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Print Friendly MapOpened in 2017, the Clinton-Fayette Friendship Trail, spanning 7.1 miles, is the longest rail-trail in central Ohio's Clinton County. Following a former railroad corridor, the rail-trail spans the rural village of Sabina, a community which dates back to 1830.
In the middle of the trail, from Sabina Farmers Exchange to the community of Reesville, about 2.5 miles of the route is paved; to either side, the rest of the trail is crushed stone. There is also a short on-road section in Sabina between Orchard Avenue and Howard Street.
A parking lot is available at either end of the trail: off Melvin Road to the west, and off N. Borum Road to the east. Mid-trail, a parking lot is also available in Sabina at the intersection of W. Mound Street and N. College Street.
Started at Borum Road end in Fayette county. Parking available there. Beautiful, wide, paved path. Well maintained with nice mix of sun and shade. Roll through corn fields, active railway nearby, easy 30 min ride to a small town park which may have restrooms in season. Children may enjoy park swings as a break. Shelter for picnic. Continues for a very short stretch on village street then back to trail. Had to head back before I made it to west end so not sure if paved through but I suspect it is.
Most of the path is paved now, except the last 1/2 - mile from the south end near Melvin Rd. Great flat path riding thru corn fields and some tree lined areas.
I rode the trails in Wilmington, Ohio so I was curious about this one when I heard that it had opened last year. I started my ride at the trailhead parking lot at the corner of North College and Mound Streets in Sabina, OH. The town is essentially at the current center of the trail. The trail is very flat so it is easy in that respect. Through town the path is paved. the trail surface for last 2 or 3 miles at either end is currently railroad ballast. The limestone aggregate surface at either end of the trail is not crushed, so stones range in size from pea to half dollar-sized. This made for a slow go in the unpaved portions of the trail. I wouldn't ride a road bike at either end of the trail. Finally, despite being tree-lined for most of the trail, there wasn't as much shade on this trail as one might think.
The trail is arrow straight and apart from riding through Sabina you are surrounded by farmland the whole time. My recommendation is to wait to travel to ride this trail until it is either entirely paved or until it is connected to either Washington Courthouse or Wilmington or both.
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