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




















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!
Since our last visit in 2022 they recently have repaired the ruts and potholes. Not a complete repave but a good job fixing up the mess. But from Holmesville to Fredericksburg there still are some cracks with grass growing up and a rut down the middle so stay to the side. This trail is a thruway for the locals to get from town to town. Heavy traffic even on a weekday. Didn't see many regular manual pedal bikes or even pedal assist but large class ebikes and scooters and some as large as small motorcycles. They sound like golf carts when passing using their throttles. It's not a very quiet and relaxing trail. The speed limit is supposed to be 20 mph that's a joke because if these "machines" can reach speeds beyond that, then the trail users are gonna use all the power they have. Only saw one Amish horse and buggy. I know they're out there because they already chewed up the new pavement sections that have been recently repaired. Most of the trail is shaded. At the Killbuck end construction workers are working on the trail segment thru town. We biked Fredericksburg to Killbuck and back, 30 mile round trip. Several parking areas along the way.
This trail is well maintained and very beautiful
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.
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.
We recently moved from Tennessee and this trail really surpassed all expectations. It was really well maintained and quite beautiful. It was an easy ride it’s nice and flat even though it’s tucked in the rolling hills of Guernsey County. This trail definitely rivals any you will find in Tennessee. Overall it was a wonderful experience.
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.
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