Marietta Trails

For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of checking out the local trails in Marietta, OH let me tell you that you are truly missing an opportunity to ride high quality singletrack within city limits.

The River Valley Mountain Biking Association and local hiking enthusiasts have developed approximately 10-11 miles of trails within Marietta that rival trails I normally traveled two and three hours to ride. The trail system winds through the wooded lots of Marietta that are publicly and privately owned, but afford full riding rights to responsible cyclists and hikers. The trails can be described as fast and rolling. Rarely is a climb over half a mile long, and the descents are smooth with sweeping turns and few switchbacks.

Normally rides begin behind the Beihl-Hawn Insurance Agency at the Frontier shopping center. The trail rolls its way through a short section of woods before crossing the road and grinding its way to the top of Glendale hill, where riders are rewarded with a view of the Ohio River's bends and Marietta's historic downtown area. Riders can now descend one of two ways, the trail they just climbed which will take them on the remainder of "Frontier loop" (complete with a new one mile addition) and back to their starting point OR down "Water Tower" which is a curvy, scorching descent to Glendale road. From Glendale road, trail options abound as this is an access point for "Mayor's Hill", "High School Loop", or "Washington State Trail". Look for future posts highlighting these trails and maps soon to follow.

Mountain biking in Marietta is a unique experience. Rarely have I ridden trails of such quality in construction and design, even hours away in a more publicized "biking venue". On any given night you may meet 0-4 other riders on the trail, but everyone is courteous and conscientious. If you have a break down, you are never more than a few hundred feet from a road and you certainly are not out of cell phone service. The RVMBA keeps a close eye on the trails and riders will notice trails are maintained regularly. For more information on trail maintenance days and on RVMBA membership, visit http://www.rvmba.com/ .

There is no doubt, there are longer, steeper, faster, more "epic" trails available in the Ohio Valley, however as a quick out and about or weekend spin, the trails of Marietta can't be beat. I encourage you to try them or hook up with our weekly ride on Thursday nights. You won't be dissapointed!