AEP
From TrailGuide
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Rider Rating
AEP is a a terrific place to ride, located in remote southeastern Ohio about 30 minutes SE from Zanesville. AEP has no cell phone coverage at all and recieves infrequent use by riders, so be prepared to be self sufficient for repairs and emergencies.
AEP is land provided for recreational use by the public but AEP requires all riders to carry a land use permit while riding the trails. Its free and you can download it from their website here.
AEP Permit required please download
Current Trail Conditions
Visit http://www.combomtb.com/
AEP
Location and Driving Directions
From Columbus: Take 70 east to Zanesville. In Zanesville, take Seventh Street/ State Route 146 Exit #155. Take SR 60 a few blocks then take State Route 146 East. Follow SR 146 East ( 10 miles) until you come to Chandlersville and then take State Route 284 South (right). Follow SR 284 for 16 miles until you come to Township Road 944 (a white COMBO sign will be on your right and an AEP Sandy Hollow Campground sign will be on your left.) Turn right on TR 944, then take first right into the trailhead parking lot. The trail will be on your left (before the orange gate.)
From Cleveland/ Wheeling/ Marietta: Take Interstate 77 South of Cambridge. Take State Route78 West at Caldwell. Follow SR 78, which will also become SR 83. When they split, follow SR 83 North, about 100 yards, and then turn left onto SR 284. Follow SR 284 a few miles and then turn left onto Township Road 944 (a white COMBO sign will be on your left and an AEP Sandy Hollow Campground will be on your right.) Follow TR 944 about 100 yards, then take the first right into the trailhead parking lot. The trail will be on your left (before the orange gate.)
Trail Maps
Description and Review
AEP is a challenging 9 mile ride with over 1,000 feet of climbing and many technical sections requiring good bike handling skills. There are very few man-made obstacles and any bridges are easy to cross. The singletrack trail is easy to follow. There is one point where the trail empties on to a road and the rider must re-enter the trail about 100 yards further south, it is easy to miss, so bring a map.
There is very little cell phone coverage in the area, so plan ahead and pack accordingly. Riding alone is not advised.
Difficulty Level
Very Difficult, many downhill sections are steep and rocky. Climbs are also steep requiring good physical conditioning. Some parts of the trail are next to high cliffs.
Photos
