The trail is a mixed bag. The northern end is presently under development. I rode the trail in early October 2021, and they were in the process of paving the northern 3 or 4 miles. It will be wide and nice, while at the same time traversing multiple crossroads that will require you to stop more often then desired, As you move south, the trail connects with Ottawa park, which also includes multiple connected trails that are in pretty good condition and cut through woods and recreation areas, definitely one of the nicer aspects of the trail. Continuing further south, most riders will be disappointed. The trail, while paved, is old with multiple tree trunk bumps, (roots that have heaved the asphalt) some that will jar your nerves as much as your hands and seat. At the far south end, the trail will once again become worth riding. It's not a trail you will want to travel a distance to come ride. But if you are local and just want to get out and go, this might be a good option. I am semi local, and probably won't go out of my way again until more improvements are done, especially when Toledo has so many great trails within a short drive multiple directions. (See university trail, wabash, or Towpath, as three examples)

If you're looking for a very easy, flat ride that traverses through lush, green countryside (at least in mid-August), this is one for you. Really, this trail was in remarkably good shape. It's extremely straight (we celebrated the 3 or 4 curves!). Very few walkers and just a few bikers on a Saturday morning. The trail is wide (8 - 10 ft) and there are spotless bathroom facilities at both ends. Park at the Black Swamp trail head--the trail head that's listed on Google Maps is at a Montessori school and there are signs posted there that prohibit parking. 26 - 27 miles out and back on the Slippery Elm.

We rode the Slippery Elm in the morning and then drove over to Providence Park in Grand Rapids, Ohio (about 20 minutes from Bowling Green) and rode about 5 miles out and back of the 10 mile gravel Towpath Ohio - Erie through the woods in the afternoon. Totally contrasting experiences--really nice for one full day of biking, about 37 miles total. Found a great restaurant in Bowling Green--"The Clay Pot"--for dinner. Highly recommended if you're looking for slightly upscale, delicious food!

Really enjoyed the variety of scenery as well as different riding types along this trail, overall it was in pretty good condition! Will definitely ride this again!

We are both new to this app and some of the trail riding. We both really enjoyed this trail as a nice mixture of scenery and riding types. Trail could use some minor maintenance.

Rode 16 miles of this trail. My only suggestion would be to add more signs so first timers like me don’t get lost.

I had difficulty finding a parking area near Delphos - mainly because there is no trail head there. I found a nice park in Spencerville next to the trail, but was disappointed that the trail end shortly south of there. You would need to follow roads to complete 40 miles. Spencerville to Delphos was a nice flat crushed stone trail, but ended abruptly at someone’s back yard. As another review mentioned - a diamond in the rough, will be a great trail as more miles are finished.

I cycle this trail several times a week, year round. It's quiet and peaceful, a corridor of nature. Two weeks ago a large owl flew in front of me and landed on a tree. I often see bald eagles near Marion Community Foundation Lake, and I spotted an osprey recently. In the last month I've seen a fox twice and many deer, including fawns. I've also seen a family of baby raccoons often the last few weeks.

I often stop for ice cream in downtown Marion after my ride, or add on a 13 mile loop from the west end of the trail to explore Hardin County's Amish Country on quiet roads.

A reviewer mentioned mosquitoes. These are sometimes a problem for walkers in the evening when there is not much breeze, but aren't a problem for me because they can't fly fast enough to catch a cyclist.

I especially love the tunnel under Riley Road, and the area just east and west of the tunnel. The sunsets over Marion Community Foundation Lake can be spectacular.

The path is very nice! We found a nice parking lot/rest area on Zion church road. The path is kept up nicely and shaded most of the way with a tree line. One side is the canal/tree line and the other side is fenced nicely. The way the trees face it would block morning sun. We walked around 7pm. It took about an hour to walk for 4.5-5mile walk into Delphos. Be aware it does abruptly end and turn into grass by a trailer park, but it is easy to get to the road from there.

I biked this trail in early May on a very windy day, probably more so since it blew across the Maumee River. I parked closer to the northeast section of the lot, which was full of potholes. Other parking is available all along the area, which would have been better. I headed toward Main Street, got on the path and then went up the hill. Since it had a few switchbacks, it was very manageable. One switchback was undergoing an improvement, but scooting across the grass was not a problem. The path was flat and in good condition as it headed south between buildings and trees for about a mile. It then made the hairpin turn to go back north where views of the Maumee River and buildings on the opposite bank were along the path. Once I got back to my starting point, I went to the riverside going alongside the restaurants. I went a total of 4 miles by the time I returned to my vehicle.