Alum Creek Phase 1 MTB Trail — Attraction in Genoa Township

As a beginner on a short travel hardtail in the rain doing the trail backwards, you will learn mtb technique or die trying. The signs are only posted in one direction of travel, and the maps have directional arrows. The features are designed to only be appoached from one side( eg large wet roots protruding feet from the approach). Despite all this, the national gold medal winning Ohio State Parks requires you to ride the opposite way depending on the day of the week (sic!). The trail is an unhappy combination of overprocessed improvements and sheer deathtraps, punctuated by loose cobbles and sapplings left standing in the center of the path. The redeeming qualities are the veiws and wildlife you will encounter. Lumber planking on a forest floor in the Ohio climate is a terrible choice, the trail would be better with it all removed, save the one or two necessary bridges. The State has rushed off to build more mtb trails and is not maintaining the lumber skinnies. Overall, it's a much more enjoyable experience to ride trails not dedicated to mtb, or not even official trails at all, if you know...

Phase 1 is a slower and in many ways a more technically challenging ride than Phase 2 with its frequent elevation changes, tight turns, and numerous roots and rocks to be negotiated. I think it's a great ride, and the trail is well maintained, but if you prefer the roller coaster thrills of a "flow" trail, then you might find Phase 2 more to your liking. If you're a first time rider, then you'll probably want to head across the road to the beginner trail which is a less challenging course but still gives you a taste of what the main trail has to offer. That's where you'll also find the skills park which is a great place to practice your technique. There's an even easier third trail just down the road to the right as you're leaving the main parking lot, which seems best suited for young children. The direction you ride on the trails, either clockwise or counterclockwise, changes depending on the day of the week giving you a different experience, so each is like two trails in one. Either way you go, it's a fun ride. Just be careful about going off trail because there is poison...

This trail has lines for every midwest rider. If you're looking for western slope flow, you're going to be disappointed but if you like to ride and be challenged you can find it easily.

The trail is in an amazing spot, easy to access with a good amount of parking. Directly across the street is a great warm up spot with a skills trail as well as a short trail to warm up.

The time, attention to detail, and care this trail receives is obvious and lends to the joy of being a member of the local mountain bike association COMBO. The labeling on the trail is at the proper height and easy to spot. The trail head has great information and there are enough options to ride daily for a long time and discover new lines.

The locals are courteous and polite, my small children on the ride we're met with words of encouragement and they adore each ride.

The last piece to talk about are the views, nestled in among a park and lots of water it is a joy to ride season after season as the flora and fauna have a way of popping in that you wouldn't see inside the city.

Ride this trail, you...