Bike trails are a great way to view Knox County’s scenery, from open, rural fields, to woods, waterways and architecture. The Heart of Ohio Bike Trail runs just under 20 miles from Centerburg to Mount Vernon. Starting in Centerburg, you’ll cross the Heart of Ohio Trail’s steel bridge. The 180-foot long bridges spans over U.S. 36 and was built by riveting three 60-foot spans together. You’ll cross 19 bridges over Dry Creek on your trip to Mount Vernon. In Mount Vernon, you’ll pass the C. A. & C. Railroad Depot, a restored brick and stone structure with a clay tiled roof. Keep going in Mount Vernon and you’ll cross onto the Kokosing Gap Trail. The 14-mile trail crosses through Gambier, where a small section of track next to the trail holds a 1940 Alco steam locomotive. The locomotive is coupled to a flatcar and 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio caboose. Continuing east on the trail, you’ll come to Howard and a 20-foot high sandstone block railway underpass bridge. The Howard trail stop also has a park/playground area. The trail traverses the Kokosing River and passes through wetlands and forests. In Danville, the Kokosing Gap Trail meets up with the Mohican Valley Trail. You’ll cross the Mohican River along the 370-foot long “Bridge of Dreams,” Ohio’s longest covered bridge. Just past the bridge, you’ll continue on the trail into Holmes County. A shorter ride can be found along the 1.53 mile bike trail in Fredericktown. Dining opportunities are numerous along the way in Mount Vernon and the smaller villages. Sit-down restaurants, ice cream, and fast food choices are all just a short trip from the trail. The trail systems have restrooms and recreational areas at Mount Vernon, Danville, Brinkhaven and Gambier. Some restrooms may only be open spring through fall. To obtain a map of the Ohio to Erie Trail routes, call the Knox County Park District at 740-392-7275 or e-mail knoxcountyparks.org to request a map.