By 1812Blockhouse
The Richland County Park District is in the mood to celebrate.
It was 25 years ago on October 7 that the Richland B&O Trail began its existence and welcomed its first bikers, walkers, and joggers. To celebrate, the District is inviting you to do three things according to a recent social media post.
First, you are invited to watch a virtual tour of the Trail produced by the District and Matt Drones On; that video can be viewed here.
Second, the District’s Facebook Page will feature 25 daily posts about “places and history” on the Trail.
Third, an information table will be in place on September 16, 26, 30 and October 4 at various locations on the Trail.
Fourth, you are invited to take a selfie or make a video at those daily locations, using hashtag #BANDO25.
We’re happy to join in the fun. Here are 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 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:
- Ohio Bikeways
- Destination Mansfield
- Google Maps (includes elevations)
Sources: Ohio Bikeways, Wikipedia, Destination Mansfield; Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
