Pedaling the Wabash
In honor of bike month, I pedaled a 12-mile section of the North Fork of the Wabash Cannonball Trail, which travels through, and beyond, Oak Openings Metropark (total trail is 48 miles, stretching from Maumee to Montpelier). An easy way to access the trail is through the Oak Openings’ Oaks Lodge parking lot off Wilkins Rd (restrooms and maps). I took the paved WCT connector trail, a lush, shaded corridor of tall oaks, maples and cottonwoods with some nice curves and slight inclines (be cautious as pedestrians also use this trail). Head east or west on the WCT North Fork after arriving at the end of the connector trail. Both ways offer converted railroad lines of flat, straight paved tree and vegetation lined trails. These are good sections to zone out and enjoy the repetitive action of pedaling while soaking up the sights and sounds of nature. The trail (in my opinion) is best enjoyed in the morning, or early evening as the pavement reflects the sunlight making it very bright (wear sunglasses)— and hot.
West Bound
Heading west is a short ride of about three miles (one way). About 2.5 miles along is a parking and shelter area (at Waterville Swanton Rd) with vending machines and restrooms. The paved trail ends another half mile ahead at Fulton-Lucas County Rd., continuing as an unpaved, very rugged 15.5 mile (one way) primitive path, best suited for hiking and mountain biking.
To the East
Heading east on the WCT North Fork provides another flat, straight, paved trail. There is a good rest stop at the Oak Opening Springbrook Lake Trail at SR 64 right before you leave the Metropark area providing overview maps, restrooms, drinking fountains and parking. If you pedal approximately 10 miles (one way) toward Maumee you will arrive at the official WCT South and North Forks trailhead at Jerome Rd and Monclova Rd. (read next issue for part 2— the South Fork)
Raise Your Action Ante
Don’t miss the “celebration of outdoor activities,” at the 2nd annual Metroparks Outdoor Adventure Expo on Saturday May 30th at Side Cut Metropark from 10am to 4pm.
“This expo is bigger and better than last year, which was an absolute blast,” stated Scott Carpenter, Metroparks Director of Public Relations. The festival highlights new outdoor skills programs offered throughout the season. Visitors can try canoeing, kayaking (on the beautiful Silver Lake) archery, and fishing or learn camping skills, how to geocache, master stand up paddle boarding, zip lining and wall climbing (trained instructors and equipment provided). Exhibitors include: Dave’s Running, Bike Works!, NorthWest Ohio River Runners, Toledo Rowing Club and more.
1025 W River Rd., Maumee. Visit metroparksprograms.com for more information.
