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.