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By Steven Myers

After being given several names in the last few years; the Lake Shore Electric Railway Trail is now the official name for what is in several online or printed lists of Ohio Rail-Trails as either the "Huron Trail." or the "Edison Greenway Trail."

Huron, OH    photo by Steven Myers

It is a former right-of-way for the Lake Shore Electric Railway, considered by many as one of the premier electric interurbans in the nation early in the last century. The trail route was opened in November 1918, replacing the former interurban route through Huron streets and ended operations in May of 1938. Ohio Edison became the successor to the rights-of-way for the LSE, and used it as a utility corridor for many years. A new electrical transmission line was built in the late 1970's at a different location; thus, the remaining utility lines serve only the nearby neighborhoods and now only extend about halfway down the trail.

The trail follows the US 6 - Ohio 2 expressway; the brush between the trail and highway is quite thick. The user cannot see much of the highway, but highway noise is evident. In spite of its proximity to the highway; it was very rural in character. There were many birds to be seen and heard, and several rabbits were kicked up along the way. I was surprised at the numbers and variety of wildlife seen when walking the trail for this review.

About the first third of the trail is used by residents from the adjoining housing developments. Well-worn paths diverge from the trail into these neighborhoods. This part of the trail is broad and fairly smooth. However, once one is past the earth berm of the newest housing development, the trail shrinks to little more than a footpath through the weeds. The trail has been mowed at least once this year, so it is a little wider and cleaner now than previously. Fresh stone has recently been dumped in problem areas. However, some woodchuck holes and rough areas remain.

There is a narrow wooden footbridge over a ditch, at the second (usually dry) ditch the trail fords it. The trail now ends at a new street with sidewalks behind the Woodlands Elementary School (this street is still closed as of this review). Turn right and go down the new sidewalk to get to Buckeye or Deerwood Road in front of the elementary school. Or, go straight ahead toward the Cleveland Road/Rye Beach Road area. An improved trail entrance is a possibility here in the future.

The Huron Park director is planning to make improvements to this trail over the next several years; however, for now, the trail is still about as simple as a rail-trail can be. But, one can now see the possibilities this trail has.

Entrance to the trail is at the end of a pedestrian bridge across the US 6 expressway; across from the Huron High Stadium. There are no signs pointing out the trail at this time. At the other end of the bridge is the entrance to Fabens Park where restrooms and water are available (in season) as well as softball and soccer fields, playground, etc.