Reviewed by: PennyRich ,  Cross Country Rider , from Newport News, VA

Summary:
I first rode this trail last November while I was in Ohio. It was a great trail system, well maintained, and excellent riding. On 4th of July I was in the area once again and decided to take my children, who are experienced riders, on the trails I had so enjoyed. What a disappointment! We began at the bottom of C-9 and immediately had to get off our bikes. The trail had been trashed by horses and COULD NOT BE RIDDEN! The devastation was unbelievable, 6 foot wide mud holes with hoof prints up to a foot deep. Obviously, horse riders have continued to ride this trail long after serious damage had been done, with no consideration for hikers and bikers, or for the long-term effects of their actions. We turned around and, rather than walk down the trail, we hiked back to the road through the woods. Yes, it was that bad! We then tried the Airport trail. It was in slightly better condition, but we gave up after less than 10 minutes when I slipped in mud and fell while pushing my bike down a muddy and badly eroded downhill section. Once again the source of destruction was obvious - horses. While riding back to the road, we came upon a group of horse-back riders. They had stopped their horses on the trail and had it completely blocked. We waited for them to move so we could proceed, but, aside from muttering comments about "stupid mountainbikes", they ignored us. We had to make a detour around them. The children were by now too upset and frustrated to attempt any more trails and rode back to the car. The adults decided to try the top of C-9, which is clearly marked for hikers and bikers only. We rode up the fire road and entered the trail head where a "No Horses" sign was clearly visible. As soon as we crested the rise, the trail devastation was immediately apparent. There were long muddy stretches with deep hoof prints, and badly eroded downhills and uphills, once again with clear hoof prints. We walked as much as we rode and the stream bed we crossed looked like a better route than the trail we were trying to ride. We were glad to get to the end of the trail. While we were loading bikes another mountainbiker rode up. We asked him about the condition of other trails. He said none of the trails were in any better condition than the ones we had ridden.

Recommended Route:
Don't waste your time! The trail system will take years to recover and will need thousands of hours of trail maintenance.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
We tried Paint Creek the next day. Although the trail system wasn't close to how good Scioto Trails used to be, it was in excellent condition and was a fun ride.

Reviewed by: Taboo , from Kentucky

Summary:
Please be considerate of horses, they are easily spooked and sometimes unmanageable(much to our dismay). In return we will support your efforts to keep trails open to ALL whom RIDE! Happy Trails

Recommended Route:
May 17th&18th will be an endurance ride for HORSES. Sorry you guys don't like riding with us, but we may not be as BOLD as you guys. Anyhow it takes ALL of us to keep these trails OPEN for our enjoyment!