If you have been in the Cincinnati area long enough, you know our weather is unpredictable at best. At a moment’s notice, it can rain, snow, coming with bouts of humidity, heat waves, floods, and freeze advisories. The soil in the Greater Cincinnati area is also subject to all of these conditions and elements, and our trail crew prioritizes building trails that are sustainable to last.
Along with sustainable trails and the forces of mother nature, soil be soilin’. We implemented a Trail Status Guide to notify trail users of the trail conditions. No matter how well-built a trail is, mud is caused by elements out of our control. This Trail Status Guide applies to all types of trail use, but is determined by riding a bike on the trail, which is the most dynamic use.
“If clay-based soil is used while wet, it causes erosion and molds into hazardous ruts, creating unsafe conditions for all trail users.” coratrails.org/trails
To keep the trails in the best condition all-year ‘round, follow the Trail Status Guide, found at coratrails.org/trails.
Open = Go Explore!
Open/Wet = Caution! Ride Straight Through Puddles.
Closed = Stop! Too Muddy
Freeze/Thaw = Depends. Frozen: Go, Mud: No
Right after a rain fall, assume the trails are closed. Sometimes the status does not change right away, so practicing common sense and awareness is the best answer.
What does each really mean? Let’s break it down:
Open (Green)
The trails have been evaluated by a local Trail Steward by riding through each trail to verify that approved trail use will not damage the trail.
This is the most exciting notification a trail user can see! Make plans to go enjoy the trails and have fun.
Open/ Wet (Yellow)
The trails have been evaluated by a local Trail Steward by riding through each trail to verify that most trail use will not damage the trail.
On a bike, ride through the puddles instead of around them. By riding around them, it damages the terrain further and creates wider puddles over time.
Closed (Red)
The trails have been evaluated by a local Trail Steward based on the amount of rainfall or moisture, verifying that all trail use will damage the trail.
Riding in the mud might seem fun for some riders, but it’s more fun to keep the trails in optimal shape. If your tires are covered in mud and you can no longer see any of the knobs on your tires, it’s time to turn around and abort the ride. A little bit of mud is ok, but a lot of mud creates ruts in the trails, which takes many hours to fix.
Freeze/Thaw (Blue)
The trails have been evaluated by a local Trail Steward based on the temperature, verifying that most trail use will not damage the trail.
When the trails are frozen, they are hardened enough for trail use. A disclaimer, even if it is 32 degrees or below, the sun can hit the trails and melt the freeze, creating muddy conditions. If the temperature is under 25 degrees, that is typically safe for the trails. Anything in between is a risk of melting terrain, which can damage the trail. Bundle up and enjoy the frozen trails. They may be a bit slippery, but tires grip well to frozen trails. Plan your rides in the morning before 10 AM for optimal freeze.
Approved Trail Use
These trails are designed and built for mountain biking, running, and hiking. No Motorized Vehicles are allowed and are prohibited. This includes ATVs, Dirt Bikes, and above Class 2 E-Bikes.
If you notice any big puddles or trail hazards, email info@coratrails.org with an exact location (coordinates are very helpful!) and a photo.
Alternative Options When The Trails Are Closed
If you’re at all like me, I plan my days around when I can go on the trails. If the trails are closed or questionable, other great alternatives are riding on any of the paved trails.
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Check out the Low-Stress Bike Map from Tri-State Trails
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Check out routes on Trailforks
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Visit your local gym for an indoor workout
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Use an indoor bike trainer like a Wahoo Kickr Core with Zwift or Rouvy to get the miles in during the inclement weather.
As a trail user and avid mountain biker, I long for the days of being on the trails. These are also excellent ways to get your workout in. If I can still ride outside, riding on the Little Miami Trail is a great way to get in some miles. If the weather is dampening those plans, I personally use Zwift and have dedicated non-trail days for training days. I love Zwift, but nothing beats being outside. I am also a runner and will get a good run in to keep my body moving. As you see, there are plenty of options when the trails are closed, but when they are open, GO ENJOY!
Questions
Are E-Bikes allowed on the trails?
Class 1 E-Bikes are permitted at various trails and are widely accepted. If you are unsure what class E-Bike you have, look for the factory applied frame sticker usually around the seat post or bike motor.
Read about E-Bike Standards on trails in the CORA network: https://coratrails.org/blog/post/e-bikes-ohio-trails-new-rules-open-more-riding-opportunities
What do I do if it starts to rain during my trail adventure?
This can happen, and the best advice is to trek to safety first. This could mean returning to your vehicle or taking cover somewhere safe. Prolonged use during elements can hurt the trail, so take caution and stay safe.
If I notice someone about to use the trail and it’s closed, what should I do?
You are not required to address anyone, but if you want to notify them and share coratrails.org/trails with them, it’s a helpful way to educate them in case they didn’t know about it. If they are acting out of negligence and decide to ignore you, notify us at info@coratrails.org. Do not force anyone and put yourself at risk. We will take the data and work on best practices to regulate this type of behavior.
Go Enjoy The Trails! We all look forward to using the trails to get an exercise in and/or escape into the woods. Keep an eye on the weather and plan your next trail adventure accordingly!
Check out more trails and ways to get involved at coratrails.org/trails
Read more about building sustainable trails: https://coratrails.org/blog/post/building-sustainable-trails
Read about E-Bike Standards on trails in the CORA network: https://coratrails.org/blog/post/e-bikes-ohio-trails-new-rules-open-more-riding-opportunities