Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Mount Vernon, 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 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.
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!
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.
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.
We rode the roughly 30 miles from Fredericksburg to Killbuck and back. Paved trail with some nice views and lots of shaded areas. It’s a shared trail with horse/buggies and there are a lot of Amish on E-bikes pulling carts but the path is very wide. My only complaints are the bumps in some areas and the need to constantly dodge horse manure.
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