Mile 17.5 Reroute
Tornados ripped through the Mohican area in 2022 and produced extensive tree and trail damage along the Mohican MTB trail. Much of the damaged trail has been fixed, modified or rerouted since then.
The work was accomplished by Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), MMBC, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) and many other volunteers who pitched in to make the trail available again. When MMBC sent out the call for volunteer help, it was uplifting to see so many Mohican-loving people show up to help.
It was a monumental task to have the trail open in August after it was ravaged by storms in June. One of the sections of the trail that is currently rideable, but ugly and not very enjoyable starts at approximately 17.5 miles. The area was woods prior to the storms. It’s not wooded anymore. It’s a field of stumps, roots, puddles, and buzz-killing tight turns that seem to be there for no reason (since the trees are gone).
We’ve been wanting to reroute that section to improve rider experience (more fun and better scenery) since the tornado damage. We have received approval from the forest manager to build the reroute and we have it flagged.
You’ll still be able to ride uninterrupted as our reroute runs somewhat parallel to the current route. Be aware of volunteers and light equipment in the area when our work begins in earnest.
The red line depicts the flagged reroute through the forest.
FAQ about the Reroute
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Hopefully this spring and early summer. We can’t plan work detail yet due to unpredictable weather.
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Yes, you can still ride through this section. Our work will be away from the current trail. We ask that you be aware of volunteers and possibly light equipment in the area when our work begins.
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Information will be posted on our website, Facebook, and in our email newsletters or announcements. You can sign up for our emails at the bottom of this page in our footer.
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The more volunteers we have, the faster the work will get done. If you’d like to volunteer connect with us through our website or on Facebook.
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Just a bit south of the current trail—in the forest!
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The work is physical - chopping, shoveling, raking, hauling, etc. Sturdy boots and gloves are recommended. We have a good arsenal of tools available, but feel free to bring your favorite mattock, shovel, Pulaski, pruning shears, pruning saw, etc. We recommend bringing a small backpack with snacks, water and any personal and medical items you want to have with you, too.
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MMBC is always thankful for cash donations. Money is used for many projects - from a reroute like this one to drainage repair to day-to-day maintenance of the trail. Our goal is to keep the Mohican MTB rail safe and enjoyable for all riders. You can make a donation by clicking here.
