We planned a visit to this region and rode three other rail trails before riding this one. I didn’t read any reviews before attempting this trail. We were pleasantly surprised with the terrain. The uphill-downhill trail was slightly challenging but a great workout. The views are beautiful as well.

May 10 2021. My ride started at the Greenway Corridor on Girdled Rd. Went down 18.6 miles to downtown Middlefield and back. I cannot speak for anything south of Kinsman Rd/ SR 87. This entire stretch is well paved the entire way. If you're planning your trip via Google Maps, take comfort in knowing the section cutting through Chardon is fully complete. There is no road riding required detours from Girdled to Kinsman. About 2 miles in, the trail runs next SR 44 and it isn't great here. It's a rather long steep climb in the wind and sun with not much pleasant to look at with traffic going by. Don't let that discourage you though. Think of the ride back and how much easier it will be on the return. Stop at any of the many benches for a breather if need be. Get past this hill, and back into the wooded area, and you're rewarded with shade and a decline to get your groove back. This one section you will not like upon your return, but it's not going to ruin your day. From here on, it's smooth sailing and mostly flat for most of the trail. A natural setting for a minute until you get closer to downtown Chardon. A couple road crossings in downtown may be busy depending on the time of day. Some crosswalks have lights. If you need last minute supplies of any kind, get them here before you get past the baseball field. Of which does have working water fountains and restrooms. There's fast food, small stores, and taverns if need be. Last you will see for a while. Once past the city, it's the heart of the trail. Good long stretches of scenery, wilderness, and some covered bridges. Some interesting parks like Claridon Woodlands, and Headwaters Park along the route. Still plenty of benches along the entire way for pitstops. Not many sources of water that I saw, but enough restrooms or port-a-pots. South of Headwaters park, you may end up sharing the trail with horse and buggies. Mind trail etiquette and right of ways. Watch out for road apples. Arrive in downtown Middlefield and back into civilization, taverns, & stores. This trail is a gem. What's great is it's length and long, (mostly flat) stretches of quiet nature. I drove about an hour to visit this trail, and It's worth it. This was on a Monday afternoon in May. 55 degrees, partly cloudy. Not much foot traffic. At some points miles between seeing anyone at all.

I really love doing this trail with my road bike, although it is quite hilly and a bit of work if that's what you're looking for! It is nicely paved and roomy for biking. It's hilly regardless of which end you start at (in other words it's not just one incline). I prefer to start at the Richmond Road end because I find that direction a little more difficult (then loop around and head back). Although if you start at the other end you can get the REALLY big hill out of the way first and enjoy coasting down it when you're done.

Anyway, great exercise trail - not one that I would bike if I were looking for a "stroll" so to speak.

Hiked from Kidd's Mill to mile marker 7. Spotted 2 Eagles and a Hawk sparring in midair. New Beaver dam/pond at Bridge 14 is about 3 feet deep.

Great Spring day after rain the two previous days; temp 62°. Trail still very dry and streams low; river two feet higher. Immature bald eagle spotted near river. Small newly constructed beaver dam at mile 1. Trail very busy, counted 26 hikers in the first 2 miles; family of 10 utilizing the Fishing Loop trail. New Kidd's Mill trail sign at .5 mile.

There was a half-marathon on this trail organized by the local Trails Association in conjunction with Celebrate Trails Day 2021. Great turnout. In addition to the race, there were quite a few that came out to enjoy the trail for the day either walking, running or bike riding.

Signs of Spring....trees budding and turning green. Didn't see many wildflowers yet. Saw one snake. Parked in Orwell and biked 17 miles North to Austinburg and back. Trail in good condition. Coming back it was kind of windy but when the cornfields are up and there's more leaves on the trees the windy days will be blocked by that. Great trail.

Trail surroundings starting to get green from that dead of winter look! Trees budding and wildflowers along the trail. Trail surface is in good condition having survived the freeze over the winter. About a mile in from the Krider Road trailhead, a half mile section of the trail is a little bumpy.

The trail through Ashtabula county is nice just dont go too far south of State Route 305 (Mosquito Lake area) The closer you get to Warren the more garbage and broken glass you will find all over the trail.