vulture's knob mountain bike park

the course is not for the weary. This is however a great hiking and biking trail with many trails through the system. Many are through wooded ravines overlooking scenic creaks, valleys, and rugged terrain.

I was in Wooster for several days, to enjoy the Ohio Light Opera so had a chance to ride this excellent single track course in the middle of summer. The heat and the bugs kept me from spending as much time as I would have liked. Do remember to coat yourself in mosquito repellent. The courses is definitely for experienced mountain bike riders but there is a dirt road and some open grass fields that a beginner could ride while companions took the main course. It was steeper in places than I thought possible in Ohio and roots and rocks made it challenging in places. I was there on a dry day at the end of a dry week and there was still some wet spots. I imagine it gets muddy often. Lots of fun and lots of challenge. I was there midweek and it was utterly empty, but from the size of the clubhouse, it looks like it is a friendly place on weekends. it is easy to find. There is a green plastic mailbox for 4300 Mechanicsburg Rd. on the south side of the road. Just opposite, there is a straight gravel road that goes between two cornfields. Take that gravel road to the end and there you are. I did not get to meet any of the regular so I do not know who maintains the "Clubhouse" but they obviously do a lot of work to keep the facility in good shape. They asked for, and certainly deserve, a $5 donation which you can place in the well marked bucket in the cabin.

I liked it but you don't get to just ride very much because it is so technical. if you like to just ride technical than this is the course for you.

I have been going to vultures knob for over 10 years now. it has transformed over the years but continues to grow and get better. this is some rough single track about 7 miles long. there are plenty of obstacles, climbs, etc... riding is Free but they do ask you to sign a release form. helmets are mandatory. Generally there is nobody there to enforce signing and turning in the waiver, however, you will more than likely see several other people out on the trail and i do recommend wearing a helmet as I've had some gnarly wrecks and I've seen/heard of others. There are races here as well. mostly on Saturdays in the summer. check the website for schedules and times to plan your trip. There is a log for you to sign as well and there are always people on there from surrounding states/cities hours away. you will find everyone from the first time single track riders to advanced racers out on the course so be cautious as people will be going various speeds. mostly the novices will get out of the way of the more advanced. Also, bring water! you don't want to drink any water out on the course you might come across (creeks/streams) as this course was partially built on an old illegal dump. the course is only about 3 miles to North end of Wooster where there are fast food/walmart, etc... novices will need to schedule about 1.5 to 2 hours for the course, especially if this is the first time out and getting to know the course. more advanced riders will need to schedule about 40 minutes to an hour per lap. i believe the best lap time is somewhere around 34 minutes. when coming off of Mechanicsburg Rd the only thing you will see is a gravel driveway surrounded by corn fields. there will be a Vulture posted on a telephone post and that is where you want to turn. the driveway is a good half-mile long before you get to the course parking area.