Find the top rated birding trails in Napoleon, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_183732_st.jpg)
_181468_st.jpg)
_185152_st.jpg)
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.
I parked at the Harroun Community Park and went west. The trail started on packed dirt, but that was just a short distance. The rest of it was on asphalt and concrete. On the return trip I took the loop, which was on packed dirt. At the top of the hill was the Lathrop House used by the Underground Railroad. Continuing on the loop was a descent and then back to the main trail. I also went across the bridge and along the newly built apartments toward the western endpoint on Main Street. Following the sidewalk south and around the building brought me back to my vehicle. My mileage totaled 3 miles. This is a nice trail for the area with most of it away from buildings, meandering along the Ottawa River and into the woods.
I live near this trail and use small portions of it frequently. I love the solitude and natural atmosphere.
I had the chance to ride the whole NCIT from Genoa (newest part of trail) to Elyria. So many great restored train stops, bridges, and even railroad museum right on the trail. Active rail line next to trail for about 10 miles.
Most of trail is paved now but with some sections of loose gravel or even large ballast I would recommend at least a gravel or cross bike/tires.
Great scenery, unsuspecting calmness and tranquility.
I really enjoyed this trail. It was a great way to spend a few hours on the bike.
This was a pleasant trail through the woods and meadow. The surface is mainly wood chips, dirt and grass, which would be more suitable for wider tires, rather than a road bike with skinny tires. I used a touring bike with 28 mm tires and didn't have a problem. It might be harder if the trail was wet. Just depends on how comfortable you are on those types of trails. Definitely a good trail to hike. I biked a few of the loops and did 3 miles total, which didn't take that long. I did not go in the Discovery Center since it was closed at the time.
The trail from Pokagon Park runs along the camp road, with a clearly painted white line to set it off. There are traffic lights and crosswalks out of the park toward Angola. There is 7% grade going up as you leave the park, just after the park sign. Keep going. The view from the top is spectacular, especially with the autumn colors. After you get around and past the Ramada Inn, there’s another steep hill (8%). In both cases, we didn’t see the sign until we had turned around and headed back. It was a fun ride down!
I rode this trail for the first time a few days ago. It's great and well used. A trail is across the road at the western end point, which is a 1/2-1 mile long. Another cyclist said they hope to extend that trail. Parking at the western end point on King Road is only by businesses. Ask for permission since the signs say they will tow you away. I parked there along the trees with permission and had no problems. Try to take the time to go into Wildwood Preserve Metropark if you can. There is a nice 1.65 mile loop (Walk/Bike Path) there and a spur off of it through a covered bridge over the Ottawa River and beyond to Corey Road, called the Regional Walk/Bike Connector.
On October 7, 2020, I parked at Bowman Park to take the route south. The first approximately 2 miles was on the gravel/crushed stone trail, but then it ended at a road. I checked the trail on Google Map, which led me straight (sort of) onto grass and gravel. That didn't seem right and I knew I couldn't always trust Google, so I checked TraiLink, which I should have done in the first place. The trail zigzagged a bit, crossing the road and onto residential streets. It then went into Ottawa Park. Another section of the trail curved through the wide meridian between opposite one-way streets. Grass and weeds were growing through the cracks, otherwise it would have been a really nice section. Other parts of the route were on sidewalks, some which were narrow, uneven and had grass growing in the cracks. Some places there was an option of using the bike lane on the road. The trail also went on roads through a portion of the Health and Science campus of the University of Toledo. The southern most 1-2 miles was on a really nice wide asphalt trail. I was confused about the mile markers there since I saw 9.25, but then the trail soon ended. I was expecting to go until I saw 11. I didn't think I went that far beyond the 9.25 marker. There is parking there for only a few vehicles. I did not see restrooms of any type there, however there were some in Highland Park, Ottawa Park, and Bowman Park. Some might have been closed due to COVID regulations, but pit toilets were just off the trail in Ottawa Park. The southern portion had more signs (Bike Toledo CC Trail), than I remember seeing once in Ottawa Park and north of it. There were many many road crossings, some which had designated cross walk signals to use. It took me 1.5 hours to go north. I would recommend parking at River Road at the southern end point and bike north, follow the signs and the map on TraiLink. That way if you decide not to do the whole route, you would have done the better part.
On Thursday, we drove to the Wood County Park District’s Rudolph Savanna looking for a trail to explore. I am in a wheelchair. My spouse provides my locomotion. From the Savanna’s parking lot, we accessed a lovely compacted earth/grass pathway, with very modest changes in elevation, that meandered through prairie and forest. At the end of the path, we found ourselves on a portion of the Slippery Elm Trail. We seized the opportunity and completed the section from Rudolph to Greensburg Pike before returning to the Park. We enjoyed The lovely fall colors and native plants and look forward to visiting in the spring.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Map Search
