Caesars Creek
reviewed 2003
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| First of all there has been lots of development
going on here over the past few years and much more planned for the future.
What's that tell you? Well first if you haven't been here for a while the
stop on by - things have changed for the better. The first thing you notice
is new sections that hold up better to the rain and don't puddle up - but
still stay off until dry please. Next you'll find that if you do the longest
loops in both direction you'll get almost 20 miles under your belt, not
bad for Ohio. Some of the steep rutted hills are gone, replaced by switchbacks
and new routes but there is still plenty of fun to be had for all. For
those wanting a technical challenge you won't find rock gardens but you
will find some nice climbs and experience a few oh-sh!t moments if you
ride hard. One of those is the Superbowl. The biggest Down and Up in Ohio! Click here for a short video of the Superbowl at Caesars Creek.
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Trailheads
There are four trailheads
on this system to put you exactly where you want.
Ward Road: A little cramped on parking (no more than
15-20 cars) but the best option for most people. Its in the center of
the system and
allows a good bailout point after doing a half loop for those not wanting
the full monty. Head south for the new trail and some classic singletrack
fun. It runs to the Harveysburg system via a creek crossing or will
take you back to ward road for a nice little paved spin back. Head
North to ride to the campground - some new trail here too and a few
technical climbs/downhills and always a good ride. No bathrooms, water,
or amenities unless you count the thick forest, the lake, and a place
to throw your garbage (in the can please).
Campground: Lots of parking, facilities a short walk
away, and as the name would lead you to believe - its near the campground
for all you planning to stay the night. On the far northern edge of
the system it provides access to the ward north and south trails and
the small campground loop that comes out by the lake on the dead end
road. A good place to start for big group rides and to stop and refill
the water bottles and maybe pick up a snack during the summer (at the
guard house store).
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Brodan launches while others look on
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Harveysburg Road: Again lots of parking but not all in
one place; its scattered down the length of the road once you get into
the park but its only a short ride to the trailhead. No amenities with
the exception of port-a-potties at the small park on the way in (for
those of you who can't find relief in the woods ;), and no water except
for the huge mass of it standing nearby. This section holds up the
worst after a rain due its its age (as old as the dirt that you ride
on), but offer the most technical touches in the amount of miles (do
you like roots?). Connects to the Ward road South section via a steep
drop to the creek (many lines down and only one line up - but yes its
climbable). Is a loop by itself as well and and a nice little after
work cruise. Snacks and beverages can be found at the gas station/store
a mile east in Harveysburg but watch your speed (you've been warned)
Brimestone Road: Rarely used except by hunters and those
cutting trail. 10+ car parking on both sides but no amenities. It offers
access to the creek area that is the boundary between the ward road south
and the Harveysburg road systems.
Ronzo
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Dean Machine tries Harveysburg Hill |
Coondawg does Superbowl
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2D
click to enlarge
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3D
click to enlarge |
GPStats
Total elevation gain - 1350 feet
Total Miles - 11.8
Average Moving Speed - 5.5 mph
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Seasonal riding conditions:
It stays wet in the spring and need at least two days to dry after a
rain - please stay off when it is muddy. Some old sections yet to be replaces
never fully dry so please don't rim out the holes even worse. It freezes
well in the winter due to cold air off the lake and is ripping fast in
the summer. Be nice to the trail workers, they've put in a lot of work
to keep these open and make them what they are. Report any misuse of the
trails to the rangers (horses or motorized traffic)
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Directions:
From I-71 in Ohio use exit 45 (SR 73).
-To the campground go east on 73 and then north on the first road (380)
and follow the park signs to Center road which leads to the park entrance.
Parking lot is on the left at the old 4-way intersection right after
entering the park. Bathrooms and water is down the little trail trough
the field which leads to the campground or you can park and walk from
the guard house lot. Trail is on south side of the road just before
the 4-way.
-To Harveysburg road go west on 73 for about 3 miles and look for a
blue firehouse on the north side of the road (right after it turns to
four lanes). Go north and look for a trail head sign on the right (about
1.5 miles), park in any of the small lots or along the road.
-To Brimestone road and Ward road go east on 73 and then north on the
first road (380) and look for Brimestone Road on the east (left) side.
Follow it until it makes a hard left (south) at a jogged 4-way stop, you'll
see Ward road straight ahead. Follow it until you can follow it no more,
the parking lot is at the end. Trailheads are obvious. Brimestone road
continues on to the south (left) with its trailhead at the west side of
the bridge at the bottom of the first hill.
Caesars
Creek website
Directions to Nearest Hospital |
