PRO TIPS

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate. Predominantly flat with some rolling hills. 

General Overview of Route

Our signature scenic route, retracing historic routes blazed by indigenous peoples and 19th century settlers, features four restored 1800s covered bridges built by local builder Reuben L. Partridge, three modern-day covered bridges where historic bridges once stood, and a rare 1914 iron bridge. All but one traversable by automobile. The Pottersburg bridge is a perfect place for a shaded roadside rest or picnic. 

Ride Tips

Selected to minimize traffic engagement and maximize sight lines for safety, this route travels public roads of state, county, and township oversight, and experiences periodic commuter, commercial, and agricultural traffic. In general, but not always: our state roads are smoothly paved and lined two-lane roads with shoulders suitable for bicycles; county roads are lined and two lanes, may not have shoulders, may be smooth paved or chip-sealed; county roads are typically narrower, unlined, chip-sealed roads without shoulders. Bicyclists must be prepared and proficient to ride public roads. Note that cornfields can block lines of sight around bends and intersections.

Navigation

Download this map to your Ride with GPS  mobile app for turn-by-turn guidance during your ride. Click “Send to Device” at the top of the map on this page. Or simply print the map and cue sheet.

Start/Finish

This route begins and ends amid the laidback vibe of historic uptown Marysville, where you’ll find dining and entertainment options to celebrate your day of touring. Public parking is available throughout the uptown district.

Special Segment

Covered bridges take us back to a simpler, slower time, away from suburban sprawl, and this route will not disappoint. The five-mile segment from North Lewisburg covered bridge to Buck Run covered bridge includes the historic Pottersburg and Spain Creek covered bridges, and travels the Darby Plains Scenic Byway- offering views of the protected Big Darby Creek, prairie remnants, historic homes and cemeteries, and expansive century farms.

Eat & Drink

Being a rural route, food and drink options are limited and not directly on the route except in Marysville. The map features icons for nearby villages North Lewisburg, Milford Center, and Woodstock, where convenience stores and sandwich shops can be found. The winery / brewery closest to the route is local favorite Dalton Union, two miles north of Westlake-Lee Road. The pizza / pub closest to the route is the always fun Ramsey's, on Northwest Parkway a half-mile east of Bear Swamp Road. While taking a break at the Pottersburg covered bridge, perhaps enjoy a shaded 4-mile roundtrip on the paved North Lewisburg Trail for ice cream and treats at Junebug's.

Restrooms

Facilities can be found at Partners Park, American Legion Park, Upground Reservoir, Pottersburg covered bridge, Union County Sports Complex, McCarthy Park.

Terrain

There are no gravel roads on this route however newly chipped and sealed roads my have loose small gravel.

Cautions

The following segments are short but deserve added attention. 

  • Some railroad crossings are diagonal to the road.
  • Northwest Parkway: periodic commuter and commercial traffic.  
  • RT 245: periodic commuter traffic.
  • RT 36: periodic truck traffic.
  • RT 161: seasonal agricultural vehicles.
  • RT 38: some curves, periodic school traffic.
  • RT 736 and Scotts Lawn Road: periodic commuter and commercial traffic.
  • County Home Road: periodic commuter, school, sports activity traffic.

About this Route Evaluation

These notes are provided as general guidance and not intended to replace your own pre-trip research and due diligence. Familiarize yourself with the route beforehand. Avoid periods of anticipated increased traffic. Road conditions are subject to change.