Some minor work on the Richland County B&O Trail will take place over the next few days.
First, a contractor will be working near the Bellville Bike Depot and the Hines Ave bridge on Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30 remediate several bumps along the B&O trail surface. Additional bump removal work is then scheduled for Tuesday, September 3 from Marion Avenue south to Deer Park. That work is expected to take two days to complete.
The Trail has become an iconic part of the way that Richland Countians experience the outdoors and exercise. For our readers, here is a battery facts about one of the area’s best attractions for hiking, walking, running, and biking enthusiasts:
Name: Known variously as the Richland County B&O Trail, the Richland B&O Trail, the Richland County B&O Bike Trail, and the Richland County B&O Hike-Bike Trail
Length: Variously posted as 18.4 and 18.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Northern Terminus: The north end of the Trail is located at a point to the northeast of West 4th Street near North Lake Park on the northeast side of Mansfield
Southern Terminus: The south end of the Trail is located on the southwest side of the community of Butler off of Simmons Street.
Parking Availability: Centrally located parking lot servicing the Trail is located in Lexington (see Destination Mansfield map below)
History: Follows the train right-of-way of the former B&O, and later the CSX railroad; CSX abandoned the track in 1986
Opened: 1995
Operated by: Richland County Park District
General Description: The Trail is primarily a rural rail-trail with short sections through two small towns and a northern endpoint in the city of Mansfield. It offers some changes in scenery along its route, from open farmlands, woods and river crossings, to short sections alongside a factory and a former grain station.
Facilities: Parks at both ends of the trail, and trailside in Bellville and Butler. Emergency call boxes.
Food: Eateries near the Trail in small towns.
Number of Road Crossings: Approximately 18
Obstructions: The B&O Trail was the first in its area to become a bollard-free trail (took place in 2014).
Maps:
- Destination Mansfield
- Google Maps (includes elevations)
Sources: Ohio Bikeways, Wikipedia, Destination Mansfield
