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Print Friendly MapThe Middle Branch Trail follows the Middle Branch of Nimishillen Creek north-south through Stark County parks, with a couple of loops in between. This trail lies between the Hoover Park Connector Trail and the Pioneer Trail in northern Stark County, Ohio. The plan is to eventually connect to the West Branch Trail via the Pioneer Trail for a seamless ride.
The trail is crushed limestone and well maintained. It begins in Schreiber Park, runs along the railroad on the edge of Reifsnyder Park, then dips into the tangle of trees in Oak Park. The trail the crosses into Martindale Park, which has ample parking on Martindale Avenue. A branch of the trail reaches west into the residential neighborhoods near Gardendale Avenue. The rail-with-trail passes a vineyard, then loops around the perimeter of the Plainfield Township Veterans Park, and again around Glenoak High School and the county library.
The connection to the Hoover Trail requires taking the sidewalk or riding on-street on Rosedown Boulevard and Stone Crossing Street where the off-street section picks up again. A recently completed tunnel under Market Avenue takes trail users into Hoover Park and its trail.
There is currently a bridge replacement on the portion at Spangler street, but this should be completed by October 31, 2020.
The Martindale Park trailhead, (including water fountains and bathrooms) is located at 4053 Martindale Rd NE, Canton. Another trailhead is on 55th Street, just north of Gervasi Vineyard (5419 Johnnycake Ridge NE, Canton).
Additional parking can be found in Schreiber Park (Maple Avenue & Warrick Place), Plain Townships's Veterans Memorial Park (1714 Schneider St., Canton, 44721).
This trail is primarily a commuter/recreational trail which is designed to connect residential areas with parks, the local high school -- Canton Glen Oak, the Marketplace at Washington Square shopping center, and Walsh University. This trail connects to the Hoover Park Connector Trail which gives the rider access to additional parks and North Canton Hoover High School.
The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone, with short sections paved with asphalt or with a chip and seal surface. I found the chipped and sealed surfaced somewhat hazardous particularly on the turns because there was a lot of loose stone in those turns. I found that surprising as the stone on that type of surface is imbedded and rolled in tar. Fortunately this surface was more of an exception rather than the rule for this trail. The trail has a few short climbs that exceed a 5% grade, but they should not prove much of a challenge for anyone who rides with some frequency.
While I would not characterize this trail as a destination trail for people outside of the area, I can see that this trail has great utility to the local residents who can utilize it to travel between popular community facilities.
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