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The Gallia County Hike & Bike Trail follows an old railroad right-of-way between Bidwell and Gallipolis, at the Ohio River. Though are plans to develop a total of 28 miles (to include Vinton County and Kanauga), only a little more than 8 have been developed as of late 2012.
The trail passes mostly through farmland with a few easy ups and downs. In Gallipolis the trail goes through Haskins Memorial Park near the river, continues along the edge of the regional airport and north along Farm Road to an endpoint at Burnett Road. Another short branch ends at the intersection of Spruce Street and 4th Avenue.
The Gallipolis section is also referred to as the O.O. McIntyre Park District-Holtzer Clinic Trail
In Gallipolis, park at Haskins Memorial Park off Ohio Avenue. On-street parking is available in Bidwell.
From Haskins park towards Walmart could use a bench or something but otherwise a very nice trail. Small tributary nearby and several side trails into the woods by pple and animals. See a lot of birds and deer on the main path itself. A few walnut trees right along the trail. I see several people traveling on it every time I'm there.
May 2016 - Wanted to give this trail a try because it is fairly close to home. Was disappointed in the fact it is only 4.1 miles long starting at the Hastings Park. The trail is paved and recently had the edges mowed. You do cross several busy roads so I wouldn't recommend for families with small kids. We rode to the end at Holzer Hospital and turned around and rode back to town, was able to get 13 miles in fairly easy. I would give it a 3.5-4 stars
I ran the length of this trail while passing through town. Nice asphalt nice scenery, and saw only three other people
As of 10/17/2014, when I made the trip to ride this trail, it was closed at about midpoint for repair to a bridge. I couldn't find any information as to when it would re-open.
It's a nice little trail, but even fully open there simply isn't enough of it to be good for more than locals, or for inclusion with other activities in the area.
I'll probably try again next year, but only in conjunction with planning to spend some time at the riverfront park, and visiting nearby Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande.
If you do make the trip to ride it, don't bother crossing the busy, four-lane highway on the Holzer Hospital end. The trail abruptly ends underneath State Route 35 after about 100 yards. (I drove around and found another entry point, only to find that out.)
My son and I rode this trail 7-22-13. We began at Haskins Memorial Park in Gallipolis. The trail is paved and easy to follow. Flat like most rail trails. The trail description boasts of 8 miles to be ridden, but, as we discovered, only about 4 miles are rideable. (Is that a word?) The trail ends abruptly in a mess of weeds and brier patches after just about 4 miles. Nice trail but not very long. We rode end to end several times to log some miles.
The part of the trail that this map shows is impassable on the southern end just outside of Bidwell. There are trees and brush covering the path. Only about a half mile is ride-able and bumpy at that. Ride the bike trail that goes through the city of Gallipolis instead, starting near Holzer Hospital where it is actually paved and kept up.
Just got back from my first time on this trail. Very nice asphalt path good for bike riding and walking. Need to be careful running since there are spots with some large gravel pieces that have been kicked on the path when the shoulders were mowed. There is a good amount of shade and places to rest. At the one end is the Veterans Memorial Park with a gazebo to sit at and a playground nearby for the kids.
We use this quite trail frequently. It is asphalted and well kept. There are several rest areas with benches however there are no facilities along the trail. The trail is mostly treelined and level. It is quiet, even though it is fairly heavily used by bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Be prepared for the other users to be friendly.
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