{"id":40183,"date":"2018-11-02T19:15:14","date_gmt":"2018-11-03T02:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=40183"},"modified":"2023-09-15T11:42:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T18:42:36","slug":"best-mountain-bike-rides-ohio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/best-mountain-bike-rides-ohio","title":{"rendered":"The Best Mountain Bike Rides in Ohio"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ohio boasts an extensive network of mountain bike trails that riders of any level are bound to enjoy. In addition, many of these trails are in mountain-bike-specific areas designed with riders in mind, as well as several biking-only locations where foot traffic isn\u2019t allowed. Here&#8217;s a range of trail suggestions, whether you\u2019re looking for a family-friendly ride, some rolling dirt singletrack to help you ease into the sport, intermediate tracks that let you build your skills, or heart-pounding challenges if you\u2019re a more advanced rider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clevelandmetroparks.com\/parks\/visit\/activities\/event-activity-types\/mountain-biking\"><b>Royalview Singletrack<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strongsville, OH, in Mill Stream Run Reservation, 20 miles southwest of Cleveland<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 9-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Beginner\/intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: New riders looking for a hearty ride<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nestled in the Cleveland metro area, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clevelandmetroparks.com\/parks\/visit\/parks\/mill-stream-run-reservation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mill Stream Run Reservation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a park that offers numerous recreation opportunities. In addition to the paved All-Purpose Trail, there are two shared-use trails open to biking. However, be sure to stay on the biking trails, as there is a hiking-only trail that you could accidentally end up on if you aren\u2019t careful. If you\u2019re heading out with non-riders, the park also offers hiking and horse trails, plus fishing, boating, archery, picnic spots and more, as well as several <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clevelandmetroparks.com\/parks\/programs-events?parkValues=12&amp;view=list#eventListing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">programs and events<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to keep all parties entertained. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Begin from the lower parking lot, taking the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellow Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> clockwise. The trail flows along gentle singletrack through the forest. Stream crossings, bridges and a bit of boardwalk keep things interesting as head south. When you reach the intersection with the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Trail,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stay right to follow it along the edge of the hillslope above the river. Cross the road to continue following the Red Trail downhill. Here, you can really pick up a bit of speed on some fast and flowy singletrack. As the trail loops back toward the junction with the Yellow Trail, there is a right turn that will take you onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Trail Spur<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While not part of this ride, the spur trail provides a couple of features and a bit more length for those who want a challenge. If you opt out of the spur trail, continue on the Red Trail to finish up the ride. Though the length might seem intimidating, with smoother trails and nice flow, this is a great option for beginners.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><!-- END MTB Project --><a href=\"https:\/\/metroparkstoledo.com\/trails\/beach-ridge-singletrack-trail\/\"><b>Beach Ridge Bike Trail<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Swanton, OH, in Oak Openings Preserve, 25 miles west of Toledo<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 5-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Beginner\/intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Families and beginners looking for some unique trails<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/metroparkstoledo.com\/explore-your-parks\/oak-openings\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oak Openings Preserve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great park with an extensive 12-mile mountain bike trail system. The park also boasts trails for hiking, skiing and horseback riding. Though most of the bike trails in this park are rated easy to intermediate, the numerous bridges and wooden boardwalks make riding in this area truly unique. The bike trails at Oak Openings are perfect for a family outing or for new riders looking to get out for a spin. Plus, with a few optional features on the trails, this is an ideal place to practice and improve your skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At 5 miles, this ride gives bikers a taste of what the park has to offer. As described here, the ride follows a clockwise route; however, the direction of travel changes based on the day of the week\u2014so be sure to check the day&#8217;s directionality before heading out! Follow the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wabash Cannonball Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a short distance to the first junction with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hognose Snake Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Take this trail to head north (clockwise) on the Hognose Snake Loop as it winds through the woods and low wetlands. Here is where you&#8217;ll find some of those bridges and boardwalks that flow along the terrain. At the junction with the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blazing Star Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, turn left to continue north to find rolling, elevated boardwalks that flow and wind through the woods. As you head around the loop clockwise, there is a turn for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Racer Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which leads to the western edge of the park\u2014this is a great option if you want to add some more mileage to the ride. As you head south and rejoin the Hognose Snake Loop, the trail opens up a bit, allowing riders to pick up speed and carve some swooping turns before finishing up back at the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.summitmetroparks.org\/hampton-hills-metro-park.aspx\"><b>Hampton Hills Tour<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Cuyahoga Falls, OH, in Hampton Hills Metropark, 28 miles south of Cleveland<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 6.4-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A workout on fast trails free of foot traffic<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A seemingly rare thing, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hampton Hills Metropark<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers up the mountain biker\u2019s dream: bike-specific trails that are closed to foot traffic. These routes are not the most heavily trafficked in the area, so the fast trails, tough climbs, fun descents, tight turns and optional features make this an excellent place to practice your skills and work on increasing your speed without the worry of encountering hikers and horseback riders. However, keep an eye out as you rip along\u2014some sections of these trails are one-way, while others are two-way. Make sure you follow the direction indicated by signs and watch out for other bikers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ride heads south from the parking lot and takes a quick spin on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is a flowy singletrack that allows you to warm up your legs and get your heart pumping before jumping into the heartier intermediate trails. After the warm-up, pass by the parking area heading north to the intermediate trails via the gravel doubletrack <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intermediate Connector<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As you leave the connector and dip into the woods on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upper Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Woodward Creek Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Woodward Creek Western Extension<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the trails get a bit more challenging. Along the fun, twisting singletrack, you\u2019ll discover wooden features, berms and drops. Many of the features have ride-arounds but not all of them, so take your time and scope out any features before hitting them with speed. The trail is dotted with punchy climbs, creek crossings and rooty sections, making for an entertaining ride. As you head back toward the gravel connector trail, you can opt to take a second lap or return via some fast descents to the parking lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohiooutside.com\/momba-counter-clockwise-loop\/\"><b>MoMBA Counter-Clockwise Loop<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, in Huffman Metropark, 61 miles northeast of Cincinnati and 65 miles west of Columbus. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 7.2-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A fun ride on trails designed specifically for mountain biking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroparks.org\/momba\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metroparks Mountain Biking Area<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.metroparks.org\/places-to-go\/huffman\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Huffman Metropark<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a sustainable trail system whose creators followed IMBA standards to design the area specifically for mountain biking. The trails have been laid out and built in order to sit lightly on the land, help prevent erosion and effectively manage the flow of riders. The area has trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced and takes riders through beautiful woods using the natural flow of the land. Also, since this trail system is open exclusively to mountain bikes, you don\u2019t have to worry about other traffic!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parking Connector<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> into the trail system to reach <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twisted<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an engaging warm-up that meanders through the woods. Take this trail heading south. At the junction with<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mr. Zig Zag <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Upper and Lower Stealth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, take a sharp right onto Mr. Zig Zag and enjoy one of the most fun trails in the park. This trail ends where it begins, so once finished, take a right to hop onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Voodoo,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which will take you down to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hawk\u2019s Lair<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> via a series of elevated bridges. Just as you get to Hawk\u2019s Lair, you\u2019ll be faced with a steep hill; this will test your mettle for the rest of the ride. It descends a rather technical section before twisting back to an area with some very advanced features. Be honest with yourself and bypass these if they\u2019re beyond your skill level. As you head north again, make a right onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upper and Lower Stealth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and recharge on a great roller-coaster of a ride. At its northern terminus, bang a right onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creekside<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a smoother and easier trail that will eventually wind back to the Parking Connector, finishing your ride.<\/span><!-- END MTB Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatparks.org\/parks\/mitchell-memorial-forest\"><b>Mitchell Memorial Forest<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Grandview, OH, in Mitchell Memorial Forest, 18 miles northwest of Cincinnati<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 8.2-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Lunch loops or post-work rides<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mitchell Memorial Forest<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> doesn\u2019t have a huge system like some other areas; however, the trails were designed with mountain bikers in mind. These trails are also open to hikers and runners, so keep an eye out as you rip along these super fun tracks. There are some technical features, and the terrain is steep enough to entice more advanced riders while still being accessible to those improving their skills. Just be courteous to other riders and users when you head out. There is a daily-use fee of $3, or you can buy an annual pass for $10.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stacked loops in this area make it easy to create a ride that\u2019s as long or short as you want. Both loops are singletrack with great flow and some rock gardens sprinkled in for good measure. Though this route follows a clockwise direction, both trails can be ridden either way. From the parking area, head out on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which follows the terrain closely, even going over an old foundation. Stay left at the bailout point to continue on, passing a small pond and a short but fun downhill section. Where <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> splits off, turn left to head down to it. This trail is a bit more technical than Loop A, with more rocks on the trail and some bigger rock gardens. Despite the rocks, the trail flows nicely, and you can set up to carve some fast corners. Once you finish the loop, head back toward A Loop\u2014hang a left, and you\u2019ll find a great downhill run. The ride finishes back at the parking lot.<\/span><!-- END MTB Project --><\/p>\n<h2><b>Camp Tuscazoar MTB Trail<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dover, OH, at Camp Tuscazoar, 78 miles south of Cleveland<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 5.8-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate\/advanced<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A challenging ride with great views <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Originally developed in 1920 as a Boy Scout Camp, Camp Tuscazoar is now owned and run by the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.tuscazoar.org\/donations.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Camp Tuscazoar Foundation, Inc<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">., a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the area for all to enjoy. Though generally used by youth groups, the camp has a system of trails that are open to the public; riders must simply sign in and out at the board in the parking area. This riding area has recently been revamped by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/camba.us\/wp\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> into a more sustainable flow trail with some technical features along the way that spice things up. Though this ride offers a bit of a challenge, especially for intermediate riders, it\u2019s a ton of fun and provides some stunning views!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that this ride is just one option and that riders can take on extra trails and miles along the way. This is a shared-use trail, so stay alert and watch for foot traffic as you ride. Head out from the parking lot and locate the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pipestone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> trail behind the museum. Follow the trail up to Pioneer Point Overlook; pausing to take in the view is a great way to start this ride. After a steep descent, this trail climbs again before ending at the Troop 5 cabin. Follow the gravel <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtbproject.com\/trail\/7038735\/zoar-valley-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoar Valley <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> south along the Tuscarawas River a short distance before veering left toward <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roost Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Take the cutoff trail for a rather abrupt fire-road grind, or head up the rerouted trail following the more gradual switchback climb. At Buzzards Roost, take a right onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iron Mine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a fast doubletrack descent\u2014just watch out for those water bars! The trail ends where <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Icky\u2019s Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> begins. This popular shared-use trail can be a bit challenging, with technical features, rock gardens, bridges and steep climbs. The trail ends with a steep gravel road climb to the parking lot. If you\u2019re looking for more mileage, hop on any of the side trails open to bikes along the way, or follow the 10-mile <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Camp Tuscazoar Full Loop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> route.<\/span><!-- END MTB Project --><\/p>\n<h2><b>Dow Lake Loop<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Athens, OH, in Strouds Run State Park, 77 miles southeast of Columbus<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 15.1-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate\/advanced<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A great ride as part of a weekend adventure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/parks.ohiodnr.gov\/stroudsrun\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strouds Run State Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great place to go if you\u2019re looking to get out of town and want to mix a bit of mountain biking into your weekend plans. With camping, boating, fishing and hiking available at the park, there is plenty to do for the non-riders in your group while you head out for a spin. Keep in mind that while there are 15 miles of mountain bike trails, you are likely to encounter foot traffic, so keep an eye out for other users\u2014and be sure to stay off the hiking-only and bridle trails!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though you can ride this loop in either direction, heading counterclockwise allows you to start off with the harder segments, and to look forward to the trail becoming a bit easier as you continue\u2014not a bad option on a lengthy ride. To do so, head out of the parking lot and up the dam to start on the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sundown Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This long, challenging trail throws all sorts of obstacles your way, including rocks, sharp turns, dips and rooty sections. Most of this trail skirts the lake, so don\u2019t forget to look up on occasion and take in the view through the trees. The trail ends at the road, so head left briefly on Strouds Road and then right onto State Park Road (be sure to watch for traffic). Very shortly after turning onto State Park Road, you\u2019ll take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hollow Point Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the right. You\u2019ll immediately face a tough climb which is the hardest part of this trail\u2014the rest has some enjoyable flow. Once you finish up Hollow Point Trail, cross the road (again watch for traffic) and drop onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thunderbunny Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to continue some sweet, flowy riding. As you dip down a steep hill, you\u2019ll find yourself at a parking lot. From here, head east onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hickory Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the easiest trail in the loop and a great way to round out a long ride. Enjoy the lake views as you wind along the shore via a wide singletrack path. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Mohican Mountain Bike Trail<\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Loudonville, OH, in Mohican State Park, 76 miles northeast of Columbus<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 23-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Intermediate\/advanced<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A great ride mixed in to a weekend trip<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though the mountain bike trail here is the main draw, there are plenty of other things to do if you head to <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/parks.ohiodnr.gov\/mohican\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mohican State Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the weekend. The bike trail is an extremely popular and well-known loop, so despite its distance from a major metro area, it could still be a bit crowded. Though this incredible and flowy singletrack is a blast to zip along, it is open to both foot traffic and horses, so stay alert while riding and yield appropriately. This trail doesn\u2019t have a ton of tech to contend with, but the ride earns its difficulty rating from the trail\u2019s length and some of the rather punchy climbs. There are a few bailout points along the way, so if you\u2019re worried about the length, you can cut the ride short via either side trails or roads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the parking area, head out under the bridge and back toward the campground entrance, through the parking area to the trailhead. Once on the trail, it is pretty easy to follow\u2014just stay off the hiking trails. There are white PVC pipes marking junctions and trail mileage. Except for a couple of short stints of doubletrack and road riding, the trail is all singletrack that winds through a beautiful mixed forest. Keep an eye out for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">forest gnomes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> early on in the trail. The climb around mile 9 is totally worth it for the newly rebuilt flowy, bermed descent that follows. A few miles after the covered bridge is a side trail that leads to a fire tower, from which you can soak up sights of the area. Finally, after about 20 miles of flowing singletrack, you reach some technical riding. Decent-sized rock gardens keep you on your toes as you wind around some large boulders. After a tough climb and a ripping descent, cross a wooden bridge to meet the road. Next, cross the river and and look for the trail sign on the other side of the road. This last mile is a riot, with rocks, mud and a nice jump to round out the ride.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/activity\/wayne\/recreation\/bicycling\"><b>Wayne National Forest Epic<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Newport, OH, in Wayne National Forest, 113 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, PA<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 34.8-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Advanced<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A workout of epic proportions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting from the Ohio River, this trail winds deep into the woods of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/wayne\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wayne National Forest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a true backcountry experience. Due to its long length, remote location and lack of more accessible intermediate riding, this loop really is for the advanced and adventurous rider. You must be fully prepared with food, plenty of water, an extra layer and a basic first-aid kit (for both human and bike) as this loop will keep you out for most of the day (6 or more hours). There are a couple of escape routes should something happen while you\u2019re out, but even with those it\u2019s a long way to help. These trails are closed to biking, off-highway vehicles and horses from December 16 to April 14. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in the pullout on the edge of Highway 7 across the road from the trailhead for the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ohio View Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. From here, the ride starts with arguably the hardest climb of the route, so be prepared for a grind with no real warm-up. There is a nice view from an overlook at the top before the route turns away and heads towards <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jackson Run Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This trail drops you deeper into the woods and can feel quite long. Just as you start to think you\u2019re on the wrong trail, you\u2019ll find a sign for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Archer\u2019s Fork Loop Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which turns right. Follow this through multiple creek crossings, past outcrops and along bench-cut trails. Just past the metal gate on the dirt-road section of Archer\u2019s, look for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9 Bell Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You\u2019ll be greeted by a wonderful, though short-lived, descent, as this trail soon begins to climb steeply. The 9 Bell Trail eases as you reach a road and parking area. Cross the road and jump onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scenic River Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The Pioneer Trail\/North Country Trail (NCT) heads to the right so be sure to not take that path. Once you reach the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greenwood Trail<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019re about 21 miles into the ride. You may be exhausted at this point, but this is where the going gets good. The next 7 miles are pure swooping downhill joy. Drop your seat and enjoy the ride! Once you hit the road, hang a left and follow the highway back to your car.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Bean Ridge\/Bear Run Old School Classic<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Newport, OH, in Wayne National Forest, 96 miles miles north of Charleston, WV<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 14.4-mile round-trip loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Difficulty Rating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Advanced\/expert<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><b>Best For<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A hearty ride to test your grit<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another option in Wayne National Forest in southern Ohio, this ride is not to be taken lightly. Though only comprised of roughly 60 percent singletrack (the other 40 percent is gravel road), this challenging ride is worth the effort. Tracing sections of beautiful, narrow gravel road plus sections of the Pioneer Trail\/NCT, this ride makes for a stunning adventure. Though not as deep in the woods as the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wayne Forest Epic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this ride is long and follows some pretty rough trails, so\u00a0you still need to be prepared with supplies. The trails in Wayne National Forest are closed to biking, off-highway vehicles and horses from December 16 to April 14, so get this loop in before winter rolls around. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Begin by climbing the dirt Brooks Road. It\u2019s a gradual ridgeline ascent, and the trail skirts the edge of the Pioneer Trail\/North Country Trail for several miles. At about 2.3 miles along Brooks Road, take the<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pioneer Trail\/North Country Trail: Bear Run Descent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> south and cross Township Road 94. Follow this for a bit to Bear Run Road and enjoy the respite\u2014there isn\u2019t too much elevation change in this section. Next, make a right onto the road and follow it for a ripping fast descent into Schley. A left onto County Nine Road back uphill and another left onto Township Road 381 takes you to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pioneer Trail\/North Country Trail: Pipeline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> segment. From here, the ride is all singletrack except for a few road crossings. There aren\u2019t many other trails to worry about for most of this ride, so simply continue along the Pioneer Trail. The first downhill section can be pretty slick and the top is a high-speed run stunted by a sudden switchback. Stay on your toes! After you reach Bear Run Road, you have a short, steep climb (doable for the heroes among us), leading to the ridge. From here, a fast descent leads to some good old-fashioned pedaling until you cross the road and jump onto <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pioneer Trail\/North Country Trail: Bean Ridge<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which leads to the main draw of the ride: the descent to Little Muskingum River. This is fast, steep and challenging, and the turns sneak up on you. Follow the water\u2019s edge for a bit to a mandatory hike-a-bike section over a hill-slip. One last climb and a bomber downhill take you back to your car.<\/span><!-- END MTB Project --><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ohio boasts an extensive network of mountain bike trails that riders of any level are bound to enjoy. In addition, many of these trails are in mountain-bike-specific areas designed with riders in mind, as well as several biking-only locations where foot traffic isn\u2019t allowed. Here&#8217;s a range of trail suggestions, whether you\u2019re looking for a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":193205,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[25,1056,118],"internal-tag":[1675,1442],"class_list":["post-40183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cycle","tag-cycle","tag-midwest","tag-ohio","internal-tag-pre-redirect-cycle","internal-tag-seo"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/best-mountain-bike-rides-ohio","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"The Best Mountain Bike Rides in Ohio","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/best-mountain-bike-rides-ohio","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/best-mountain-bike-rides-ohio"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Wayne-National-Forest-Courtesy-US-Forest-Service.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Wayne-National-Forest-Courtesy-US-Forest-Service.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Cycle","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Michelle Flandreau"}],"creator":["Michelle Flandreau"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["cycle","midwest","ohio"],"dateCreated":"2018-11-03T02:15:14Z","datePublished":"2018-11-03T02:15:14Z","dateModified":"2023-09-15T18:42:36Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"The Best Mountain Bike Rides in Ohio\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/cycle\\\/best-mountain-bike-rides-ohio\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/cycle\\\/best-mountain-bike-rides-ohio\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/11\\\/Wayne-National-Forest-Courtesy-US-Forest-Service.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/11\\\/Wayne-National-Forest-Courtesy-US-Forest-Service.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000\"},\"articleSection\":\"Cycle\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Michelle Flandreau\"}],\"creator\":[\"Michelle Flandreau\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"cycle\",\"midwest\",\"ohio\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2018-11-03T02:15:14Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-11-03T02:15:14Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-15T18:42:36Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Wayne-National-Forest-Courtesy-US-Forest-Service.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40183"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40183\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":193208,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40183\/revisions\/193208"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/193205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40183"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=40183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}