Find the top rated dog walking trails in Otterbein, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I was ready for a very rough ride in the midsection of the trail from Lebanon to Colfax and back. This is no knock on other reviews, but it made me very pleased with the shock absorption on my bike (Giant Roam 3). This was a smoother overall ride than I expected. I did hit a few (5 or less, one way) tree root-made rises that got my attention, but as others have advised, if you take them slowly you'll be OK.
If there were any crushed rock sections, they were well compacted, not loose. Most of the trail was smooth and flat, and the tree canopy along with a slight breeze made the route cool on a hot summer day. There are several benches in the shade for rest stops. I'm a casual rider, not concerned with speed, and this trail fit my style. I expect I will ride it again in the not too distant future.
Ride day: Sunday July 12, 2026 We started at the Panhandle Trail Head at Country Road 50 N. Only real downed was the parking at the trail head. Only 3 spaces available and 2 were taken. Was a touch tricky, but we got it. We rode North through the town of Royal Center and on wards. After an hour give or take we turned to head back. The trail is perfect. Fairly straight trail with all kinds of wildlife and beautiful scenery all around. Only a few minor root bumps on the trail - but they were all marked. Even some rest rooms along the way! Will ride again without question - great trail.
The pavement is a bit rough all throughout the trail, as roots are beginning to crack through so some brief sections are rough on the bum.
You'll get both sun & shade on this decent nature trail.
an enjoyable experience with river bluff trail just down the street.
This summer they are about half way done with making an abandoned railroad bridge across the Wabash River as a spur off the circle trail. My information only comes from articles I’ve read but have seen photos of the work in progress. This is exciting. And yes, the trail really needs some maintenance on buckled asphalt but it is still one of our favorites since it is only 45 minute drive from our home in Illinois. Lots of shade, wildlife and so peaceful and low traffic.
Date of ride April 17, 2026. My wife and I started at the trail head in Colfax. Easy parking right at the trail head. Rode the trail from parking area to the Hazelrigg area then back. We did pass a few folks out enjoying the day - all friendly! Beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife along the trail. It’s true though that there are some pretty rough spots in and around the Thornton area. We took it slow and it was fine - bumpy- but fine. All in all it was an awesome ride and for sure will ride it again. Hoping to try it from the Lebanon direction next.
Rode this trail from the courthouse in Lebanon out almost to Colfax on April 12, 2026. As others have mentioned, there are some bumpy spots (roots upheaving the trail) near Thorntown, so just slow down there. And there's a half-mile stretch where it's a bit overgrown, but still easily passable. Overall, it a great trail and bit of a hidden gem. Very wide in some places; more-so than the B&O trail. Rode a total of 25 miles and just saw a handful of people. There are only a few road crossings and most of those are out in the country, with no traffic. We stopped at Klooz Brewz afterward for some nourishment. It was great!
The trail has a few spots where it’s kind of smooth but otherwise the concrete is severely heaved. Might be OK for someone to walk on, but not really suitable for biking. If you live in the area fine but don’t take a trip for this. Disappointing. There’s one nice stretch right before the bridge but that’s about it.
We ride this trail a lot. I believe the patrons of this trail set the standard for great maintenance. 2 porta pottys along this trail are much appreciated.
We ride this trail a lot but always dread the section passing through Thorntown. The bumps in the trail are one thing as not cheap to repave but the overhanging honeysuckle is easily remedied. We often start on the south side of Thorntown and ride to Lebanon just to avoid this bone rattling stretch.
The newest addition to the trail nearly makes it a full circle. The CCT is one of the state’s best biking trails. It weaves it around the country side through some wooded parts of the area. The terrain can be a challenge as it is a fairly steep grade to tackle on a hot and humid day. All I all, it’s a great trail to ride.
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