From here, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is just a block away turn left at South Center Street to reach it. Stop in at the end of your trek to view both the impressive architecture and vast collection. The Simon Kenton Trail ends in downtown Springfield in front of the Heritage Center, a gorgeous building that once served as both city hall and a marketplace and is now home to a charming café and the Clark County Historical Society. The trail spans just over 6 miles and heads both east and west along the eponymous waterway. Nearing the city center, you’ll cross Buck Creek, where you can pick up the scenic Buck Creek Trail on the far side of the bridge. The larger population is noticeable here, as this section sees much heavier traffic than the northern portion. As you approach Springfield, homes, businesses, and schools begin to line the route, though the corridor’s surrounding tree cover is maintained for nearly the entire length. Proceeding south from Urbana, you’ll be pedaling on a gradual downhill slope. From here, a spur trail heads northwest to provide access to local parks and the city’s YMCA. Near the center of town, the Depot Coffee House, in a restored train station adjacent to the trail, serves a wide selection of refreshments, as well as a publicly available parking lot, restrooms, drinking fountains, and a fix-it station for quick bike repairs. The small town of West Liberty offers an opportunity for a rest or bite to eat turn left onto Runkle Street to access the charming community’s downtown.Įntering Urbana, the trail’s surface turns to smooth pavement and trees begin to envelop the corridor, providing much welcomed shade. Amenities are limited, so be prepared with ample amounts of water. Even those accustomed to long rail-trail treks will likely work up a sweat in the direct Ohio sun. On this northern 16-mile stretch, farmland reaches out as far as the eye can see. In fact, the 16 miles from Bellefontaine to Urbana run immediately adjacent to a still-active rail line. Those accustomed to mountains may be left unimpressed by Ohio’s flat peak, and like all rail-trails, the Simon Kenton Trail slopes only gradually, as the corridor once had to accommodate the needs of the many freight and passenger trains that ran through here. The trail’s north end begins in Bellefontaine, a small city where Ohio’s highest point can be found. North of the city, the trail is chipseal and rural from Urbana southward, you’ll experience a busier, paved pathway. In reality, though, the uninterrupted trail-named for the famous frontiersman who once lived nearby-is composed of two very distinct experiences with the metaphorical dividing lining at Urbana. Seamlessly spanning the 35.5-mile distance between the Ohio communities of Bellefontaine and Springfield, the Simon Kenton Trail presents visitors with ample opportunities for recreation and wildlife sighting throughout its entire length.
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