The best road cycling routes in Clinton County
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Road cycling in Clinton County, encompassing areas in Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, presents varied terrain for cyclists. Clinton County, Illinois, features a relatively flat topography, with routes often exploring the vicinity of Carlyle Lake, offering views of the lake, forests, and agricultural fields. In Ohio, efforts have established trails connecting communities, providing safe and scenic paths. Clinton County, Pennsylvania, offers more challenging options with varied terrain and significant climbs through areas like Bald Eagle State Forest.
Best road cycling routes…
Last updated: October 1, 2026
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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27.9km
01:18
90m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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47.9km
02:42
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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87.8km
04:15
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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62.2km
02:57
260m
260m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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41.0km
02:06
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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79.3km
03:40
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
20
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30.0km
01:36
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Clinton County
Tips from the Community
A small village along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, with access to several attractions. Just under a mile northwest, you can find Waynesville, which is known as the “Antiques Capital of the Midwest” and the “Home of the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival.” About 3 miles southwest, you can find the gorgeous Caesar Creek State Park, which offers excellent hiking trails.
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This 700-acre preserve was created from a gift of land to Antioch College by Hugh Taylor Birch to honor his daughter, Helen Birch Bartlett. Much of it is along the two creeks that flow by, and the trails access a number of picturesque waterfalls.
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This section of the trail passes by some striking remnants of the region's industrial past: the former King Powder Company and Peters Cartridge Company factories. These historic buildings have been revitalized and now house Cartridge Brewing Co. and the Peters Cartridge Factory Apartments.
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Here the paved Little Miami Scenic Trail crosses SR 350. There is a canoe rental and helpful signposts at the junction. If you head east along SR 350 you will come upon Fort Ancient, an early American archaeological site with trails and an overlook of the river.
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The Little Miami Scenic Trail is the longest trail in the Miami Valley Trails network. This 78-mile, paved trail offers a well-shaded route across old railroad bridges and through forests and towns. Along the way, you can access John Bryan and Caesar Creek State Parks. A must-see stop is Xenia Station, the junction of four trails in Xenia, Ohio. Further south, the trail winds alongside the Little Miami River, leading to the Ft. Ancient State Historic Site.
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The Prairie Grass Trail is a 29-mile trail from Xenia to London and is part of the Ohio to Erie Trail. The trail is fully paved and mostly flat. This section takes you through open fields and into Cedarville, where there are options to refuel.
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Cedarville is a beautiful small town in Greene County. The town was originally settled by Irish and Scottish immigrants in 1799. It is right off the Prairie Grass Trail and is a great place for a break. The town is home to Cedarville University, which has a nice campus and lake that are open public visits.
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The Xenia Station is a replica of an old brick train station that used to be in the area. It now holds a museum and meeting space, and serves as a trail head for several trails that intersect at this point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I expect in Clinton County?
Clinton County offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences. In Illinois, you'll find relatively flat routes, particularly around Carlyle Lake, with scenic views of the lake, forests, and agricultural fields. Clinton County, Ohio, features developed trails connecting communities, providing safe and scenic paths often along river trails. For a more challenging ride, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, presents rugged terrain with significant climbs through areas like Bald Eagle State Forest.
Are there any easy road cycling routes in Clinton County?
Yes, Clinton County offers options for all skill levels. For an easier ride, consider the Roadbike loop from Hopewell Day lodge, which is 31.5 km long and has minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a relaxed outing.
Where can I find longer road cycling routes in Clinton County?
For longer distances, Clinton County, Ohio, offers routes like the Xenia Station – Prairie Grass Trail loop from Ceasar Creek State Park, which spans nearly 80 km. In Illinois, the Carlyle Lake Extended Bike Trail circumnavigates the entire lake for about 65 miles, though much of this is on county and township roads.
What are some scenic highlights along road cycling routes in Clinton County?
In Clinton County, Illinois, routes around Carlyle Lake offer scenic views of the lake, forested areas, agricultural fields, and wetlands. You might also encounter historical attractions like the General Dean Suspension Bridge. In Ohio, routes often follow river trails, providing pleasant rides through natural surroundings. Pennsylvania's Bald Eagle State Forest offers scenic vistas and tranquil escapes like the Halfway Run Natural Area.
Are there any circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes in Clinton County are designed as loops. For example, the Little Miami River Trail – Little Miami Scenic Trail loop from Archery Range in Ohio is a popular 69 km circular route. The Carlyle Lake Extended Bike Trail in Illinois also forms a large loop around the lake.
What is the best time of year for road biking in Clinton County?
The best time for road biking in Clinton County generally aligns with spring, summer, and fall, when temperatures are moderate and conditions are favorable. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while fall provides vibrant foliage, especially in areas like Bald Eagle State Forest in Pennsylvania. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there challenging road cycling routes with significant elevation gain?
Yes, if you're looking for a challenge, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, is known for its more rugged and varied terrain. Routes through the Bald Eagle State Forest feature significant climbs, making them suitable for cyclists with good to very good fitness levels.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Clinton County?
The road cycling routes in Clinton County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from flat lake-side paths and river trails to more challenging routes with significant climbs, offering options for different ability levels and scenic diversity.
Can I find routes that connect different communities?
In Clinton County, Ohio, the Clinton County Trails Coalition has actively developed over 15 miles of trails specifically designed to connect communities, providing safe and scenic spaces for cycling. Examples include the Judy Gano Bike Path, the 4-C Bicentennial Trail, and the Clinton Fayette Friendship Trail.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks along the routes?
Yes, particularly in Clinton County, Illinois, you can encounter historical attractions such as the General Dean Suspension Bridge, built in 1859 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Kaskaskie River Walk, which features interpretive displays about the area's history, along the Carlyle Lake trails.
What are some options for road cycling near state parks?
Clinton County offers excellent cycling opportunities near state parks. In Ohio, the Little Miami State Park is known for its extensive bike trails, and routes like the Little Miami Scenic Trail – Corwin loop from Ceasar Creek State Park start near Caesar Creek State Park. In Pennsylvania, routes around Raymond B. Winter State Park are surrounded by the Bald Eagle State Forest.
Where can I find more information about bike trails in Clinton County, Illinois?
For more details on bike trails specifically in Clinton County, Illinois, you can visit the local tourism blog: visitclintoncounty.com.
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