Labor Day 2021: Parked in North Bloomfield along Route 87. There is a small parking area there for about 10 cars. Biked down to Sunside Trailhead approx 11 miles South and back then up to Orwell and back for a 31 mile round trip.
Some leaves are beginning to change already and some dry dead leaves on the trail.
Most of the trail is shaded by trees but there are a few areas open farmlands.

I did this trail in two sections. The loop from 303 down through Stow/Kent and back up was definitely not flat. Also crossed and road along a lot of roads. The residential section was nice, but it was difficult to see the bike trail signs at times so I got off course more than once. The northern section from Alexander down to 303 is fantastic. While you do cross a few roads, they’re not as busy as the ones in the loop. I would suggest walking your bike across them – The roads are slightly elevated with limited visibility before you reach them. The scenery is hard to beat – lots of gorgeous rock formations and you even go across the top of Brandywine Falls.

Beautiful mostly shaded trail between Dalton and Massillon. Three miles in the middle of 10 mile trail is gravel (not paved). The paved sections at each end are in rough shape. Lots of roots, bumps and rough bridge entrances/exits as well as a trench right after first bridge coming from Dalton - watch out! The gravel section was smooth and easy to ride on our trek gravel bikes.

I did the southern loop from 303 down around Stow Kent and back up to 303. Way more hills than I expected but was most disconcerting was the number of busy intersections and travel on roads. I will not do this loop again. The northern section from Alexander to 303 is fantastic. You cross a few roads - safest to stop and walk bike on them to to steep incline at intersection and somewhat limited visibility. The scenery is fantastic - you pass over Brandywine Falls and there are beautiful rock formations in a wooded area just north of 303. Rolling inclines rather than steep hills. Will do this section Again.

Parked at mile marker 16.5 at Bonniebrook. Biked to mile 8.5 and back then down towards Butler. High point on the trail is Cabot. Trail is somewhat shady and there are many open areas through fields as well. Always a great ride on this trail.
Surface is crushed stone. Some sections of the trail were very wide at 10-12 feet and other sections barely a few feet wide.
This is not an Equestrian horse trail.

Started our ride at the Kirk Rd. Parking area. Ended up that the south end was being paved so had to head north. Added on the Niles Greenway, so did get almost 18 miles in. Surface good, some bumps in the pavement, and 2 climbs that were manageable. Nice casual scenic country road ride.

Started the tow path in Independence, OH and rode to Peninsula. Had to back track to our parked car - so would recommend planning to take the train at Independence and then ride the whole trail from the Akron end.
Good riding surface of packed limestone - even for riders like us who prefer paved. Fun lunch stop in Peninsula. Not often you can ride 20+ miles in a National Park.

Parked at Kirk road (mile 5) and biked to the end (mile 10.8) and back. The Canfield Fair was getting ready, all set up to begin the next day. Stopped at the Metroparks Farm, across from the Fairgrounds. The sunflower field was absolutely beautiful!
Most of the trail is open as regards to shade but it wasn't a very hot day.
Trail passes near some residential areas as well as commercial business areas.
Biked to Mile 0 at the County line and a little bit on the Niles Greenway Trail.

Great trail, flat and easy. We rode from Main Street in Canfield to Niles and back - 24 miles total. This was our first time on this trail and we will be back in fall to see the changing leaves. Quite a few road crossings so be careful.