Named in remembrance of the horses and mules towing the boats along the Ohio-Erie Canal back in the 1800s, the Towpath Trail is 2.7 miles of grassed trail that run along the Scioto river and the old Ohio-Erie Canal. It’s hard not to wonder what it was like back in the 1800s as the boats made their way with their supplies as you trail through woods, past Wetlands and farm fields as well as a rock quarry. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Osprey and Eagles that frequently nest near the quarry and fly over and around the trail. There is a short trail that heads eastward that is a part of the Pickaway Trial that runs from Circleville to New Holland. This small piece of the Pickaway Trail will take you out to where the old railroad abutments once supported the train tracks crossing the Scioto River and allow you to access the Richards River Trail. The Rock Quarry is Shelly Materials and features a lake that is not open or available to the public please respect the private property and stay on the trail.
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This 0.3 mile trail connects with the Towpath Trail and then the Pickaway Trail to make complete loop. The Wetland Trail follows the Scioto River south cutting along the edge of our wooded wetland property and then ascending up a set of steps to the Pickaway Trail. On this trail you can enjoy the developing pollinator patch, river access and beautiful river views! Please note that this area frequently floods and that it is not suitable to walk during river flood stages, please avoid when flooded.
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The Connector Trail is a connector path between the Richard’s River Trail and the Towpath Trail and is only about 0.3 of a mile long. This path enables hikers and birders a fabulous view of the river, a scenic wetland area and the canal. This connector allows hikers a loop option for longer and shorter hikes. Please note that this connector trail is shared by trail users and farm equipment. be aware of your surroundings when using this trail. This trail is also crossed several times a year with a irrigation system, please avoid the trail when this equipment is in use.

The Richards River Trail is named in honor of William J. Richards, a good friend and supporter of the Pickaway County Park District. Mr. Richards is allowing the Park District a lease of the top of his dike that runs south of where the Pickaway Trail crosses the Towpath Trail along the Scioto River. This beautiful grassed path allows for the scenic viewing of the Scioto River. The Richards River Trial is approximately 2.5 miles long and make a good 4-mile loop when combined with the Towpath Trail and Connector Trail. Please note that farm equipment frequently crosses the Connector Trail and sections of the Richards River Trail. Along this peaceful walk you have the opportunity to see the eagles nest on the east side of the Scioto River, osprey nests over by the quarry as well as other birds at the wetland. Please note that a portion of this trail is closed from April 1st to July 15th due to a nesting pair of Eagles, who are federally protected. Please obey the signage.