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!

I’m from California where we like to say we have great bike trails. Nothing we have can compare to this trail. Flat, scenic, paved and absolutely charming ice cream stop in Butler, Five Points Ice Cream¿¿

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.

Only did a round trip 22 miles but what I saw was really nice. Paved and well maintained bike trail. Did this in July so I did get some sun but what I rode was about half sun half shade. Pretty country side and a nice bike stop 9 or so miles in. This is probably very pretty when the leaves start turning.

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.

While we couldn’t ride the entire trail we were able to cover about 2 miles in a round trip. The Trail head at Burger King is a little sketchy, just have to watch out for drivers taking the turn pretty hard. Also not a huge fan of the crossing at Harroun Rd, but all in all it is a nice trail with some nice scenery.

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.