The best road cycling routes in Pickaway County

Pickaway County offers a diverse cycling experience, featuring peaceful countryside, expansive farmlands, wetlands, and wooded areas. You'll find routes along the watershed of the Little Darby Creek, showcasing agricultural heritage, and trails near the Scioto River with scenic views.

Yes, the Roundtown Trail is a paved, 10-foot-wide path ideal for road cycling. It connects the Pickaway County YMCA to Ohio Christian University in Circleville, offering a smooth ride through wetlands and farmlands. Additionally, parts of the developing Pickaway Trail are paved, providing tranquil views of woodlands and farm country.

The Roundtown Trail is particularly suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, including families, due to its paved surface and scenic, gentle terrain. Community bike rides are regularly hosted on this trail, making it a great option for a family outing.

For a longer ride, consider the Hilliard to Harrisburg loop via Prairie Oaks Metro Park. This moderate route spans over 50 miles and traverses varied landscapes including farmlands and wooded areas, offering a more extended cycling adventure.

Yes, several loop routes are popular. The Hilliard to Harrisburg loop via Prairie Oaks Metro Park is a well-known option. Another local favorite is the Heron Pond – Three Creeks Metro Park loop from Groveport, which is an easy ride through wetlands and wooded boundaries.

Road cycling routes in Pickaway County often feature views of the Scioto River, especially near Canal Park. You might also encounter the rich biodiversity of Big Darby Creek, designated a National Scenic River. Wetlands, farmlands, and wooded boundaries are common scenic elements throughout the region.

Yes, several attractions are close to cycling areas. You can find Hargus Lake within A.W. Marion State Park, offering a scenic stop. Other notable spots include Slate Run Living Historical Farm and the historic Blackburn/Wesner Bridge. Canal Park, along the Scioto River, also features historic canal elements and a natural playground.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road biking in Pickaway County. Summer provides lush crops and warm weather, while spring and fall bring milder temperatures and beautiful foliage, making for very scenic rides.

The Pickaway Trail, while largely envisioned as paved, currently has sections that consist of gravel and grassy areas. While some parts are suitable for road bikes, cyclists should be aware that certain sections might be less ideal for all road bike types due to the mixed terrain.

The Pickaway Trail can be accessed from parking lots near Canal Park and Calamus Swamp. These access points provide convenient starting locations for exploring the trail's cleared and paved sections.

Pickaway County offers a good mix of routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find easy paths like the Roadbike loop from Frosties, which is relatively flat, as well as moderate routes such as the Hilliard to Harrisburg loop, which covers a longer distance with some elevation changes.