Slippery Elm Trail:
Ohio
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Description:
The mileage slips by on the Slippery Elm Rail-Trail as you take in the flat, fast and scenic northwest Ohio countryside. The 13-mile paved path runs south from Bowling Green through the small town of Rudolph and finishes in North Baltimore. Its half-marathon length is ideal for runners in training, and the smooth surface is a joy for cyclists and inline skaters. Between Rudolph and the southern endpoint, expansive agricultural landscapes offer the quiet charm visitors have come to expect from this area of the country.

Start at the Sand Ridge Road Trailhead in Bowling Green and head south. After 1 mile the trail ducks under US Route 6. When you emerge on the other side the urban surroundings melt away and the countryside takes over.

With a keen eye and light foot (or wheels), you may catch sight of red-tail hawks, white-tail deer, red squirrels or the many birds found here. Be sure to take note of the unique terrain: as far as the eye can see the land here—as in much of northern Ohio—is as flat as a pancake, thanks to the glaciers that moved south through Ohio, leveling everything in their path. This area used to be the Great Black Swamp, but by the mid-1800s the swamp was drained, leaving the rich, fertile farmland that now yields corn, soy beans and livestock.

As you pass through the small village of Rudolph you will encounter arguably one of the best signs you will ever see on a rail-trail: "Welcome to Rudolph, the Deerest little village in Wood County." There are restrooms and a trailhead in the village. After Rudolph you are about halfway along the trail. The southern half is extremely rural and quiet, with serene country vistas all the way to North Baltimore. At the endpoint there is a very nice playground and small park, a nice place for a picnic. Here, if you like, you can turn around and head back to Bowling Green.

If you do return to Bowling Green, be sure to take the time to explore this small college town. Bowling Green State University has more than 21,000 students and is among Ohio's top universities. Bowling Green itself is brimming with great little restaurants and cafes, and the shops in town make for fun exploring.

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Parking & Trail Access:
The Bowling Green trailhead is accessed by taking Interstate 75 to the Bowling Green Route 64/Wooster Street exit. Head west on Wooster for 1.75 miles and turn south on S. Main Street. Continue on S. Main for just over 0.75 miles to Sand Ridge Road and head west .5 miles. Trail access is from the Montessori school on the left.
To reach the southern trailhead in North Baltimore, take I-75 to the North Baltimore Street/State Route 18 exit west. Follow Route 18 just over 1 mile to S. Main Street and turn north for 0.75 miles. Turn onto East Broadway Street and the parking lot will be on the left after 0.25 miles. This trailhead has parking and restroom facilities, as well as a playground.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Excellent Conditions
By svtandem in September, 2011
My wife and I rode tandems with another couple from Bowling Green (BG) to North Baltimore (NB) and thoroughly enjoyed the trail. The pavement was excellent.
There was a permanent restroom building at the NB end and porta-potties at the town of Rudolph and the Portage Rd access. There is a WalMart a 1/4 mile from the Gypsy Lane Rd access.
We started at the Gypsy Lane Rd access in BG as there are 15 parking spaces for trail users. I checked the Sand Ridge Rd access and there is a sign in the school parking lot stating that they do not allow trail users to park there. It suggested the Gypsy Lane Rd area instead.
Well worth stopping by and going for a ride if you're in the area ... or even passing through.
If only they were all marked as well...
By Gina Dustin in October, 2007
"Nice trail! We drove up on a Sunday in July. Usually my husband and I get into fights about where the trailhead could be but not this one!

This trail is in awesome shape. It's well marked with signs, mileage markers and direction markers. There's a nice, clean restroom at the trailhead in N. Baltimore. Obviously the community takes great pride in their trail.

Not a lot of shade on the trail so be prepared. This trail was definitely worth the 2 hour drive up from Columbus. "
Great little trail
By Doug Switzer in July, 2006
"I've biked this trail a couple of times. I'm impressed with it's quality. The pavement is smooth, which makes it great for touring bikes and in-line skaters. The trail has plenty of historical and information signs. It also highlights the region's geographical distinction--The Great Black Swamp. This swamp once covered most of NW Ohio but has been drained and converted into fertile farmland. However, the trail goes through some swamp area. The trail is tree-lined and provides plenty of shade. The facilities at North Baltimore are great! All-in-all, this trail is a good one for those looking for a safe place to bike, walk or skate."
Lots of parking, excelent bathrooms and water fountains.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Bowling Green to North Baltimore
Counties: Wood
Trail Length: 13 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6121551

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Midwestern rail-trails in RTC's Midwestern Guidebook.