The Kokosing Gap Trail is one of Knox County's gems, thinking back to a time when the Pennsylvania Railroad operated along this route and what the passengers on the many trains that traversed through here got to see.

That scenic view is still alive and well along the 14 miles of the trail. The trail opened in 1991 and was designed for various forms of recreation including bicycling and walking. Of course, at a couple of places along the trail, I have seen people wading in the river and fishing.

The trail starts in Mount Vernon and ends just west of Danville, but along this scenic stretch of trail you can take in the sights of wildlife and the many different varieties of trees.

Bring your camera, as there are many opportunities for photography. Once you get close to Gambier you will cross a busy stretch of state Route 229 and then a little ways past that you will come across something that I like: a restored steam engine along with a flat car and a caboose.

If you are a true die-hard, keep going on the trail towards Howard and you will pass under U.S. 36 through a stone-arched tunnel built by Pennsylvania Railroad. You can then go onto Danville.

Gambier has a lot to see as it is home to Kenyon College, and while there you can visit some of the shops and restaurants.

I was an avid walker on the trail for many years until the doctor suggested I slow down a bit as my knees were giving me a fit. After my surgery, I plan to be right back out there.

I have also walked an ridden a bike on the B&O Trail in Richland County. While nice, it doesn't offer the same ambiance as the Kokosing Gap Trail. I would encourage everyone to take a day and walk the trail and see what Mother Nature has to offer.

At this time, the Kokosing Gap Trail is the longest paved rail trail in the U.S. that is solely funded by donations, with upkeep maintained by many volunteers. We can be very proud of that.