Find the top rated running trails in Toledo, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I love that this trail is here and I ride it often, but the section between Manning and Buxton is becoming unpleasant to ride because of neglected upkeep. As has been noted in other reviews, the bridge transitions are dangerous if you are unaware and hit them at speed (which is likely on the steep downhill run below Buxton). Also in that area, tree roots have pushed the asphalt into ridges big enough to unseat you or to bounce your chain off. Many of these are hard to see in shady areas. There’s a section just above the Manning trailhead where the asphalt has been torn up and heavily grooved for years. I recently met a rider in that area pushing his bike back to the Manning car park with a shredded road tire. I am sure money is tight. Although I want to see new trails built, I would not want it to result in neglecting to maintain this regional gem of a trail, particularly the heavily used lower half of it.
We moved from Bellevue (Omaha) Nebraska 3 years ago and we loved riding our bikes on the Papio Creek 20+ mile trail. However this ride is one for the “record books”. It’s got to be one of the most scenic rides in America and worth the one-hour drive from our home north of Vancouver Washington. This is a “must be there” ride!
It's paved, it's short but sweet, keep in mind that the railroad IS active (not super active, I didn't see any trains on my particular trip), so use caution at crossings. It's within Battle Ground State Park. I went on a fall day and was tickled (and slightly saddened) to see a bunch of uneaten apples that had fallen off the trees in the area; hopefully some of the local wildlife got some tasty snacks out of them.
Aug. & Oct. 2023 I biked entire 56 mile trail both directions. TrailLink write-up is generally correct, with pavement at both ends and then a variety of gravel (packed, loose, and rough) through 90% of the ride. All bridges were completed many years ago, and perfectly in tact. (So, don't pay attention to the many pictures and posts here from 2011; those 2011 pics do not show nor tell of the trail as it exists today.) I used a mid-width tire (1.95"), which handled the gravel nicely. One should NOT bike the loose and rough gravel on thin street tires. I am a fair-weather-only biker: I took one bottle of water (refilled along the way), a jacket, sunscreen, but no backpack. The trail was wonderful for me in the warm, dry weather. I stopped in Pe Ell and got food at the mini-mart, and stopped in LeBam and got a late lunch. I was never in a hurry, using mid-gears over the rough, just soaking in all the beauty of the countryside, hills, forrest. Depending on your energy, you could do the whole length in one day in the dry Summer if you start at 8:30am, or do it in two days, starting around noon. The Raymond side could be a little confusing as it brushes over 101 and the city for a half-mile; map helped there. But, 99% of the trail is woods, farm fields, forrest, and beautiful countryside. I put up about 20 pictures of the journey along the way.
With 80% chance of rain in the forecast, parking was not a problem in the 10 able-bodied slots in the Chehalis lot. (I suspect on a sunny day, you'll want a Discover Pass to access tons more parking in the state park lot, or the lots in Adna or at Ceres Hill Road.) The first 5.3 miles of asphalt were smooth but I was careful - much of the paving is split jaggedly up the center - there was a trail crew out patching the worst spot as I rode past. As others called out, do watch out, at road crossings, not only for traffic but, on either side of roads, for foundation components jutting low above the ground of at least two missing motor-vehicle-barrier posts. And as others called out, be alert for bridge transitions, some of which sport more-than-an-inch disparities between trail height and bridge bed. All that said, lovely country ride 9.7 miles to Ceres Hill Road and back to Chehalis left me wanting to return to cycle more of this trail!
It has been 6 years since I last ride the Banks to Stub Stewart State Park section. As before the transitions on and off bridges are abysmal. The bridges are 4 to 6 inches higher than the trail surface. Strongly advise riders slow way down when approaching bridges. Riding surface continues to deteriorate with longitudinal cracks wide enough to catch a 19 mm tire if not paying attention. Pavement is breaking up in places. That’s the bad. Maintenance appears to be painting white paint to highlight the more dangerous roots The good is the scenery once into the frosted parts is truly beautiful. And the sour face
Paved, gravel, rock, grass, rock & grass, blackberry vines.Rode about 10 miles out of South Bend, stopped, got on the paved Hwy and headed back.Had to focus to much on the trail, and couldn't enjoy the scenery.
We only road for about 10 miles on the far west end. Trial was paved but turned to gravel. Needed to bring my pruners for parts due to overgrown bushes. Otherwise good rude
We rode the trail for 9 miles out. It began paved and remained that way for about 5.5 miles or so. During that time, there were several areas of concern. The large divider stake (most were yellow) at the center of the trail by the ends where the road intersects…one was completely missing which is very dangerous as the bottom components were still intact. Also the bridges had very large lips on them, so we got off our bikes at almost all of the bridges. When it turns to gravel it is pretty nice for about 3 miles or so. We turned around at that point as the gravel became thicker and more difficult to maneuver.
This is short and dangerous, especially for narrower tires. Gaps between pavement are very wide and can easily catch a tire. Planks across wood bridges are also dangerously wide in parts. Path shared with a “live” trolly. Markings are confusing as to where bikes and trolly are expected to be. Transitions from path to apparent trolly track so narrow it requires getting off the bike.
Let bed this beautiful ride along the Columbia! Not for narrow tires otherwise wide, easy and well paved! Very fun!!
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