DESCRIPTION:

An important goal in trail development is not just to create the big riparian trails but also the make these trails accessible to as many users and neighborhoods as possible. This is accomplished with access paths such as the one being construction to Broadmeadows Blvd on the Olentangy Trail, by building connector paths to developments such as with Blacklick Woods, and by constructing feeder trails to link communities to the big trails. One such is this new trail from the Olentangy Highlands to the Olentangy Trail in Worthington.

The feeder uses an existing underpass of SR 161 and an existing bike path on the west side of SR 315 and adds new trail north along Olentangy River Rd and ends opposite Troon Trail.

From the Olentangy Trail, take the fork just south of Milepost 11.0. The trail ramps down very sharply and signs direct users to walk bikes. Given the pitch of the ramp, this is probably advisable. The trail snakes around under the roadway and then ramp up even more sharply to the north side of SR 161. A word of caution here, the trail on this side crosses the on-ramp to SR 315. The cross is at an angle and care must be taken for turning vehicles.

Once across the ramp, the trail uses the wide walkways across SR 315. New crosswalk stripings and trail stop signs are in place. Once across the freeway, the trail turns onto a dedicated asphalt trail. This existing section runs through a small patch of woods before emerging next to Olentangy River Rd. There are a few cross walks off the trail to roads on the opposite side of Olentangy. The trail follows the road north ending in a cross to Troon Trail.

IMPRESSIONS

A nice section of trail that uses some existing and some new path and walkways. It should help increase traffic to the main trail. (While I was on it I passed three cyclists and one runner, so it is already finding use. The steep drops and rise under SR 161 are a bit problematic but safer than trying to cross the very busy intersection.

 AERIAL MAP

PHOTOS

The fork approaching SR 161 from the south. Mile Post 11.0 is ahead on the right.	The south side ramp down. It's steeper than it looks. Note the sign.	The spur trail passes under SR161.	A view under the bridge.	It loops around and begins to rise.	The ramp on on the north side. Considerably steeper.	View from the north side. The trail crosses this freeway ramp at an angle. Watch the left side especially.	Once across, the trail uses the existing wide walkway to cross over SR 315
Note the crosswalks and pedestrian (and cycle) stop signs.	The trail turns into a dedicated path just before Olentangy River Rd.	The trail head.	It passed through a short wooded section.	And emerges to run along Olentangy River Rd.	Another view	Approaching the new section.	The new section of trail.
Crosses this short trail bridge	And ends opposite Troon Trail.	Looking south. The Olentangy Highlands sign is on the right side.	A view of the short bridge from the north side.	The trail has several crossing points to roads on the west side of Olentangy River Rd.	A closer view of the crossing point.

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