We've setup categories for Ohio bike trails to help users more easily identify the different types by establishing bikeway classes. The concept is similar to the one used for camping, giving the user info as to what facilities are available, etc.
There are many variables to consider when putting such a system together for trails. We hoped to answer typical user questions such as:
Ok, that last one's not typical. We were just checking to see if you were paying attention. Anyway, the idea is to provide practical trail info, while being careful not to make the resulting code too complex to easily grasp and use.
When we began roughing-out preliminary categories and definitions we soon realized that we'd have to pick a few main points to cover and let the rest go. You'll find the answers to most remaining questions in the reviews, while the classes are listed in the Trail Specs section of those pages.
The main classes address trail surfaces:
Hard surfaced trail for all bikes; ideal for road bike use. Surface may be asphalt or concrete.
Firmly packed crushed stone for all bikes. Trail may include hard surface sections. Road bikes can manage a Class B crushed stone surface, but riders should be on the look out for soft or uncompacted sections.
Gravel, ballast stone, dirt, grass, cinders or other natural surfaces. Ideal for mountain bikes. Surface may be primitive, unfinished or ungraded and may include uneven, wet or treacherous areas. *May not be suited for inexperienced riders or small children.
*Important Note: This class includes sections that might be closed or have restricted use due to their unfinished condition. Consult the trail overseers or their web site for allowed uses and trail rules.
That covers the surface types you'll encounter, now we'll address whether the bikeway is part of a network.
The sub classes cover connectivity:
A trail that connects directly to one or more bikeways. Additonal connectors may be direct or marked road routes.
A trail that connects via signed road routes or bike lanes with one or more bikeways; no direct connections.
A stand alone trail or one that has yet to be connected to another bikeway.
So if we have a class A2 bikeway, we're talking about a hard surface trail that is connected to another bikeway by a marked (or signed) road route. The Kokosing Gap Trail fits this description as it connects with the Mohican Valley Trail, which would be a class C2 trail.
And finally, bikeway facilities are added. We've included plus or minus signs to describe basic trail facilities. Here's the breakdown:
Restrooms & Water Available - Standard restroom facility and water available on the trail or immediately adjacent. Other amenities may also be included. Longer trails will generally have several water sources and a combination of full and partial restroom facilities along the way. Toilet facilicites may vary from standard restrooms to primitive toilets or port-o-potties. Note that there may be long distances between them. Short trails may have only one restroom.
Please note that all facilites are not open year round (or seven days per week) and may be subject to closing at different times of day or night. As long as facilities are intended for trail users, no distinctions are made between privately owned and park or public facilities.
Limited Water & Restrooms - This designation suggests at least one water source, but when it's at one end of a trail, it may have limited benefit. You may encounter only a water fountain or portable john, not neccessarily at the same location. Toilet facilites generally include at least one porta-john or latrine, but you may have to improvise by using a nearby mini-mart or gas station facility.
No Water Source - No water source directly on the trail. Always pack as much water as possible when visiting these bikeways and park near the middle of the trail when possible to pickup more water or food when you double back to your car. The trail may be very rural and may or may not offer a portable or primitive toilet(s). Be prepared to road ride into nearby villages or towns to find water or a restroom.
Ok, let's get back to our Kokosing Trail example. The Kokosing would be a A2++, while the Mohican Valley Trail would be C2-.
So we know the Kokosing is a hard-surface bikeway that connects with another trail by a road route. It has at least one standard restroom facility with more water and at least partial facilities along its route.
The Mohican Trail also connects with another bikeway (the Kokosing, as previously mentioned) by road route. But it has no water source on the trail and may or may not have a portable toilet(s). (It has one primitive toilet.) The trail is a natural surface that's best suited for mountain bikes.
Obviously there's going to be some overlap between classes. For example, you can ride a road bike on a Class C trail if it consists of smooth, level compacted dirt. But the mountain bike is still preferred, particularly when the dirt softens from a recent rain.
Also, all trails won't fit neatly into the defined categories, particularly the thin line between a + or - bikeway. Be sure to consult the review or other available information for more details.
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