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Print Friendly MapThe Lebanon Countryside YMCA Trail offers 8 miles of paved pathway winding through Lebanon, from downtown to a connection to the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail. The trail begins in the north near the Lebanon Railroad Station, which is used by the LM&M Railroad for scenic train rides through rural Warren County. As the trail continues south, the scenery changes dramatically, varying from urban downtown to suburban neighborhoods to rural countryside.
The trail features several hills that may prove challenging to some trail users. Cyclists should keep their speed in check when descending hills. Trail users should also note that a small portion of the trail directly south of downtown Lebanon is actually shared road and sidewalk along Deerfield Road.
Parking for the Lebanon Countryside YMCA Trail is available at Runyan Field on S. East Street and at the Countryside YMCA on Deerfield Road.
Very well maintained. Somewhat scenic. Steep hills in both directions. Very little shade, I saved this trail for a cloudy day and I’m glad I did. It was an awesome workout.
First time on this trail and right off the bat it was going to be a good ride. Loved the hole route and to be honest never truly knew the extent of altitude change before riding. Got into the ride and felt good with the hills going out but at the end with the huge hill coming down I knew turning around and coming back was going to be a burner. With my riding partner we made the hill and stayed in the saddle the hole time in low gear and made it to the top, thank goodness for the hydrants giving me a focal point to achieve while getting to the top. Rest of the ride went real quick and easy. It is a great leg day workout to get completed on a bike.
It is certainly a nice trail with a good mix of nature and industrial areas. However, this trail is tough and has constant uphill and downhill. If you want a good workout this is the trail for you.
I think that the citizens of Lebanon enjoy this trail as it is well maintained and connects the community to both the YMCA and the nearby destination trail on the Little Miami Scenic River. If you are connecting to this trail from the LMSRT then you will have a much longer ride as the closest trailheads in either direction are approximately 6 and 8 additional miles away. As mentioned by others there are a couple of challenging hills to climb on this trail. In addition, there is not much shade on this trail so riding in the middle of the day, during the middle of the summer means you're going to bake. Sunscreen a must on a sunny day.
I wouldn't recommend taking someone who wants a casual ride here, but for an actual workout with varied terrain it is great. There is no truly flat mile, and the wind often is in your face going towards the bike trail (which is downhill). There are some road crossings but the number of cars are minimal...and its Lebanon, people are normally willing to let you through.
But yes, if you are out of shape, be willing to walk. I'm in decent fitness and I max out going 8 mph on the 150 foot 7-10% grade hill located at mile marker 2 (0 is at the loveland trail). There is also another 150 foot hill with 5-7% grade hill at mile marker 5.5.
So in short, if you want a workout, great trail. If you want to take your little kids or Grandma and Grandpa...I'd drive to the Little Miami.
The description of this trail leads you to believe that it is 8.2 miles however it should really claim to be 16.4 miles because it is in no way a circle that brings you back to your car. Once you have biked all 8 miles you get to a map that shows you are now 8 miles from your car and getting back will require you to bike the same 8 miles back. The trail is well paved throughout. There is very little shade and no water fountains along the way.
the hills were challenging and its in good condition. there is one problem. they have posts after every road crossing. the day I went they were all down. they are low and hard to spot. I crashed into one of them and hurt my wrist. I am never going on that trail again
This trail was very challenging. We began near downtown Lebanon by the two cabooses. The first mile and a half was nice. After that, we fast hill after hill. My 11 and 13 year olds had a tough time. Next time, we will start at the YMCA Countryside. From there the trail is scenic and less challenging.
Wow! This was a very challenging bike ride for my family and me. We began in downtown Lebanon at the train depot. The first mile, mile and a half was nice. After that, it was hill after challenging hill. If we do it again, we will start at YMCA countryside. That is where the trail became more scenic countryside and less suburban.
This trail is for people only. You are not allowed to take dogs walking there.
I live within walking distance to the trail where it picks up right at the YMCA. I ride from the YMCA to the top of the very large hill at fujitec drive, and back again. It's a short, brisk ride that takes me about 50 minutes. The scenery is beautiful and varies from wide open fields to forest, bridges and farming, but scenery aside, this portion of the trail seems to be very popular. there are several neighborhoods nearby that offer access. Also, it isn't flat. Most of the hills are gently sloping but there are several larger hills. Between the hills and the other walkers, runners, and riders, I find myself unable to zone out and relax because I'm constantly watching out for people.
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