Enjoy Knox County on the Ohio to Erie Trail
All Aboard the Ohio to Erie Trail and explore the Heart of Ohio Trail
Did you know that once you reach Centerburg, you have 163 miles to go to reach Cincinnati or Cleveland?
Welcome to Centerburg, the Midway point of the Ohio to Erie Trail. In 1874, Centerburg began to flourish as the construction of the “Cleveland, Mt. Vernon and Delaware Railroad Company was finally developed, and the first passenger train was operational on September 1, 1874. Town lots that were once valued at $20 began to sell for $200 and the population grew from 60 to 1,101 people.
In 1880 the former Cleveland, Mt Vernon, Delaware railroad went bankrupt and the railroad company was sold to the Cleveland, Akron, Columbus (C.A.&C.) railway which eventually became the Pennsylvania Railroad in late 1899.
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As you cycle the former rail trail, you will notice historical features that still exist of that era of transportation. You can view the historic site of the former C.A. & C Depot at the trailhead of the Heart of Ohio and Kokosing Gap Trails in Mount Vernon. Stop and visit our Bike Friendly businesses listed on our website link as you arrive through our villages and communities.
All Aboard the Ohio to Erie Trail to explore the Kokosing Gap Trail
Did you know that once you reach Mount Vernon, you are cycling the Kokosing Gap Trail?
Welcome to Gambier, a village along the Kokosing Gap Trail and home to Kenyon College. As you visit the area we want you to learn the history of Ohio Railroads and their significance to the growth of these towns. In the late 90’s, Knox County began to explore the idea of taking the abandoned rail beds and converting them to a multi-use recreational trail. At the trailhead at Gambier, you can view the Chesapeake and Ohio Caboose and the 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive as well as a Switch Stand.
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As you cycle the former rail trail you will notice historical features that still exist of that era of transportation. Enjoy the ride as Knox county is known as one of the most scenic areas of the 326 mile trail. Stop and visit our Bike Friendly businesses as you arrive through our villages and their communities.
All Aboard the Ohio to Erie Trail and explore the Mohican Valley Trail
Did you know that once you reach the Bridge of Dreams you are cycling across the second longest covered bridge in Ohio and the third longest in the nation?
Welcome to Danville, the village where the Kokosing Gap Trail ends and the Mohican Valley Trail begins.
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Danville is known as the “Gateway to Amish County” as Route #62 (Millersburg Road) will lead you through the rolling hills of Ohio. The Mohican Valley Trail provides spectacular views of the Mohican River Valley. The trail connects with the Holmes County Trail, ½ mile east of the Bridge of Dreams. Horses and Amish buggies share the trail with other trail users, so do not be surprised to see some horses upon your visit.
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The village of Danville was founded by George Sapp in 1813 who was a veteran of the War of 1812. St. Luke Roman Catholic Parish was founded in Danville in 1820 and is the second oldest parish in the state of Ohio.
Agriculture was prominent in the village as a stockyard specializing in sheep mapped Knox County as having more sheep than any other county east of the Mississippi River. The production of turkeys was also well known in the valley as a turkey hatchery was the largest type of industry in the area.
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The Little Jelloway Creek is a corridor along this section of the trail. It is a tributary to the Kokosing River as it flows into Big Jelloway Creek and then empties into the Kokosing River (which was known as Owl Creek).
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The Bridge of Dreams is one of the most picturesque views in Knox County as it spans over one of Ohio's State Scenic Rivers known as the Mohican.
