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If you’re searching for an adventurous dog park in Galena, Ohio, the Alum Creek Mountain Bike Trail Phase II Trailhead stands out for pet-friendly hiking and outdoor fun. While primarily designed for mountain biking, this challenging 7-mile trail also offers dog-friendly hiking for owners who want to explore with their pets. The trail takes you through lush woodlands with rolling elevation changes, occasional muddy areas, and scenic views, making it a favorite among local outdoor enthusiasts.
This park is equipped with a wheelchair accessible parking lot and offers on-site restrooms and picnic tables for visitor convenience. Although not a traditional fenced dog park, dogs on leash can enjoy the trail alongside their owners. The park’s unique setting provides both experienced trail hikers and their dogs with ample space to roam and enjoy the beauty of central Ohio.
This used to be my favorite trail in the state and I’ve probably rode it over 100 times in the past decade or so. I certainly appreciate all the work put in to get it open again after the tornado, but all the fun sketchy sections are gone now. It’s basically just a non-downhill flow trail, might as well pave it at this point. Probably fun if you don’t know what it used to be like.
Phase 2 was reopened in July 2024 after being destroyed by tornadoes earlier in the year, and it is better than ever. I wouldn’t recommend this as your first mountain bike trail, but if you’re confident riding Phase 1 and are looking for a different challenge, then give Phase 2 a run. It’s more of a “flow” trail than Phase 1 with fewer rocks, roots. and switchbacks to negotiate, but you’re going to need good stamina for the several steep, lengthy climbs throughout the course. The renovation added a number of new features including jumps, drops, and log rolls, and COMBO since added signs at various intersections, so navigation is easier than it used to be.
This trail is also suitable for hiking, all it takes is about 2 hours of moderate up and downs. My friends like it as well.
If hiking, please walk clockwise, always against the biking direction. Thus you won’t disturb the traffic.
This is one the difficult mountain bike trail as mentioned on the trail. If you don’t tried any mountain bike trails or don’t know what they are then I would suggest stay out. I have mountain bike but most of the times I have driven on bike path so I went to try today. As the difficulty level is very difficult so I tried half mile then I need to turn back because of 1. not having all the support gears 2. Not having any experience of mountain bike trails. I tried as much as I can and found out that there are lot of sharp turns, very shallow paths, mini bridges and wet muddy areas. This is very good for mountain bike enthusiasts as I saw lot of people riding there.
I was going to go to the regular hiking trails near the dam but wanted some elevation changes. I read some of the reviews about MTB Phase II and decided to go there. I’m glad that I did. Great trails with great views.