Trails and Good Vibes: What I Found in Sunbury, Ohio
After riding the trails in Derby, Tasmania, I came home thinking about how places use mountain biking to shape their identity. While visiting family in Ohio, I wasn’t necessarily looking for the next great destination, but a quick scan of Strava’s global heatmap lit up an unexpected pocket of activity near Sunbury. Curious, I decided to check it out.
I didn’t have my mountain bike with me, but I laced up my trail shoes and headed out anyway. Over the course of several runs, I got a closer look at the way the trails wove through the woods. Running gave me a slower, more intimate sense of the terrain: where water drained well, where the trail builders had carefully carved turns to follow natural contours, and how different user groups seemed to coexist. The forest felt active, cared for, and utilized.
The setup wasn’t dramatic, just a trailhead off a quiet road, but as I ran, I started to see the outline of something more. The trails were thoughtfully built, with natural flow, short technical sections, and a few fun surprises. It felt like someone had put a lot of care into making this a place worth moving through.
A Trail Scene Taking Shape
Sunbury’s trails don’t cover miles and miles, and they aren’t yet part of a big tourism push, but they hint at possibility. I crossed paths with a handful of riders during my visits, where there seemed to be a mix of locals and visitors, all making use of the same patch of forest in their own ways.
It made me wonder: What could this scene grow into? And who’s already investing time and effort to help it evolve?
Trails as Quiet Connectors
One of the things I’ve noticed, whether in Tasmania, Ohio, or my hometown Truckee, CA, is how trail systems can bring people together, sometimes without even trying. They give people a reason to spend time outside, to learn the terrain, to meet others, or just to slow down for a few hours.
In Sunbury, I didn’t see any big signs or branding campaigns. But I did see signs of a trail system with potential, one that could serve the community and visitors alike, depending on how it's supported moving forward.
Looking Ahead
Local municipalities can play a pivotal role in helping trail systems like Sunbury's reach their potential. Support doesn’t always have to come in the form of massive budgets. Simple steps like allowing access to public land, partnering with volunteer organizations, or assisting with grant applications can make a big difference. Municipalities can also help with trail signage, restrooms, and parking infrastructure, which all contribute to making the experience more welcoming for new users. When cities and towns view trail networks as long-term community assets, they create a foundation for growth, inclusion, and outdoor tourism that benefits everyone.
Sunbury’s trails are a reminder that places don’t need to chase scale or recognition to make something meaningful. A few good spicy sections, some committed volunteers, and a local parks system that’s open to building with intention… that might be enough to start something that lasts.
