Holmes County Trail extends from Glenmont to state Route 520

For years Holmes County Park District has envisioned a time when the entirety of the trail would be complete and a path slicing through the heart of Holmes County would afford travelers and walking and biking enthusiasts a safe, clean source of travel.

That vision has recently taken a major step forward.

The Holmes County Park District recently announced the official opening of the newly completed segment of the Holmes County Trail stretching from Glenmont to state Route 520. This milestone marks one of the last steps in completing the long-anticipated vision of a county-line-to-county-line trail, part of the broader Ohio-to-Erie Trail system.

A community celebration event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Glenmont Trailhead, where residents, volunteers, partners and trail users will be invited to celebrate the opening of this pivotal trail section with a brief ceremony conducted by the project directors. Guests are encouraged to explore the new stretch of the trail after the ceremony.

The new stretch offers outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, hikers and nature lovers a safe, scenic and uninterrupted route through the heart of Holmes County. With this addition residents and visitors can now enjoy increased access to one of Ohio’s premier multi-use recreational trails.

The Holmes County Trail is a key segment of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, a long-distance recreational corridor system that connects multiple counties across Ohio. The final segment of Holmes County’s part, still in the planning phase, will start next summer. It is anticipated to be completed in two summers (end of summer 2027), finishing the goal of enhancing community connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities.

“This project reflects years of planning, collaboration and hard work. With the Glenmont to state Route 520 section open, we are just one step away from connecting the trail across the entire county,” said Jen Halverson, director of the Holmes County Park District. “It’s not just about recreation; it’s about uniting our communities, promoting a safe travel system and amplifying the natural beauty of our region.”

Halverson said this particular section of the trail offers plenty of scenery that makes it unique compared to the rest of the trail.

“It’s amazing to think that we are in the same county, on the same trail, yet the scenery is so completely different in its own beautiful way,” Halverson said. “When you get back there by Black Creek, where it meanders along, it is so beautiful right now. It’s unlike anything along the trail, and I’ve heard many people say that the creek there is among their favorite views on the trail. That’s really exciting.”

After years of waiting to see this trail come to fruition, Halverson said the board is eager to celebrate with the community and the many partners who united in creating something special.

“It’s appropriate to recognize all of the hard work that went into this and the people who helped make it possible,” Halverson said. “Having a trail like this spanning our entire county is special.”

She said while people may not fully understand the amount of work that went into building the trail, she sees the appreciation in people every day as she sits in her office at Hipp Station and watches the trail get used.

She said that is more than enough appreciation for her and the board.

The Holmes County Park District is dedicated to the betterment of residents and visitors by preserving natural areas and promoting safe and scenic recreational opportunities.