There is a grocery store, sub shop and Dollar Store located near the parking area. Just after an arched stone passage under US 36, an incredible historical mill towers over the trail. I recently heard a Kenyon student cite the Gap Trail as a big reason she chose Kenyon. This 14-mile trail hugs the bank of the Kokosing River as it winds through forests and farmland. The Kokosing Gap Trail is a paved, 14-mile recreational Bring food and enjoy a break. 0000650545 00000 n The park in Howard has playground equipment for children, and the Depot in Gambier has an old train that children can climb on. It's located just off the trail after passing Gambier going toward Mt. My husband and I biked this trail over Memorial Day Weekend 2002. Vernon and that we could have ridden city streets to connect. This paved 14-mile trail hugs the bank of the Kokosing River as it winds through forests and farmland and connects Gambier to the local communities of Mount Vernon, Howard and Danville. Join us today and. Danville to Gambier and back for a nice ride. A beautiful wooded paved biking trail. I did on my return trip and highly recommend it. It was in great condition and the scenery was breathtaking. In Mount Vernon we have enjoyed the food and beer at Flappers located just off the town square. Watch on Kokosing Gap Canoe Access is #3 on the Water Trail Map of the Kokosing State Scenic River. On the way back I caught up with the kids in Gambier and threaded my way through them on the ride back to Mt Vernon. Took my first ride on the Kokosing trail today and was not disappointed. Mile Markers appear every .5 miles. If you pack a lunch, and start to ride from Mount Vernon, about 10 or 11 miles down the trail there will be a little area with picnic tables you can sit at and enjoy your lunch they also have a necessary-room, and a drinking fountain, but I would still bring your own beverages just in case the fountain is off. The Village of Gambier and Kenyon College are located on the hills just north of the access. The trail is also quite cool. Great trail, well maintained and always a delight. It's a pit barbeque food truck, see http://www.roadhogwillysbbq.com, spreading its aromas from the parking lot at 500 S. Main Street. Only thing I didn't like is the digging they are doing just before you get to Mt. board that was first appointed by the Knox County US-36 Stone Bridge over the Kokosing Gap Trail. If you would like to support the trail, Whether jogging with a friend, taking a relaxing bike ride or just enjoying the peace and quiet of a walk through the woods, the Kokosing Gap Trail has you covered. Its non-profit board relies valley. Sadly, many of them are in pretty bad shape. We loved everything about this trail! 0000155990 00000 n About. Visitors will traverse the Kokosing River twice on railroad bridges more than 250 feet long, with forests, wetlands, agriculture, and villages along the way. Several Parking areas on the trail. Unique about these markers is that prefix letter. . For a longer ride, you can continue on this path to Glenmont. The Gambier stop with it's restored locomotive, coal box and caboose sitting along the trail as if it has just pulled into load passengers waiting on the benches under a wonderful line of shepherd hook lampposts. Kokosing Gap Trail is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Many Thumbs up. Seems like that construction has been going on forever. You will also see an 0-6-0 switching steam engine, a flat car, and a caboose on display. US; Ohio; Mount Vernon; 5.0. You have a push-button to cross the busy street, and Kokosing is about two miles away, a pleasant ride through the town park. If you go straight after crossing you'll end up in Phillips Park a recreational baseball park and picnic area. We stopped in and had pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, and home made cucumbers and onions. I hope that's not going to cause problems down the road. Skip it and come back by car. 0000000996 00000 n Several bridges with interesting overlooks of the river, and direct access to the Kenyon College Nature Center, are also plesent stops. Submitted by: cooltuck7. Vernon to Howard (12 miles) and then ride our bikes back on the trail to pick up our car (10 miles). The Gap Trail is such a gem in Knox County. The trailhead has a parking lot, restroom, and a playground donated by the Rotary Club. The trail board also cooperates with the Knox County County Visitor's Bureau, If you would like local visitor information, A 1940 Alco 0-6-0 Shop play structures is adjacent to the trail in Howard. The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the . 0000095487 00000 n %PDF-1.4 % 0000188348 00000 n Knox This two-acre site consists of a parking lot, kiosk, picnic table and grill. Another thing I like about it is you can extend your ride on the Heart of Ohio trail. This project is nearly complete as Knox County trails include the Heart of Ohio Trail, Kokosing Gap Trail, and Mohican Valley Trail which make up a greater trail system called Ohio to Erie Trail and spans 326 miles from Cincinnati to Cleveland. Second paddle/pedal connector (5.4 miles to the next connector). find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com Its a village green. rules: No motorized vehicles or horses are allowed, All around thumbs up on this one! ;9|q/su|"{T.v$U%xYI*X^L'Sggoe1@WkR.(NvSuOm$U\RN(w>*2UJ3#/.5c/E@{. Asphalt paved and very good condition. The way the river meanders along side the trail and under the tressels that cast beautiful plays of light. There to greet us was a horse and buggy at the Danville end. graduates included statesmen such as U.S. President Between Mount Vernon and Gambier there is nothing so make sure you have water/snacks. The other day we started at the other end in Danville and rode to Mount Vernon and the parking lot is now open. More than 19,945 Kenyon alumni, parents and friends have supported the campaign. Vernon at mile 0 and rode the Kokosing Gap Trail to Danville. Photo by: orangedoug. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. locomotive and a 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio caboose sit 4 0 obj <> endobj xref trailer <]/Prev 1420914>> startxref 0 %%EOF 38 0 obj <>stream Turn right at trail's end and take the first left to Route 62. 0 When you come into Gambier, you come upon Gambier Station and the Kenyon College Athletic facilities. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 4 h 51 min to complete. In Danville The Hangout restaurant/ice cream place is near. A well-maintained,paved trail with great views of Ohio farmland and late summer wildflowers when we rode in late August. Vernon. with, "Passing on the left!". can scan a QR code on a bulletin board along \0`]O' S@y- oMGX{'0G9%X *f,QZkh41.ha{8P(! # eNOd37Hw*R^:04e}!y/m9dr$WCXtk}WZ]-{Lm dk] Now there's a new food stop located on the newish trail connector in Mount Vernon, Ohio. 0000257035 00000 n There was a very tasty BBQ joint with smokers and cold beer. In 3.7 miles, turn left to remain on US 36, and go 21.9 miles. You will cross a few nice old rail bridges on this section. donations and volunteers. The Kokosing Gap Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Crisp and cool! -Rich Ballash - 11/18/2012. Located in the heart of the village, the Bookstore is an important hub of Kenyons literary scene. Founded in 1824, Kenyon is the oldest private college Danville trailhead had a mini-mart a block away, but we never found the ice cream store on rt 62. Trail map of the Kokosing Gap Trail from Phillips Park at Liberty St. (Mount Vernon) to S. Richards St. just north of W. Washington St. (Danville). Started at the Mount Vernon Trailhead, and rode the entire length to Danville. Keep pets on a leash and off the trail surface. 0000189038 00000 n This was an easy ride even for an inexperienced rider. The trail . endstream endobj 8 0 obj <> endobj 9 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/ImageC]/Properties<>/MC1<>/MC10<>/MC2<>/MC3<>/MC4<>/MC5<>/MC6<>/MC7<>/MC8<>/MC9<>>>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/Thumb 3 0 R/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 792.0 612.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 10 0 obj <>stream restaurants, shops, and bed and breakfast destinations a You'll find ample benches and overlooks as the trail crosses the river and its tributaries. building to house the equipment. Title: KGT Map revised draft 3 letter size Created Date: 3/25/2011 11:07:18 AM We rode from the trail head in Mt Vernon for a 15 mile round trip. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. On most rail-trails, one would be fortunate enough to find a scant few railroad mile markers. I had too much fair food and needed to cycle it off. I always stop at the train and have snacks while watching people explore the train. We kayak the Kokosing River from Mt. solely on gifts, donations and volunteers for support playset, rest rooms, water fountain, picnic tables and This trail has a lot of wild flowers growing along its edge. Some of them are making their nests in holes under the trail. I talked to the owner today, the truck is open for lunch Monday through Friday through November. highly regarded seat of classical education whose next to the trail in Gambier, and a wonderful park with However, if you turn left after crossing Mount Vernon Avenue you'll ride on the short Downtown Connector Trail. The red barn that is adjacent to the bridge is original to the area, not sure of the age as the photos there do not say. One other person said her son lost his phone hows that the trails fault? hb``c`` X8$#K]Z?/fu=|=wOQ1e~ 12`l ?, Very easy and enjoyable. Park District. Interestingly, there is an old steam engine, coal car and caboose alongside the trail. Map of the located in Kokosing Gap Trail that spans between Mount Vernon and Danville in Central Ohio. The largely tree-lined trail follows the Kokosing river as it meanders through beautiful farm land and small villages. many other volunteers, have used gifts and donations Another bridge provides views of a smaller tributary that flows into the Kokosing River, and the trail soon opens up again onto farm fields and pastures. While there were a lot of people using this trail not many of them were as friendly as people we've seen on other trails. Came from northeast Ohio to do this trail. Most are wooded, but there is some open farmland. It has only been there for about four months we were told by the waitress. 7 0 obj <> endobj I highly recommend it for any rail trail cyclist. of operations, improvements and maintenance. At about 5 miles I cycled in Gambier. It's got so much variation and surprise the entire route is interesting. Kokosing Gap Trail. trail built on a former Pennsylvania Railroad line with My favorite trail so far. I>}Rz:=G_IZA? Great scenery and lots of wildlife to look at not to metion the Kokosing River itself. However, as you progress down the smooth terrain of the Kokosing Gap Trail, you soon enter the town of . That is directly across the street from the railroad station and just beside the button-activated walk light that takes trail users across Main Street in a high traffic area. startxref Back to Photo Gallery. Long enough for a great workout. Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities. But even the sections from Gambier to Howard and Howard to Danville are very nice. 4 35 Only negative, make sure to pack water and snacks there wasnt anything open in Danville on a Sunday. Danville is on the southern end of Ohio's largest Amish community. As you enter Howard, you cross under a beautiful tunnel/bridge with a nice childrens play area after you cross under it. One of the more recent improvements to the trail was go to the, You can also call the Knox County Visitor's The landscape is pretty run of the mill. The trail stays away from roads and is almost entirely shaded. parks in the United States maintained solely by Lovely fall day, beautiful trail did 26 miles from Kenyon College to Danville switched to the Mohican Valley trail to the Bridge of dreams and back. Initially, I cycled through this trail on a bike on a Monday. Nice, level land throughout (14 miles total) with plenty of benches and rest stops (bridges). The Kenyon College Brown Family Environmental Leave alcohol at home. Time flies on this trail due to plenty of places to stop and beautiful scenery. 0000000636 00000 n The playground includes a The trailhead bordered the edge of the Kenyon College athletic complex and fields. The Mount Vernon trailhead is on Mount Vernon Ave. From I-71, take Exit 131, and head east on US 36/OH 37. Vernon. We parked in Mt. Restrooms in the old train station. This is a wonderful trail that is all asphalt, no hills, all forest, and with sites to see along the way such as a well kept garden open to the public and old trains along the way for kids to climb on and look into. All asphalt paved in great condition. After about a mile more, you are back among trees, with periodic glimpses through the gaps in the forest of farm fields in the distance. Total distance was 27 miles of cycling. Overall, the Kokosing Gap Trail is the best trail we have been on and it will be spectacular as the fall foliage colors appear.". directly adjoins the Kokosing Gap Trail). But you should know with construction going on the trailhead near Mount Vernon is closed. I did not have the time to take this detour on this trip. Commission. The Gap Trail is a very popular (and paved) path for bicyclists and runners. And on its east end, theres a short gap across Danville, but then you can pick up the Mohican Valley Trail. We would appreciate trail users following these simple Commissioners, is overseen by a 15-member volunteer The trail begins in Mount Vernon, Ohio and of course heads south, south east, non-stop into a very small town called Danville. by the American Locomotive Company (Alco) of Waldo Road Greenway - Depot Avenue Rail-Trail - Kermit Sigmon Bike Trail. I am pretty certain it was most likely a feed mill and freight station for the rail line. They were having fun ride in the last week of school in spite of the mist. Danville is like stepping back in time. And over the Kokosing River a few times. It was beautiful trail with plenty of trees, benches, deer but very few "friendly" people! and rode the rails until February 1979. Nearby Trails. relaxing canoe or kayak ride or simply an opportunity to Join us today and. Nice bike ride from Mount Vernon to Gambier and back. On the same road is a gun shop, and a BBQ place called Porky's BBQ. In Howard there is a unique stone bridge and building combination that carries US-36 over the once former rail line. <]/Prev 514053>> ) g-q. 0000066524 00000 n In 0.9 mile the trailhead is on the right (south) after Cougar Dr. To reach the Danville trailhead: From I-71, take Exit 151, and head east on OH 95, which eventually becomes Sandusky St. and then Mount Vernon Ave. 0000034092 00000 n As I state in my Mohican Valley Trail review, it is astounding how this busy, flat, paved, and well-groomed Kokosing Trail is so very different from its eastward continuation from Danville. There is a beautiful garden there, quite a few hiking trails, and lots of environmental programming. Trees starting to bloom, grasses are turning green, air is crisp, sky is blue and we are back in the saddle again. VU. The US-36 overpass stone "tunnel" at Howard (MP-H90 removed) is really nifty. ", "The Kokosing Gap Trail provides a wonderful experience with the expected country side beauty coupled with a number of unique features. Both of them can All rights reserved. Enjoy a landscape of ravines and farmland as you cross the Kokosing River twice along railroad bridges more than 250 feet long, and appreciate a moments respite from summer sun while traveling through the Howard Tunnel. The Kokosing Gap Trail is one of my favorite Ohio rail trails. This is a scenic trail with lots of bridges and benches. 0000208044 00000 n The location of the picnic stop area is just before the road tunnel you see in the photos attached to this link it is a stones throw away from the tables. will definitely earn you points! Picked up Kokosing Gap in Mt Vernon via the connector trail from Ariel Foundation Park. visit our Facebook Both trailheads are in parks that offer drinking fountains. It's very well maintained, it's always pretty and I enjoy seeing the wide variety of wildlife: snapping turtles laying eggs, near-sighted deer, bunnies galore, stately great blue heron, red-tailed hawks, even the occasional snake or weasel. Park benches are located along the trail about VIEW FULL MAP Reviews (0) Photos (0) Sort by: No one has reviewed this trail yet. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! Vernon and biked about 10 1/2 miles of the trail. In my last review I forgot to say at the 9 mile mark if you start in Mount Vernon there is a great place to stop and relax with a small play ground for the kids. OR%esId{isF7-7'_05 O4u\xr>2GiEcHxA,#y8tFw_G/mq%#CY4W3( Both of them are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. available on the trail in Mount Vernon, Gambier, Howard Once the corridor of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the rail-trail now connects the towns of Mount Vernon, Gambier, Howard, and Danville, each just a few short miles apart. ]fxLPs9z_9xOJx!!!!HBF1pX'"y%IJ4rJxQWZZB7l7Ng/ueU {*NCy\$~HgO:V^(0qm@/~gu9SJO,G6$|C2t Uploaded: 10/30/2019. "I rode this wonderful trail on a misty morning of June 11, 2003. xref Well paved and beautiful sceneryand what we liked most is the only sounds we heard was that of nature. Large parking lot. Oberlin, Ohio sports a beautiful 14 mile rail trail, but I found myself jealous not having the Kokosing Gap Trail in my home city. Compare 103 homes, villas, cottages, cabins, and holiday rentals where pets are allowed. at Howard, Ohio. 23 0 obj <>stream Back to Photo Gallery. New to all this bike trail stuff, but if this isnt the nicest trail in Ohio then were in for a special treat. You'll probably want to go back soon after! I thoroughly enjoyed this trail. With mid to high sixties forecast for November 11th and 12th 2010, I planned my two day biking adventure, left Oberlin, Ohio and arrived in Mt. You must adhere to the "leave no trace ethics" while floating the river. Other people have mentioned about the Gambier facilities and about Howard. Prices and availability subject to change. agriculture and villages along the way. 0000263821 00000 n Kokosing Gap Trail Description View Trail Map The Kokosing Gap Trail delights visitors with its rich railroad history, which is on display throughout the paved route. Kokosing Gap Trail, which is owned by the Knox County all year. Additionally, the ""train station"" in Gambier features a real engine and caboose with old fashioned station lights to complete the scene. The small college originally educated all-male The Ohio to Erie Trail is a route for non-motorists that traverses the U.S. state of Ohio, from southwest to northeast.It is named for its endpoints, the Ohio River at Cincinnati and Lake Erie at Cleveland.The route largely consists of rail trails and other multi-use trails but also includes some on-road segments in anticipation of future segregated cycle facilities. I love it for rollerblading - great surface. Historical background on this trail can be found in my review of the MOHICAN VALLEY TRAIL. So, we went back to Gambier and he went towards Howard and he only found the battery and the back of his battery cover on the bunch that someone put there! 0000257278 00000 n Tell your kid to not loose their phone. It covers approximately 380 acres and has a I first learned of and enjoyed this trail during my first trip across Ohio back in 2013. photographers, If the Leaf Blower Breaks, We have a Back-up, Take A Selfie at the Mount Vernon Trailhead, A 15-member board overseeing the Trail's non-profit As I had planned other sight-seeing on Friday, my time was limited so I sadly opted to not bike further on to Danville with the promise to myself of making another trip, maybe in the spring, to experience that part of the trail as well.