Reroute
- Date Posted
- Mar 13, 2025
- Section
- Road Fork
- Chapter
- The Wilderness Chapter
This update applies to the 2020 edition of the Road Fork printed map and to the Spring 2024 editions of the Avenza and FarOut Apps.
This map update moves the BT in the Road Fork Section back onto BT former trail that was abandoned over 15 years ago when the Knowlton Covered Bridge was closed. It eventually collapsed and a rebuild was completed this year. Part of the restoration included the use of beams with graffiti from the original bridge. Last year the trail crew and other volunteer groups cleaned and groomed the old trail. The update eliminates 3.7 miles of some tedious and uninspiring on-road walking and avoids floodplain needing recurring vegetation control. The update affects from Point 20 to Point 23. Points 21 and 22 were relocated.
Also with this reroute, several day-hike loops are possible using lightly traveled township roads and the Forest Service Spur Trail. Parking and porta potties are available at the Knowlton Covered Bridge. There is parking at Ring Mill Campground.
Note: Please subtract 3.7 miles from CW distance at each point from 23 and higher. And subtract 3.7 miles to CCW distance from Point 20 and lower. The log below has the correct miles:
CW 38.4 S | CCW 23.4 W | Point 20 | End of Witten Creek Rd (C15) at SR26
Turn SW onto SR26. After .4 mi. turn left onto (T384A). At this point there is a large sign signifying this direction to the Knowlton Covered Bridge Park (P, Pp). Follow this road across the bridge to the intersection with Old Camp Road. The Knowlton Covered Bridge was built in 1860. It gained national recognition in 1980 by earning a spot on the National Historic Places list. But age and decay caught up with the structure in 2019 when it failed and collapsed. It was rebuilt, using 19th century construction techniques and retaining some of the original beams, in 2023/24 for pedestrian and occasional light vehicular traffic.
CW 39.2 S | CCW 22.6 N | Point 21 | End of (T384) at Old Camp Road
Continue south for just a few yards on Old Camp Road (T88), then on the left, join a gated trail into the Wayne National Forest. The trail climbs, while overlooking the hamlet of Rinard Mills, 350 ft in 0.6 mi to the top of Bell Hill. The trail follows the top of the ridge and then intersects the National Forest Spur Trail to Ring Mill campground. This spur trail heads north and then east about 3.0 mi to the Ring Mill Campground, which features canoe access to Little Muskingum River and the stabilized remains of the Ring House (no entry to structure). Camping sites are available at $10 per night. There is no potable water or electric power available.
CW 40.6 S | CCW 21.1 N | Point 22 | Three Way Intersection
The Buckeye Trail continues SE. After .04 mi at a 3-way intersection of woods roads, turn sharply NNE and continue along ridge. In 400’ at a 3-way intersection, the woods road continues E. Exit the woods road onto an old road that descends gradually. After 0.2 mi as the old road continues NE, join a footpath that undulates and meanders generally S across T98 (0.45 mi, T98). Continue to meander and undulate generally S through early succession woodlands.
