This is part eight of a travel series of our midwest road trip covering four states and two national parks. We began our journey in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. If you missed it, start HERE!
Winding through the heart of Ohio is a ribbon of asphalt that tells a story with every mile pedaled. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a casual weekend cruiser like me, the Kokosing Gap Trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and deep-rooted heritage. From crossing soaring iron structures over peaceful waters to stepping back in time beside a vintage 1940s locomotive or the Gothic architecture of Kenyon College, this 14 mile rail-trail is more than just a bike ride -- it is a journey through quintessential Midwestern charm and academic legacy. Grab your helmet and pack your spirit of adventure as we ride the trail in photos together.
The Kokosing Gap Trail is 14 miles one way starting at Mount Vernon and ending in Danville. Our hotel, The Grand Hotel, was conveniently located only a few city blocks from where all the bike trails intersect and would take us to the Kokosing Gap Trail. There is a repurposed 19th-to-20th century steel and iron railroad truss bridge spanning across the river corridor as you enter or leave town.
The trailhead begins at the historic CA&C Depot which is a historic railroad depot. Here you can view trail maps, use the restroom, and even inflate your bike tires. The Kokosing Gap Trail is actually part of the 330 mile Ohio to Erie Network so you can also hook up with the Heart of Ohio Trail here.
Although we were officially on a bike trail now, we still had to follow the signs to the start of the Kokosing Gap Trail. First we went over this cute wooden bridge which went over the Kokosing River.
The trail is a paved asphalt, my personal favorite!
About a mile from where we started at our hotel, we reached the head of the Kokosing Gap Trail and our adventure was about to begin!
Unlike other bike and hiking trails I've been on, this one was very well mapped and signed. I always knew exactly where I was, and how far I had to left to bike. Since it's a one-way trail you always have to remember that you have to bike back, so I didn't want to bike any further than I had energy for a return trip.
The Kokosing Gap Trail offers a great mix of scenery from forested hills and woodlands, to farmlands, wetlands, prairies, and river and bridges crossings. The forest offer deeps shade in the summer to vibrant foliage in autumn.
It wasn't long before we came upon our first steel and iron truss bridge on the actual Kokosing Gap Trail.
I just love the architectural beauty of these bridges.
The trail offered decks with benches that provided both a place to rest but also views of the river.
Soon we reached Gambier where a 1940 Alco 0-6-0 locomotive and a 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio Caboose sit right along the trail. I loved the vintage street lamps too.
Another rest stop and bicycle pump and repair station is available here too.
I spotted lots of wildflowers on our bike ride.
I even enjoyed riding past the serene farmland.
A wooden bridge crossing over the river with another viewing deck.
The river was a brown color when we were there. I don't know if it is always this color or if the water was just all churned up from the frequent rain storms. In Wisconsin, most of our rivers tend to be crystal clear so this was unusual for me.
In Howard are more restrooms and a play area (not pictured), but the highlight for us was the Howard Stone Arch Bridge. This historic sandstone arch bridge built in 1874 serves a dual purpose: it acts as a tunnel for cyclist and walkers on the trail below while safely carrying car traffic on U.S. Route 36 directly overhead.
I was also in awe of the red building next to the bridge which is a private residence converted from a historic mill.
Isn't the decking down to the gazebo amazing?
The trail crosses several roads where you can see American Farms at their best.
I loved these black barns!
You can continue past Danville where the bike path now becomes the Mohican Valley Trail. Both the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Mohican Valley Trail are essential links in the much larger 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail network, which spans all the way across the state from Cincinnati to Cleveland. A store worker told us the 4.8 mile Mohican Valley was the best part, but we decided to save that for another time. Instead, we turned around and headed back to Gambier to check out the college town. We spotted this deer in a neighborhood backyard. We actually saw about six deer that day, but this was the only one I managed to photograph.
The Kenyon College campus in Gambier was one of the prettiest college campuses I ever did see. We locked our bikes up and checked out the bookstore and walked around town a bit.
I was in awe of all the beautiful old buildings mixed with newer ones in a revival architecture so they blend perfectly together.
Such a quaint little garden hang out spot for college kids.
The campus is centered around "Middle Path", a famous gravel walkway running through towering trees.
Kenyon College is famous for its Gothic architecture or "Hogwarts-esque" Gothic stone buildings and storybook aesthetic.
The beautiful Harcourt Parish Episcopal Church took my breath away and it was open the day we were there so we could see its incredible sanctuary.
The parish was established in 1827 by Bishop Philander Chase who also founded the college in 1824. The chapel was built in 1869 and 1871.
The church is Gothic Revival Style featuring a Latin Cross cruciform layout. The arched wooded ceilings amazed me!
The pulpit was held under a beautiful dome encircled by scripture painted on the walls and stained glass paintings.
Stunning wooded pews face each other at right angles across a central aisle and it includes a basilica style chancel with central clergy seating and an open communion table.
There is a balcony with a pipe organ above the sanctuary seating.
The church features stained glass windows designed by Charles J. Connick.
More impressive gothic architecture:
After touring this beautiful campus, it was time to head back to the trail and finish our return trip to Mount Vernon. As the final miles clicked away and the path guided us back to where we started, it became clear that the Kokosing Gap Trail is much more than just a scenic ribbon of asphalt. From the rhythmic rumble of crossing its historic iron bridges to the quiet moment spent uncovering the deep-rooted history left by the old Pennsylvania Railroad lines, this ride delivered a perfect blend of past and present.
Have A Great Day! Amy
