Areas Along Mansfield Biking Trail
Mansfield is home to some incredible attractions such as Kingwood Center, Oak Hill Cottage, Mansfield Art Center, Renaissance Theatre, and the Historic Ohio State Reformatory made famous in “The Shawshank Redemption”.
This section of your journey spans some of the most diverse terrains you’ll find on the trail. As you head north, the trail passes alongside peaceful farmland and meadows, babbling brooks, ridged woods, and wildlife-filled marshlands. As you get closer to the sights and sounds of the city, you’ll discover colorful murals under busy overpasses.
A horticulture oasis right on the trail, Kingwood Center Gardens now offers access to and from the trail between 10 am and 6:30 pm April through October. Guests can now hop off the trail and spend some time exploring the gardens or grab a nutritious lunch in the Gateway Café before or after they hop on the trail for a ride. B&O Trail users can park their cars at Kingwood for free to start their time on the trail here. If cyclists come to Kingwood off the trail, they will be able to secure their bikes to a bike rack near the trail and are free to shop & dine without paying for garden admission.
At North Lake Park, the northern trailhead of the B&O Trail, a short bike ride will take you into historic downtown Mansfield. Downtown, you’ll find fine dining at Cypress Hill Winery and Hudson and Essex, as well as local comfort eats like delicious Gyros at Athena Greek Restaurant and massive burgers at Uncle John’s Place. Stop for a caffeine fix from the coffee geeks at Relax It’s Just Coffee or stop and steep a cup of tea at The 101 Tea Company. Not your grandma’s tea parlor, The 101 Tea Company offers over 50 teas and tisanes from all over the world to choose from.
Areas Along the Connector Trail
The new B & O Connector Trail is a 1.1‑mile, 10‑foot–wide path linking the Richland B&O Trail to Trimble Road via a newly built tunnel under Trimble Road, designed to give pedestrians and cyclists safe, vehicle‑free access. The trail enhances regional connectivity, offering better access to local businesses, shopping, and residential areas. It’s part of a broader effort to promote active transportation and improve community infrastructure.
Areas Along Lexington Biking Trail
After passing through some winding wooded areas of the trail that offer a break from the sun, you’ll arrive at the village of Lexington. A growing community of families, Lexington offers small-town charms and cycling amenities right off the trail. Y-Not Cycling and Fitness offers bicycle sales & repair, group rides and events, bike rentals, as well as cycling apparel, accessories, and components you may need during your ride.
Lexington is a great place to stop for lunch or light refreshment. Nickel & Bean offers craft coffees, teas, smoothies, and in-house made baked goods in a beautifully restored brick building that dates back to the 1840s. Try Lexington’s Mexican-Korean fusion dining experience, Tito’s Cantina & Grill.
Lexington has plenty of convenient and free trail parking, fully-plumbed restroom facilities and family-friendly public parks directly adjacent to the B&O Trail.
Where can I stay the night along the trail? Between Lexington and Bellville, Comfort Inn Splash Harbor and Quality Inn & Suites Mansfield/Bellville offer nearby access to the bike trail. These are great places to stay if you want to spend one day traveling the southern leg of the trail, and one day traveling north. Pause your long ride here and take the kids to play in the splash park at Comfort Inn Splash Harbor, or play a round of mini-golf at Der Dutchman Miniature Golf. This is also a great midpoint to refuel for the rest of your ride with hearty Amish fare from Der Dutchman Restaurant, or an overflowing locomotive basket of burgers and fries as you dine in a refurbished train car at Buckeye Express Diner.
Areas Along Bellville Biking Trail
Bellville, a “Norman Rockwell” like village with tree lined streets and a beautiful 1878 Victorian Bellville Bandstand in the center of town, is perfect for exploring by bike or foot. Exit the trail at the Bellville Depot which houses public restrooms, water and shelter. Bike racks are provided at the Depot, west of the blue bridge and near Main Street businesses. You will pass some notable landmarks like the old railroad truss bridge in Bellville, and a Civil War-era feed mill that is now Elzy Milling and Trade. While the Clear Fork River meanders at your side, the trail takes you right to Bellville’s picturesque main street, lined with local shops and eateries. Bellville locals are all about their hometown eats; you’ll find them hopping off the trail for an ice cream cone twist or sandwich at the Clear Fork Dairy Belle. Dine in or outside for a delicious Italian feast and pizza (gluten free crust available) at Fast Eddie’s or River Rock Sports Bar and Grill. V&M Family Restaurant is a Main Street staple that is ready and waiting to serve locals and hungry trail travelers diner fare that won’t hurt your wallet. If you continue down Main Street, the wide welcoming windows and beautifully carved front door of Wishmaker House Winery & Wine Bar will entice you inside for a more upscale-casual lunch or dinner with house-made wine and towering cheesecakes. Eat outside on the garden patio and watch as small-town life passes by.
Before you head back to the trail, the quiet, tree-lined streets of Bellville will ignite the sense of exploration that made you love bike rides as a kid. Discover stately, Victorian homes or ride up to Bellville Cemetery for a peaceful walk to discover historic headstones.
Where can I stay the night along the trail? If you’re longing to pause your trip in the quiet, small-town atmosphere of Bellville, Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast is a great place to stay. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Clear Fork Valley and boasting views of the village square, Wishmaker House offers peaceful overnight accommodations.
Areas Along Butler Biking Trail
The southern trailhead of the B&O Trail sits in Butler, a peaceful town on the edge of the Mohican Memorial Forest. This quaint small town is surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Clear Fork Valley. When you get started on the trail, you’ll find you’re a long ride from hustle and bustle, big box stores, and chain restaurants. But don’t hurry off to the trail too soon! Slow down with a family meal at Whiffletree Restaurant or grab a cone of soft-serve from the 5 Points Drive In.
Where can I stay the night along the trail? In Butler, get your fill of fresh air and book a night stay at a local Bed & Breakfast or Airbnb. While you’re here, enjoy the great outdoors with a hike on the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail or a trip to Mohican Memorial State Park.