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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We use this trail as a go between the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Heart of Ohio trail in Mt. Vernon. When in Mt. Vernon there is the old train station/welcome center with restrooms open bankers hours. Be sure to visit Ariel Foundation Park 1/2 mile from the Mt. Vernon train station welcome center. Many eateries near this trail. We went to the Southside Diner this time.
We travel over 3 hours to get to every year and stay in the area. Trail runs from Mt. Vernon to Danville. Connects to other trails at each end. This trail is paved in good to fair condition. There was a closure on the trail near Kenyan College approx mile marker 4. Word is they are doing repairs before a near future repave. We will see next year when we come back. Most of the trail is well shaded but some of it goes through open farmlands. Take the Mt. Vernon Connector and there are numerous places to eat next to the trail. While in the area visit Berlin Amish Country. All in all this trail is one of our favorites!
We parked at the Newell Recreation Preserve on County Line Road and biked to Sunbury. Most of the trail is un-shaded as it travels through open farmlands. There are a few sections of the trail that travels through wooded areas offering shade. Trail surface asphalt paved in very good condition. Well maintained, the grass was cut along the trail. This trail connects seamlessly with the Heart of Ohio Trail for an addition 16 miles into Mount Vernon. Trailhead at Newell Recreation Preserve is a gravel lot, zero shade, no benches or anywhere to picnic (have a lunch/snack). Sits up high, like a wind tunnel anyhow.
Always a great ride on this trail as we travel several hours to get to and stay in the area. We parked at Newell Recreation Preserve at Countyline Road and biked one direction on the Heart of Ohio Trail (Knox County) then the other direction in Delaware County on the Meredith State Road Trail towards Sunbury. The Heart of Ohio trail travels mainly through open farmlands so there isn't much shade. Trail surface is asphalt pavement in good condition. Trail maintained as far as grass mowed along side the trail.
Rode 11 miles from Mt Vernon and back. The railroad depot in Mt Vernon is a great place to start. Ariel-Foundation park is very interesting and worth the time to explore. Trail is in good condition with lots of shade. And Mt Vernon is a great town to stay overnight and explore.
Awesome trail for a nice easy ride, very little elevation, good pavement, good scenery, kind of nice going through Clyde and other areas.
We rode this trail today, there is a lot of nice canopy so even on a hot day it’s nice. However, they were cutting back the weeds and sides of the trail, and there was a lot of debris on the trail. Also, there are no restrooms at the trailhead/parking areas. There was one in Johnstown, but it was disgusting.
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!
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.
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
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