In May, I cycled a ten mile section of the converted rail line Wabash Cannonball Bike Trail’s North Fork (see TCP May 20th edition) and, as promised in that article, I have now pedaled a ten mile section of the WCT’ South Fork. Here’s what I discovered.
Accessing The South Fork
The best place to access both the North and South Forks of the WCT is to park at Fallen Timbers Shopping Center off of N. Jerome Rd. in parking areas F1 and F2 (cyclists are welcome to park here). Head north for almost a mile along the designated bike route staying on N Jerome Rd until you see the sign pole to your left for the WCT North Fork Trail. Follow the North Fork for about a quarter mile where you will see the WCT South Fork sign pole to the left and head that way. The paved, flat trail runs about six miles to Whitehouse (miles 1-6) and another four miles beyond to Neapolis (miles 6.5-10.5) where the WCT continues on to end in Liberty, OH (miles 11-20 unpaved).
The trail section to Whitehouse takes you along areas of dense vegetation, the back side of rural/residential neighborhoods and a few open fields. By far the best part of the ride is the arrival in Whitehouse and the 4.5 mile stretch of trail between Whitehouse and Neapolis.
Whitehouse amenities
The city of Whitehouse accommodates cyclists with restrooms, drinking fountains, a park (picnic area/playground), benches, bike racks and General’s Ice Cream Stop. Be careful to watch for pedestrians, especially children. You can also drive and park here (intersection of Providence/Rte 64 and Toledo St) to access the trail in either direction— onward to Neapolis or back toward the North/South Trailhead.
The route between Whitehouse and Neapolis is a near perfect setting to lose yourself in the rhythms of cycling and nature, cutting through a colorful canvas of wildflowers— velvety blue leaved mullens, tall yellow cone flowers mingled among the delicate white heads of queen anne’s lace before the trail slowly melds into a deliciously shaded cathedral-like corridor of pine, poplar, locust and maple trees. Next the trail gently unfolds into breathtaking vistas of golden sun drenched farm fields where horses graze while hawks, blue herons, and crows glide across the blue sky casting their shadows. I strongly recommend you view the interactive trail map at wabashcannonballtrail.org before you go to get your bearings.
Sustenance stops
Generals Ice Cream features ten types of specialty sundaes including warm apple, twisted crunch and dirt. They also have great chocolate malts. Check out Cycle Werks Bike Shop (shopcyclewerks.com 6760 Providence St); it’s all about a passion for bikes and biking. Refuel at the Village Pizza Factory 6792 Providence St. or at the Whitehouse Inn (whitehouseinn.net 10835 Waterville Rd. at Providence St.) for their sandwiches, specialty prime rib, and Snickers pie on their pretty patio.
Bike Trail Intersection Crossings
-Trail access-North Jerome Rd near Monclova Rd—park at Fallen Timbers Shopping Center on North Jermone Rd. sections F1 and F2 across from JC Penney
-Intersection crossing at 1.6 miles Black Rd
-Intersection crossing at 2 miles Waterville-Monclova Rd
-Intersection crossing at 3 miles Stitt Rd
-Intersection crossing at 4 miles Bucher-Rodney Boyer Rd. (a small three spot parking lot for cyclists to access trail is here)
-At 4.5 miles— Welcome to the Village of Whitehouse sign
-Intersection crossing at 5 miles Finzel Rd.
-Mile 6 brings you into the Whitehouse Town Center and Park at Providence and Toledo St.— lots of parking here for trail access
-Intersection crossing at 7 miles Berkey Southern Rd.
-Intersection crossing at 8 miles Berridge Rd.
-Intersection crossing at 8.5 miles Yawberg Rd.
-Intersection crossing at 9 miles Jeffers Rd.
-Mile 10.5 brings you to Neapolis, OH
