Wabash Cannonball Trail Access Points

Few of us actually live adjacent to the trail so for the rest of you we’ve identified Trail Access Points. These access locations all have parking. Several also have access to water and restrooms. And where the trail runs through a village there are sights to see and shopping possibilities. So pick your trail preference. The North Fork runs from Maumee to Montpelier. The South Fork runs from Maumee to Liberty Center. Then pick your access point. Whatever choice you make you have 66 miles of trail through Northwest Ohio to enjoy.

South Fork: Maumee to Liberty Center

Total Miles: 18

 

Fallen Timber Battlefield Area

The eastern terminus of the Wabash Cannonball Trail is on Jerome Road just south of Monclova Road in Maumee, in the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Area.  Signage will show WABASH CANNONBALL TRAIL—NORTH FORK, but just 0.25 mile west of that point, the South Fork branches off to the left then in a southwesterly direction while the North Fork continues straight west.  A Wabash Cannonball Trail Connector path connects the Trail with The Shops at Fallen Timbers shopping mall, the Fallen Timbers Battlefield National Historic Site, and then crosses over US 24 to the Battle of Fallen Timbers Monument in Side Cut Metropark.  There is parking at each of the three sites.

Whitehouse Train Station

Whitehouse Village Park and the depot area provide shelter, restroom facilities, picnic tables, and a playground.  On site, west of the depot is a 1927 little red Norfolk & Western caboose.  An ice cream shop, several restaurants, and a variety of small shops are readily accessible.  Should there be need for bicycle repair or parts, Cyclewerks has a location adjacent to the Trail.

Neapolis

The trail is located at the corner of Main Street and Waterville-Neapolis Road.  There is plenty of parking along the south side of the trail.  A small convenience store is available for snacks and drinks.  The paved trail extends as far west of Neapolis as the convergence of the Lucas, Fulton, and Henry County lines.  Beyond that point, the trail continues on with crushed stone or packed ground suitable for walkers, equestrians, and hybrid or fat-tire bikes.

Henry County Road 6C

This trail access is located about a mile east of Liberty Center between Henry CR U and CR T.  On site is a small park with parking, a picnic table, and information kiosk.  The Trail jogs to the south and continues on west to Henry CR 7 (Pleasantview Drive), the Liberty Center corporation limit where NORTA’s ownership officially ends.

Liberty Center Train Station

From Henry CR 7 (Pleasantview Drive) continue by following trail signs into the Village of Liberty Center (aka “Tiger Town”). The route will take you to the restored railroad depot where there is a fix-it station, information kiosk, Ohio historical marker, and convenient parking across Wabash Street from the depot.  Numerous shops and eating places are available in this quaint rural village.

North Fork: Maumee to Montpelier

Total Miles: 48

Fallen Timber Battlefield Area

The eastern terminus of the Wabash Cannonball Trail is on Jerome Road just south of Monclova Road in Maumee, in the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Area.  Signage will show WABASH CANNONBALL TRAIL—NORTH FORK, but just 0.25 mile west of that point, the South Fork branches off to the left then in a southwesterly direction while the North Fork continues straight west.  A Wabash Cannonball Trail Connector path connects the Trail with The Shops at Fallen Timbers shopping mall, the Fallen Timbers Battlefield National Historic Site, and then crosses over US 24 to the Battle of Fallen Timbers Monument in Side Cut Metropark.  There is parking at each of the three sites.

Monclova Elementary School

Located on the corner of Monclova Road and Waterville-Monclova Road.  The trail borders the south side of the school property with a path from the school parking lot to the Trail.  Access to the South Fork is 1.4 miles south of this location so either fork of the Trail may be accessed from this point.

Keener Park

Located at the Monclova Township Maintenance Garage on Keener Road south of Monclova Road.  Plenty of parking is available as are restrooms and a fix-it station.

Oak Openings Springbrook

Located on the west side of Waterville-Swanton Road (SR 64), south of Monclova Road.  The site includes restrooms and spacious parking.  The paved trail ends at the Fulton-Lucas County Line which is approximately a half mile west of Springbrook.  Cinder-ballast/packed dirt continues to the west.

Delta, NORTA Maintenance Building

Located on the east side of SR 109, south of Delta.  At the maintenance building is plenty of parking space including accommodation for horse trailers.  Horses are permitted on unpaved sections of Trail. An information kiosk has been installed at this site.  NORTA’s office building is on the west side of SR 109.  The covered timber-framed Fraker Mill Bridge is half a mile to the east near Fulton CR 6-3 where there is more but limited parking.

NOTE:  West of the NORTA maintenance/office building areas, the trail follows a short on-road section between Fulton CR 11 and CR 13.  Signage is in place to assist trail users.  This detour is essential for safety’s sake as the active Norfolk-Southern line intersects with the Trail between the aforementioned county roads.

Wauseon, Rotary Park

Located on Wood Street between Hickory and Mulberry, west of Shoop Avenue.  There is plenty of parking.  Approximately one and a half miles of Trail are paved within the city limits.  Horses are not permitted.  Restaurants and fast-food places are available on Shoop Avenue as well as nearby downtown Wauseon.

Elmira

Located north of US 20A on Fulton CR 23.  There is plenty of parking, including horse trailers.  Horses are permitted on the Trail.  On site is an information kiosk and pollinator garden.  About a mile and a half west is the Tiffin River Bridge, the longest bridge on the Trail (210 feet).

Wabash Park, West Unity

Located south of Jackson Street (US 20A) and on the east side of South Main Street.  Parking is limited, but can handle a few horse trailers.  Horses are permitted on the Trail.  There are restrooms, picnic area, playground, and information kiosk.

Williams County Road 17

Located south of US 20A on Williams CR 17.  There is ample parking as this location has been designed to accommodate many horse trailers.   A mounting block has been placed for equestrian convenience.  Branching off to the north, a bridle trail leads to Beaver Creek that runs through the property.  Primitive camping is permitted.  An information kiosk is on site.

Williams County Road 15

Located south of US 20A on Williams CR 15.  Parking is limited to 3-4 vehicles.  The Trail is elevated well above road grade with a path from the parking lot to the Trail.  An information kiosk is mounted to the covered bridge abutment.

Williams County Road 13

Located south of SR 107 on Williams CR 13 (Airport Rd).  This is the western terminus of the North Fork of the Wabash Cannonball Trail. Parking facilities are somewhat limited but parking is permitted on the grass alongside the Trail (when it is dry).  Many amenities are available in the friendly town of Montpelier.