Review Date
July 20, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: ca7erham ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
First off, I'd like to say that the trail is about 25 miles, not 8, though there is an 8 mile loop. Its a Great trail, no matter where you live in Ohio. Flows very well and is mostly wooded. Long but do able climbs with some crazy fast and flowy downhills (my top speed for the day according to my comp. was 37 mph) There are a couple of sections that are a bit tecky, but for the most part, it's just flowy sweetness.

Recommended Route:
Camp overnight in the campground, then ride to the trail head.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ride Mohican Wilderness on the first day (we rode it on the second day and found it very exausting but fun)

Review Date
January 13, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: nprider ,  Downhiller

Summary:
Back in '05, the out-and-back was the trail that got me into mountain biking. And I still LOVE it. I moved to Colorado in '06, so obviously i don't get to ride Mohican too often anymore, but the memory of it sticks with me. The way the trails flow, twisting and undulating through the trees (after the initial climb), it's just so much fun. Colorado singletrack is so different (and really, more technically challenging). Some trails here flow, but I miss the roots, the softer dirt, being in the dark, dense woods, and well I guess I miss thick air, too! I thought the rocky sections were "technical" until I started riding rock gardens in CO. That said, everything at Mohican State Forest is FUN. I'm hoping to make a trip to Ohio this summer, so I will definitely pay a visit. If I have time I will even try the whole 24 mile loop. I'm so stoked!

Recommended Route:
whatever

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Alum Creek, Mohican Wilderness if you like to suffer up long, steep climbs only to be disappointed by the dh payoff...

Review Date
December 12, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Fleas ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I have ridden the old 8-mile trail several times. It was always fun, but I always wanted more. Well, I got more! At 24 miles, most riders will be satisfied and tired (if not a little bruised) at the end. The trail is not extremely technical overall, but does have its share of difficult sections that will test your skills. The climbs seem to be situated to maximize your elevation gain, with the descents usually being long and fast, not short and steep. I don't recall any tough logs, or puddles.
A newby should expect a hard ride - take lots of food and water - be prepared. There are few real bailout points due to the fact that bikes are not really allowed on the hiking trails that one might consider to shortcut the course. There are a few well-marked road crossings, but without a map you'd have a good chance of adding miles rather than short-cutting.
I rate the trail a "5" for its variety and fun factor. I would stay the whole weekend and ride it a couple times.

Recommended Route:
Follow the signs - under the roadway near the river and past the campground.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Mohican Wilderness, Vultures Knob

Review Date
June 12, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: edub ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
A buddy and I did this trail last weekend for the first time and it is closest to an epic ride we have in Ohio. It is 24 miles roundtrip and contains some good climbs. All are capable of being riden in the middle ring due to good placement of switchbacks up the two major climbs. This being said there is climbing all throughout the ride. There is good payoff for the climbs though with very fun downhills and fast ridge riding throughout the ride. Trail is very well marked.

More info can be found at www.spokejunkies.com

Recommended Route:
Running counter clockwise

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Mohican Wilderness, Vultures Knob

Review Date
February 5, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: IronRider ,  Downhiller

Summary:
This is the best trail in an Ohio State Park ever built. If you live in Ohio you probably already know about it, if not you are missing out. RIDE IT NOW!!!! Additional sections have been added in 2006 to make a total of about 23 miles if you ride all the way around. There is only 2 spots that are consistantly wet and they are pretty short and there is room to ride around the mud. After the old 8 mile section is the new addition that is mostly a decent to the covered bridge, the final half mile to the bridge is as really fast DH with some tight switchbacks and whatnot. The new trail back to the top isn't open yet but will be in spring 2007. It takes you to the snowmobile trails which is the fastest partthat is super flowey w/ some jumps and a couple easy climbs. The final section (after you cross the road on the snomo trail) Is the most technical IMO. There is one short yet steep climb with lots of loose slippery shale type rocks that I can't remember making it up yet. The final decent is kinda scary and if you are tired will usually make someone you are riding with eat it, if not you. All in all go ride this trail today!!!

Recommended Route:
start at campground parking lot off Rt 3 and follow the markers. No trails really branch off you just follow the singletrack all the way around.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Mohican Wilderness, Vultures Knob