Some of the best hikes in Ohio—especially in places like Hocking Hills and Cuyahoga Valley National Park—are remarkably beautiful, but definitely not easy. If you want to enjoy incredible scenery without putting in too much effort, there’s a bike trail in Ohio that’s calling your name. The Kokosing Gap Trail to Mohican Valley Trail is a 16-mile route that runs from Mount Vernon to Brinkhaven, featuring historic bridges, enchanting forest views, and even vintage railroad cars. It’s also fully paved, offering an easy, scenic adventure that almost seems too good to be true.
Where This Bike Trail in Ohio Is and What Makes It Unique
The Kokosing Gap Trail begins in Mount Vernon and extends 14 miles east to Danville, where it intersects the Mohican Valley Trail, which runs 5 miles east toward Brinkhaven. It’s one of the best easy outdoor trails in Ohio because the scenery is breathtaking, and the effort required to enjoy it is disproportionately low. That’s a great problem to have, in my opinion! The paved trail was built on a former Pennsylvania Railroad line, featuring two 250-foot railroad bridges that dwarf the surrounding landscape. When you pedal beneath the massive trestles, you can almost hear the sound of a train horn as you picture the vintage cars that once chugged along this very route.
Passing through the stone arch in Howard is a memorable experience. Ivy trails up and down the bricks, and seasonal foliage offers postcard-worthy views. The trail also features the Bridge of Dreams, a 370-foot-long covered bridge over the Mohican River. It’s the second-longest covered bridge in Ohio and the third-longest in the country!
What You’ll See Along the Way
he route passes an authentic 1940 Alco locomotive and a 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio caboose in the town of Gambier, highlighting the area’s rich railroad history. It runs through dense woodlands and also visits Kenyon College, the Brown Family Environmental Center, and Ariel-Foundation Park, offering a unique blend of natural scenery, local history, and architecture.
Tips for Visiting
The Kokosing Gap Trail to Mohican Valley Trail is best visited from March to October. You’ll see vibrant wildflowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, and brilliant fall colors in autumn. In addition to bikes, the trail also permits equestrians and horse-and-buggy travel, so use caution when sharing the road.
From its beginner and family-friendly nature to the gorgeous views and fascinating local history, the Kokosing Gap Trail to Mohican Valley Trail outshines even the best hiking trails in the U.S. The trail is perfect for nature lovers seeking a leisurely outing, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time after time…