Review

The Huron County portion of the North Coast Inland Trail currently consists of about 5 miles of trail. A recently completed segment stretches from Jackson Street west to Rt. 547 and from Williams Road west to Sand Hill Road. These segments extend west of Monroeville, Ohio. This review covers the 3.3 mile section to the east between Monroeville and Norwalk.

Heading east from Peru Center Road in Monroeville, the rail-trail parallels an active rail line that moves alongside in varying proximity that ranges anywhere from 20-50 yards away. There's a small gully and/or brush line that separates the two much of the way.

The surface ranges from a wide blanket of crushed stone to skinny double track that's not much wider than your tire. All sections are smooth and well graded. While some appear newer, with only a smattering of vegetation growth through the middle of the aggregate, others appear to be the original rail bed hidden in a green blanket. But that's unlikely, since no typical ballast stone is present.

There's a short unfinished portion of this trail that heads west from Peru Center Road and terminates at a railroad track. Apparently two sets of tracks had crossed at this location in the past. To extend the bikeway beyond this point, engineers will have overcome the track crossing as well as a river crossing over the west branch of the Huron River that lies mere yards beyond. With a little luck, they'll make use of the abandonded railway bridge that defines this route.

As with other sections of the N.C.I.T., flat and straight is the general rule here as well, though there is a noticeable dip just before the old rail yard on the outskirts of Norwalk.

But flat and straight doesn't mean mundane. The scenery changes frequently along the way from an open field with an unobstructed view, to partial or full tree and brush cover. Some tall trees lend character to the ride.

And the bikeway makes good use of its abandoned rail corridor by utilizing existing over-street bridges, including a scenic crossing over a small gorge at the east branch of the Huron River. The skinny double track also joins in by changing size and color as you travel through.

As Ohio bikeways continue to grow in popularity, so do methods for properly maintaining them. This trail introduced us to the 'Mutt Mitt' for the first time. As you might have guessed, it's purpose is to help you clean up after your pet. Not a bad idea, especially on natural surface trails where animal droppings can be more difficult to see before... uh, it's too late!

Vistit the Huron County web site for the latest developments and news on this section.

Check out more NCIT sections.

Trail Specs:

Monroeville Norwalk

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