maintained and the asphalt surface is in great shape with few to no cracks, tree root uplift, or potholes. The trail surface in Ottawa County is a chip and sealed stone surface that did not have any patches of loose gravel. Between Bellevue and Fremont a good portion of the trail is shaded with limited views of the surrounding countryside. It does tend to open up more the further northwest you go on the trail. Sunscreen becomes a must the further you travel in that direction. I encountered a number of cyclists and pedestrians using the trail on either side of Fremont, but it seemed that the further away you got from Fremont the less crowded the trail became. During my ride between Elmore and Genoa and back I did not see a single person on the trail. Perhaps, had I ridden this trail at a different time and/or on a weekend maybe I would have encountered more trail users.
I have just a few nits I would like to pick about this trail. First, I think that the on-street routes in the cities of Bellevue and Fremont need to be better marked. In Bellevue, as the trail comes into town on the east side you cross Bauer Rd. and have to travel 2/10 of a mile to Prairie Rd. only be directed back to Bauer Rd. to cross town. Why isn't there a sign at the Bauer Rd. crossing to tell you use Bauer to travel through town. In Fremont, there needs to be a bike lane between Walter Avenue and N. Brush Street along W. State Street (US-20), similar to the one between Portland Rd. and Southwest Street in Bellevue. This 4 lane divided highway has too much traffic and many large commercial trucks to ask cyclists and pedestrians to use it's narrow shoulders.
Secondly, I think that each town could benefit from a small business directory sign or kiosk posted along the trail as you enter each town. The North Coast Inland Trail is a long trail that attracts users from outside the local populace. Connecting these non-residential users to local businesses could have a positive impact on the local economy of each town.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
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.
I am definitely biased, but having this trail a quarter of a mile from my house is a gift. The crushed limestone parts are very smooth and any bike will work. It does get rough for much of the trip. A mountain bike or gravel bike is needed. I have a hardtail mountain bike and that is perfect. I hope in the future they complete the trail with crushed limestone. But if they don't I will still be happy it's there.
Good trail takes you from urban Hilltop District, Columbus to just west of rural Lilly Chapel. Lots to look at along the ride. Crosses several roads along the way where you will need to stop for traffic. Some railroad crossings but they are even. Special call out to stop at Amy's Donuts on Georgesville Road (Amazing and huge selections of donuts, bike parking, right on the bike path, restrooms, great service). Some cautions:
1. I have had to dodge homeless hanging out on the trail and/or their possessions on the trail in the section in Columbus.
2. At Darby Creek Metro Park, there is about 1/2 mile that is rough rock and not paved. If riding a road bike, I advise walking it.
Really love this trail. Mostly shaded and they have ground down the tree roots but could use more road markings and signage at road crossings. The electric bikes and scooters are really becoming a problem.
We parked on the West side of Norwalk and biked almost to Bellevue and back. Trail surface is crushed limestone in iffy condition. Seen better, seen worse. It was hot out, not much shade. Historic restored train station and park in Monroeville was kind of nice. We ate in Norwalk at a place called Berrys restaurant on the main drag. Can reach by bike. Then we loaded up and headed to the other side of the town where the trail goes towards Wakeman. That section of the trail is also crushed limestone seen better, seen worse. More open farmlands over that way a few areas of shade. Pretty scenery. We can now say we've completed the entire NCIT all 100ish miles of it through 3 counties.
The trail itself was in good shape, fairly smooth not a lot of bumps. About 75% of the ride was shaded. It would be pretty in the fall when the leaves change colors. Major complaint is the amount of horse poop on the trail. And because most of the trail being shaped it was hard to avoid. Washed my bike when I got home. Kokosing Gap trail and Holmes County Trail are much better rides.
We parked at the lot in Elmore and first rode northwest to Genoa. This is a good section of the Inland Trail, very flat, good pavement, lots to see and do. The map doesn't show it yet, but the trail is paved all the way into Genoa. The newly added trail runs north beside Martin Williston road, and west beside SR-51, then winds along a separate paved path into Genoa. The trail is separated from the roads, no problem. The trail ends ends in Genoa at Washington and 6th streets, adjacent to an Ice Cream shop and Veterans Memorial Park. We then rode back to Elmore, then over to Lindsey. Each town is about 5 miles apart, giving us roughly half hour segments between each town. There are a few crossings along the way, but not bad. Plenty of shade. They just added a lot to the intersection going under the Ohio turnpike. There is a Sunflower Tours site on the outskirts of Lindsey. You can take a tractor-pulled trailer ride through a field of sunflowers for a small fee. Looked like a good time. The pavement is well maintained and the path is well marked. All and all a very nice afternoon ride.
Fremont to Elmore, August 2025. Parked in Fremont at 1500 Walter Avenue lot. Traveled West to just beyond Elmore and back. Though the trail does continue to Genoa, it was a hot and sunny day and there isn't much shade. Most of the trail goes through cornfields. Happy that we can now go under the OH turnpike at Waggoner Road. The 15 month construction is over, it's very nice and worth the wait! Beautiful Sunflower field in Lindsey. Trail is paved and obviously a flat rail trail through quaint old railroad towns. This is our favorite section of the trail we frequent it traveling 3 1/2 hours to get to. We brought in some revenue to the area staying 3 days and riding multiple trails.
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