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AEP
12 reviews
3.75 of 5
Brand new trail system built by COMBO. There is a 5 mile loop, but many more new miles are to be built with all the great volunteer help. The trails are technical in many spots with some roots, exposed rocks, and switchbacks to manuever. There is 1 steep climb, but its short. There are 2 or 3 gradual climbs that are pretty easy. Check out these trails, plan to camp at the AEP sites, and help build more miles this year.
From ColumbusTake 70 east to Zanesville. In Zanesville, take Seventh Street/ State Route 146 Exit #155. Take SR 60 a few blocks then take State Route 146 East. Follow SR 146 East ( 10 miles) until you come to Chandlersville and then take State Route 284 South (right). Follow SR 284 for 16 miles until you come to Township Road 944 (a white COMBO sign will be on your right and an AEP Sandy Hollow Campground sign will be on your left.) Turn right on TR 944, then take first right into the trailhead parking lot. The trail will be on your left (before the orange gate.) From Cleveland/ Wheeling/ MariettaTake Interstate 77 South of Cambridge. Take State Route78 West at Caldwell. Follow SR 78, which will also become SR 83. When they split, follow SR 83 North, about 100 yards, and then turn left onto SR 284. Follow SR 284 a few miles and then turn left onto Township Road 944 (a white COMBO sign will be on your left and an AEP Sandy Hollow Campground will be on your right.) Follow TR 944 about 100 yards, then take the first right into the trailhead parking lot. The trail will be on your left (before the orange gate.)
Summary: I rode this trail in mid-fall of 2007. At that time, it wasn't overgrown, but I can't say that it isn't in mid-summer. Phase one has a gentle climb for the first mile or so that definitely warms you up for the rest of the trail. There are defintely some technical log piles, small crossings, etc. I think we all bit it hard at least once that day. It just seemed like there wasn't a great flow to the trail.
Phase II is a really good section, but needs some benching done on the hills. You'll find yourself riding on the side of the hill for what seems like a couple miles. Nothing horrible, but kinda annoying after a while. Better flow than Phase I.
All in all, I'll continue to ride it because it is one of the closer trails to my house, but here are better trails in the area, I think.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Dillon, The Wilds.
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Summary: This is my second visit to AEP. The place has great potential, but due to the trail being overgrown with poison ivy and way too many briars, I've check this trail system off my list. Trail mileage was just short of 10 miles of undulating terrain.
Recommended Route: Two different phases of trail building have created a loop. Counter clockwise is the recommended route. Watch out for bike eating clay when the area is wet.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Dillon, vulture's knob, Mohican Wilderness
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Summary: OK! So there hasn't been a review of this trail since june of 2002! Well, A lot has happened since that time. There is an additional 4.5 miles of trail, called Phase II. As you complete the first loop of single track, you'll drop out next to the deep lake. A large sign pointing in the right direction will get you to where you want to go. If you can't see the sign then you need to wipe the spider webs off your glasses!;-)
Phase II is a nice flowing section with a couple of high views just like the first sectiojn of trail. On phase II you'll find a couple of cool lakes, one of which you'll be right on the edge of a high wall looking straight down about 70 feet. There is a section of down hill that runs for almost 1 mile, moderate slope in some places and steep in others. It's not to technical at all. But when speed is combines with tight twisty single track, lined by trees on both sides, it can get a little technical (keep your elbows in and your rump back. When you'r finished with this, guess what...you have to climb about the same amount of distance to get back near the trail head. Don't worry, you'll be rewarded with a nice leisurely descent (rocky & tight) back to the parking lot/trail head. Phase II has a nice flow to it and is not as whoop-de-dooy as Phase I.
So...if spiders don't scare you, you like to camp and you are immune to poison ivy, you'll have a great weekend of camping, fishing (if that's your thing) and riding. I hear phase III planning is under way now, 2005 should bring an additonal 4 or 5 miles of trail. Enjoy!
Recommended Route: Follow the signs and stay behind someone if you're the first riders out in the morning.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Dillon (45 miles north east of AEP) just northeast of Zanesville
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Review Date May 4, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: R Gray
, from New Leeington.Ohio
Summary: Cool nine mile loop with short steep climps and sweet downhill drops.lots of off camber stuff working the the sides of the hills.Watch out for the highwalls. (75 ft.vertical drops)not good even for the best free riders.Plenty of access roads out if you need to bail or someones hurt.(read above) The last 4.8 mile section is the best flows better and has a killer downhill.The last mile has a decent climb for those who want more punishment before they hit the fireroad back to the parking area.Rate higher if they had restrooms and water.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Dillon State Park,Perry Apv
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