Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Ohio, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The trail from Verona to trotwood was in great shape, appropriately marked, clean and no problems. Totwood South was problematic I decided not to take that today. A very nice ride with lots of things to see or stop.
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.
The Portage River Trail is a short trail running through the village of Pemberville located in northwest Ohio’s Wood County. It is built upon an old Toledo & Central Ohio Railroad right-of-way that ran between Stoney Ridge and Fostoria, Ohio.
The trail has a dirt/cinder surface and runs between Rees Rd/W. College Avenue and Alexander Road in Pemberville. Highlights along the trail include Pemberville Station and a bridge over the North Branch of the Portage River. Both of these rail remnants are in good condition and might be of interest to train aficionados, but considering the length and surface of this trail, it is definitely not one that I can recommend to anyone outside the immediate vicinity of Pemberville. I view this trail as primarily meant to be a walking trail for the village’s residents. Unless this trail would be extended northwest 6.75 miles to Stoney Ridge, OH or 15.5 miles south to just outside Fostoria, OH I think there is little reason to seek out this trail.
The Slippery Elm Trail is a flat, well-maintained trail found running through farmland in northwest Ohio. It runs 13 miles between the towns of Bowling Green and North Baltimore. The trailheads in both towns have nice trailheads with flush bathrooms, drinking water, and bike repair stations. Near the midpoint of the trail the village of Rudolph offers port-a-johns. The trail is wide and the asphalt surface is smooth. Where cracks have appeared they have been filled. Depending upon the time of year you ride the trail there may not be a lot to see. The parts of the trail that are shaded have lots of brush between the trees which make the trail seem like a green tunnel. Likewise, the parts of the trail running through corn fields also block seeing much of the surrounding countryside. Since much of the trail running through farmland is not shaded, using sunscreen would be a wise idea. In addition, I would suggest to make sure you carry a cell phone. I found the trail to feel somewhat isolated. On the weekday that I rode an out-and-back ride of the entire trail I did not encounter a single other person using the trail. If you have a crash or an emergency occur while on the trail, I don’t think you can rely on someone coming by to assist you.
I rode the Sandusky and Ottawa County Section of the North Coast Inland Trail using two out-and-back rides during September of 2025. The first ride was from Bellevue to Fremont, Ohio. The second ride occurred one week later from Fremont to Genoa and back.
Overall, I was very pleased with the trail. It is well maintained and the asphalt surface is in great shape with few to no cracks, tree root uplift, or potholes. The trail surface in Ottawa County is a chip and sealed stone surface that did not have any patches of loose gravel. Between Bellevue and Fremont a good portion of the trail is shaded with limited views of the surrounding countryside. It does tend to open up more the further northwest you go on the trail. Sunscreen becomes a must the further you travel in that direction. I encountered a number of cyclists and pedestrians using the trail on either side of Fremont, but it seemed that the further away you got from Fremont the less crowded the trail became. During my ride between Elmore and Genoa and back I did not see a single person on the trail. Perhaps, had I ridden this trail at a different time and/or on a weekend maybe I would have encountered more trail users.
I have just a few nits I would like to pick about this trail. First, I think that the on-street routes in the cities of Bellevue and Fremont need to be better marked. In Bellevue, as the trail comes into town on the east side you cross Bauer Rd. and have to travel 2/10 of a mile to Prairie Rd. only be directed back to Bauer Rd. to cross town. Why isn't there a sign at the Bauer Rd. crossing to tell you use Bauer to travel through town. In Fremont, there needs to be a bike lane between Walter Avenue and N. Brush Street along W. State Street (US-20), similar to the one between Portland Rd. and Southwest Street in Bellevue. This 4 lane divided highway has too much traffic and many large commercial trucks to ask cyclists and pedestrians to use it's narrow shoulders.
Secondly, I think that each town could benefit from a small business directory sign or kiosk posted along the trail as you enter each town. The North Coast Inland Trail is a long trail that attracts users from outside the local populace. Connecting these non-residential users to local businesses could have a positive impact on the local economy of each town.
Map is backwards. Plenty of parking at North end of trail. North section is about 3 miles, while the South is about 2 miles.
Rode the trail today (6/7/26) from Middlefield to Chardon. We saw 5 snapping turtles on the trail! Great day.
Parked at N Chestnut park, and proceeded to trail. It was closed going east to Peck Rd - there appeared to be work on the railroad tracks. Going west, there were closure signs on trail at Wall St and Red Brush Rd. We rode past Red Brush for about 1 mile when we saw trucks on path and workers cutting trees deep in the woods. Turned around disappointed. When I looked on this website, saw no information. The Portage County website had an alert about Towners Woods park to be closed til end of summer for upgrades to park. Bummer !
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.
I only recommend the 2 1/2 mile section from the Great Miami Trail to the Medler Conservation Area. There is a climb made somewhat easier by the switchbacks but the scenery is worth the effort. You will pass through woods and meadows. Medler offers a nice place to rest and refresh. Coming back down is a blast. We add this trail on to our ride from Franklin to Miamisburg.
Not many scenic trails of this length have a great brewery, literally on trail, at the midpoint (Austin OH). The trail runs from Chillicothe to Washington Courthouse. There is a little urban clutter/noise at either end but other than that it’s a peaceful, beautiful ride. Lots of shade. You’ll never be in the sun for long stretches. That’s all the good news. The bad news is the trail is completely closed for repairs 9 miles out of Chillicothe and also closed, for the same, about 10 miles out of Washington Courthouse. The construction sites are impassable, and there are no official detours. The whole trail needs repaved but the WCH side is particularly bad. Could be a 5 star with the proper attention.
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