MOUNT VERNON – Eyeing a goal of completing Knox County’s final portion of the Ohio to Erie Trail by Memorial Day, Knox County Park commissioners recently put the project out for bids.
According to a Facebook post, the area in question is approximately 1.1 miles and reaches from Huffman Road in Centerburg to North County Line Road in Mount Vernon, also including a quarter of a mile in Licking County.
This final branch would complete the Heart of Ohio Trail, which, along with the Kokosing Gap Trail and Mohican Valley Trail, comprise Knox County's approximatley 35-mile piece of the Ohio to Erie Trail, a roughly 330-mile mostly off-road trail linking Cincinnati to Cleveland.
For hikers and other outdoor lovers in Knox County, the Heart of Ohio Trail comprises 20 miles for walking, in-line skating, geocaching and biking, the Park District said.
The Heart of Ohio Trail, which repurposes former railroad beds into multi-use recreational trails, launched 25 years ago with backing from the Heart of Ohio Trail group, a 501(c)(3) volunteer board, and organization, the website explains.
High-grade asphalt and soothing sounds from creeks have replaced the once busy and noisy railroad lines. The Heart of Ohio Trail contains 19 bridges, affording access across Dry Creek and the Kokosing State Scenic River.
One of the bridges was a former Pennsylvania Railroad bridge. It was replaced with a 182-foot pedestrian bridge when the last phase of construction ended in 2016.
“This was quite a project as two cranes were used to place three 60-foot-long bridge spans on the highway where workers then bolted and riveted the pieces into place,” the website says. “The bridge is located on the trail at the US 36/State Route No. 3 and Lytle Road.”
The areas along the trail have proven themselves valuable for showcasing the area's flora and fauna.
“During the spring, one can view wildflowers such as Dutchman’s Breeches, Squirrel Corn or Skunk Cabbage,” the district website explains. “Many species of birds may be found also be found by trail visitors such as the Red-headed Woodpecker and Northern Mockingbird.”
The trail begins at C.A.&C. Depot at 501 S. Main St. in Mount Vernon and at one point reaches an elevation 1,285 feet, where a marker is set.
For more information, visit the Heart of Ohio Trail on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/heartofohiotrail or email the board at info@heartofohiotrail.org.
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