The Chippewa Rail Trail runs for 2.4 miles between Chippewa Road (SR 50) in Chippewa Lake to suburban Wycliffe Drive southwest of Medina (Lafayette Township). The trail is mostly rural in feel, passing among woodlands, farmland and open space. It also borders a large golf course. The grade is level but does descend slightly from north to south.
The rail-trail follows a corridor once used by the old B&O Railroad, which ran a main line from the Lester Junction through Medina to Chippewa Lake. The rail once shipped ice harvested from the lake to nearby towns and cities.
Parking is available on the south side of Chippewa Road just west of Township Hwy 709. Please note that there is no parking at the north end of the trail.
The trail is close-by and I enjoy the ride. Lots of trees and relatively smooth trail. A couple of bumps along the way due to root growth.
This trail mostly paved blacktop and rather short. It is a great walking trail and a trail where very young riders can safely build strength and confidence. The northern terminus isn't much. Those wishing to ride through Medina should aim for Fair Road to get through the worst of the traffic.
This is another short trail (2.4 miles) in Medina County, OH. The trail is paved but there is not much here at present. However it appears to have the potential to be expanded on both ends of the trail. Altogether out and back I rode 4.8 miles. After viewing a map before this posting there is potential to extend this trail north into Medina and then possibly northeast from town to connect with the Lester Rail Trail. The rail corridor does extend south past the current Chippewa Road trailhead and could be expanded toward the southern Medina County line. At present, you can connect to the Chippewa Inlet Trail if you ride 8 tenths of a mile west on Chippewa Road (which didn't appear to be too busy) from the Chippewa Trail Trailhead.
Although this trail is listed as an inline skate trail, it is mixed with tar/stone composition.. this means it is not smooth as a tar only trail would be, but it is skatable.. there are two roads that cross the trail as well.... it is a nice skate, but be careful of a few sticks and a few stones along the way..
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