I AGREE with the latest prior post: "One of the more challenging rail trail rides because there were sections where the surface was covered with large gravel which was extremely bumpy", the longest stretch was between mile 18 to 19. There were other short rough sections but they were manageable." However there were MANY other sections that were much easier, that allowed for enjoying all the varied natural scenery including MANY scampering deer and rabbits. Between Ellensboro (mile 33) and mile 0 there were 5 tunnels, 2 of which are long/dark enough that having a good light is all but essential. The floor of 4 of the tunnels was very wet and slippery (perhaps due to a major rain the previous day), so a slow ride is prudent. The 5th (longest tunnel, ~mile 16) fortunately was where the road bed has been substantially improved with a compacted fine crushed gravel that made for a DELIGHTFUL ride to the beginning of the trail (mile 0).

Hopefully the roadbed will continue to be improved, if only for those sections that have the large/chunk gravel. If this happens, this rail trail will become a 5 Star "must do".

One of the more challenging rail trail rides because of the varied trail conditions.
The trail deserved a three star rating because there were sections where the surface was covered with large gravel which was extremely bumpy and threatened to flat your tires. We literally rode the edge, or off the edge of the trail for short periods to avoid the chunky gravel. Bikes with road tires would need to walk these sections. While the large gravel was used to patch the trail surface on many damaged areas along the trail, the longest stretch was between mile 18 to 19. There were other short rough sections but they were manageable.
The first mile of trail on the Parkersburg end, navigates past a horse farm through tall grass and ends in a random gravel lot behind a self storage facility. There is no trailhead parking here. Cut through the self storage buildings to access route 47. Once on route 47, it's an easy road ride to Parkersburg.
There were a couple other short sections where the trail crossed through grassy fields and doesn't look like a trail. You may wonder if you're still on the trail. While these sections are a little weird, it was easy terrain and actually added to the adventure factor.
While the inconsistent terrain brought some challenges, the scenery and wildlife more than made up for it. The forest along the trail is absolutely beautiful. The trail is flanked by rivers and streams which was home to abundant wildlife. We saw otters, turkeys, snakes, hawks, rabbits and many deer...one which bolted across the trail just a few feet in front of us.
By far the coolest scenery on the trail are the tunnels. The air temperature was a sweltering 94 degrees so the tunnels were a welcome respite. The tunnel acts as a natural air conditioner so we were very pleased to ride through seven tunnels between Pennsboro and Parkersburg. The trail surface inside of the tunnels was wet and a little muddy. There were also ruts and puddles which you can't see without a light. It was never so muddy that you couldn't ride through, it was just that you would slip and slide a little.
Overall, a little more challenging than most rail trail rides but it added to the whole experience.

My wife and I road the entire trail from the Exxon to Lee St. 13 miles total (6.5 one way). Took us about an hour and 20 min but we took it easy. Trail is very well kept, a few joggers and walkers along the way, everyone was very friendly. Hit up the shake shoppe when you are finished, great shakes and malts!

Love the areas around the trail.

Rode from end to end and only had 36ft of climbing in 13 miles. Very nice, payment is in really good shape. This will be my go-to trail for cycling!

We parked our RV at the trailhead in Cambridge and walked a mile and a half to check out the trail. We spent the night and got up the next morning to run the whole course. It is a beautiful trail but I think it should be renamed to Chipmunk Trail! I don’t think I’ve seen so many in my life in a 1.5 mile span not to mention the other 5.5. We saw other animals including deer but I couldn’t identify them as they moved too quickly into the brush. Quite a few rest stops and benches along the way and a few Porta-Jon’s (most very well maintained). Lore City offered a nice clean picnic area with bathrooms and water fountains but at the time we were there, they were not running. All in all we liked this course. Makes for an easy half mile marathon for runners. FYI: The Cambridge Trailhead states no Ebikes.

We met with a construction crew today. They are restoring the bridges, clearing fells, and adding gravel. Completion is expected June 2021.

This rail trail starts at Zane's Landing Park on the East Bank of the Muskingum River just north of the city of Zanesville's Y Bridge in downtown. Its main purpose seems to be to connect the city's youth athletic fields with downtown Zanesville. The trail parallels the river bank and heads north toward Jaycee Riverside Park and ends at Washington Street in Washington Township. The trail is flat and paved. The surface from Zane's Landing to the boat launch in Riverside Park is smooth and fairly new. The rest of the trail north of the boat launch is bumpy and jarring as there are a lot of cracks within the pavement. Hopefully this section that parallels most of the athletic fields in Riverside Park will be resurfaced next year. I was the lone cyclist on the trail on this Fall Tuesday afternoon, however, I encountered perhaps a dozen pedestrians out walking on the trail during my ride. I'd be curious to see how busy the trail becomes in the evenings or on Saturday afternoons when there are numerous youth soccer or baseball games going on in Riverside Park.

I'd like to add that should the Muskingum County Commissioners and the citizens of the county decide to connect the Zane's Landing Trail with the Muskingum Recreational Trail running south out of Dresden you'd develop a beautiful regional destination trail.

This fully paved trail is flat with gentle curves, a view of wetlands and occasional fields. Birds and scurrying squirrels make this trail fun to walk. Enjoying the outdoors with young and old as well as family mascots makes this a fun getaway.