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Kokosing Gap Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 319 Google reviews · Running trail in Mt Vernon, Ohio · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 15 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Kokosing Gap Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved trail for biking, running, walking, hiking, rollerblading and jogging with benches and scenic views.
What runners say about Kokosing Gap Trail
“A lot of history along the way, trees and a well maintained bike path”
“The scene is beautiful, going through woodlands, by the river, some farms, Kenyon college, grass lands.”
“There is a tree canopy for most of the trail so you don’t have to worry much about getting too hot or getting too much sun.”
This is a great trail to walk or ride your bike. I travel all the way from Columbus because this is my favorite trail to ride my bike 25-40 miles. There is a tree canopy for most of the trail so you don’t have to worry much about getting too hot or getting too much sun.
This is a wonderful Rails to Trails ride. We did 10 miles and back for 20 total. Lots of wildlife and great scenery along the way. It was a completely paved trail that had lots of stopping points, plenty of benches and great views. Well worth the visit. Update 7-6-25 We rode 43 miles today in 95+temps.
Just got back from a morning bike ride with the family. This is a really nice, peaceful trail with a lot of scenery. It runs along the Kokosing river in Mt. Vernon and continues to Gambier to the south. Nice little getaway for some morning exercise and relaxation.
This is a very scenic part of the trail. I started at the trailhead near Mt.Vernon Avenue to the railroad bridge. The hills get higher near the bridge, and the trail and river make for a picturesque setting.These are pictures from April 6th, 2025, after a few days of heavy rainfall.
Trail conditions & character
“The scene is beautiful, going through woodlands, by the river, some farms, Kenyon college, grass lands.”
“There is a tree canopy for most of the trail so you don’t have to worry much about getting too hot or getting too much sun.”
“I can only speak to about 10 miles of the trail but it is seriously one of the best I’ve been on for biking and walking.”
“Smooth surface the whole way with a good amount of hill climbs and scenic farms along the way.”
“It was a completely paved trail that had lots of stopping points, plenty of benches and great views.”
“The trail doesn’t have many big hills to ride over, it’s pretty level.”
“There are places to stop and rest, and a few bathrooms along the way too.”
“I parked in a parking lot in mount vernon.”
“We saw some girls walking with their cats in strollers and a family and some bikers and runners.”
Plan your run at Kokosing Gap Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance15 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitekokosinggaptrail.org
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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