The Richland County Park District is undergoing a strategic planning process for the B&O Trail and is in need of your assistance.
A survey concerning the trail is now online, and you are asked to participate by answering questions and sharing ideas. The survey can be found here.
Several weeks ago we shared a post about the B&O trail in our “Everything You Always Wanted To Know About” series; we thought it a good time to re-share!
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About: The Richland B&O Trail
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
