Wabash Cannonball Trail (North and South Fork)

The Wabash Cannonball Trail in northwest Ohio is actually two trails in one: the north fork runs east–west for 46 miles and the south fork makes up the balance of this 63-mile trail. The trails converge in the eastern city of Maumee then jackknife away on their separate routes. Both trails begin at Jerome Road within sight of Fallen Timbers Shopping Center. Don't be confused by the sign labeled "Wabash Cannonball Trail North Fork"; just 0.25 mile west, the South Fork breaks off to the left while the North Fork continues straight.

By following the bicycle and pedestrian bridge over State Route 24, you can visit the Fallen Timbers State Memorial (recognizing the 1794 battle that helped open the Northwest Territory) and Side Cut Metropark, an off-shoot of the Miami and Erie Canal.

The first 9.5 miles of the North Fork are nicely paved. This section travels through Oak Openings Metropark. Several bridges cross small creeks, marshy wetlands and deeper ravines before the pavement ends and the smooth paved trail gives way to crushed stone, grass and dirt for the remainder of its length, with the exception of 2 paved miles in the town of Wauseon. Before you reach Wauseon, though, the trail follows an on-road section at County Road 11. For most users this is the unofficial end of the trail. To navigate around this closure, turn north on County Road 11 for 0.2 mile then west on County Road F for 2 miles before turning south on County Road 13 for another 0.2 mile. The trail appears again on the right.

Back on the trail you come to the town of Wauseon. Rotary Park on the right-hand side of the trail offers parking, restrooms and plenty of shade.

The South Fork is a beautiful trail about 17.5 miles long through western Lucas County. The first 10.5 miles are paved and a fun, flat and fast ride. The final 7 miles are similar to the unpaved section on the north fork. The crushed-stone section is best suited to walkers, equestrians and hybrid and fat-tired bikers. In the village of Whitehouse a park on the left of the trail has a large playground and baseball diamonds. This park is only 6 miles from the start of the trail and makes a perfect turn-around.

The main trailhead is at Jerome Road in Maumee. From Interstate 475 on Toledo's west side, take the Route 24 Exit and head east 0.75 mile to Monclova Road. Turn left on Monclova for 1.3 miles then turn left on Jerome Road. The trailhead and parking are on the right.

To reach the North Fork's Wauseon trailhead, take US 20A toward Wauseon to Route 108/West Linfoot St. south for 1 mile. Turn right and head west on County Highway F and then turn left (south) on Krieger Street. Rotary Park and the trailhead are on the left.

The North Fork's West Unity trailhead is accessible by taking Route 20A to West Unity and turning left (south) on Main Street. The trailhead is in the park on the left.

The best trailhead for the South Fork is in Whitehouse. Take State Route 64 into the town of Whitehouse and park at the park adjacent to the trail on Saint Louis Avenue.