Review

The Sippo Valley Trail extends from Dalton to Massillon, Ohio, a span of 10 miles in length. The trail surface changes from asphalt to fine crushed stone, then back to asphalt as it nears Massillon. A road bike can easily navigate the crushed stone section, but conditions were dry during our ride, so we weren't able to determine if water might pond here after a rain.

We started out just west of Dalton and rode into town to Village Green Park where the trail officially starts. It begins in front of the restroom facility and literally works its way around the large parking area before exiting the park. Instead of "follow the yellow brick road," you simply follow the striped asphalt trail.

After you leave the park and cross East Main Street the trail becomes a wide bike lane along Freet Street. The path then bends its way around a water works station and a couple of commercial sites before heading off into rural countryside.

Trail signs along the Sippo are quite good. Horses are allowed, but buggies are asked not to use the trail. Road names are posted at crossings and a small placard even informs you that you're on your way to Massillon when you leave Dalton.

Creek bridges near Dalton use a newer vinyl type deck board. They feel quite slick and smooth, so riding over them in the rain might be a tricky proposition. The bridges near Massillon use the more traditional treated deck lumber. But wood can also become slippery from rain, so use caution when crossing these bridges in wet or frosty conditions.

The Sippo twists and turns its way out of Dalton, then straightens as a creek makes its way alongside. Foot paths that connect with neighborhood streets attest to the popularity of this pathway with local residents. We passed a number of folks on the trail during our visit.

There are mile marker posts every 1/2 mile. At Deerfield Road, about 2.8 miles from Dalton, the trail turns to fine, crushed gravel. A slightly narrower asphalt surface picks up again around the 7.8 mile point and leads you into Massillon.

The Sippo Trail is mostly flat, but you will encounter a short, but very steep climb up to 17th Street in Massillon, just before descending into Lincoln Park.

Towpath Connectors

At the trail's eastern endpoint in Massillon the Ohio & Erie Towpath waits close by.

The previous endpoint was just above the skating ramps at Bottoms Park. Now the bikeway continues southbound under the bridges along the Tuscarawas River. But before you head off in that direction, you'll need to plan ahead as to whether you intend to ride north or south on the towpath.

To ride south, follow the Sippo southbound under the bridges along the river. Where the trail ends signs should guide you over to Walnut Street where the towpath pickups up again. Total distance is about one mile.

To ride northbound on the towpath, turn right on 6th Street NW (before you reach the river) and head up to Lincoln Way West (Rt. 172). Traffic can be thick here so use caution. Don't cross the street. Turn left on Lincoln and ride the sidewalk on the left side of the road. As you cross the bridge and approach West Third Street, you'll see an access ramp joining the sidewalk. This ramp deposits you northbound on the Ohio & Erie Towpath, about two blocks away. Again, there should be signs to help you along.

Here is a map of the junction, but it's not up to date. Note that the towpath is now completed south to Lincoln Way West and also from Walnut Street south.

Mile markers on the Sippo Valley Trail count down to "0" at trail's end in Massillon, while mile markers on the towpath count down to "0" at Lake Erie.

Previously the road crossing bollards along the trail were too close together. There was a real danger of a cyclist catching a handlebar while riding through. Some of them were removed only to leave their large metal attaching plates still protruding upward. According to John Kaszowski's comments in '06, most of these hazards have been removed to allow safer crossings.

Since the Sippo connects to the towpath in Massillon, it is not simply a stand alone trail. And its future may take on even more significance if the west end is extended to Orrville to link to the Heart of Ohio Trail System. Then it would serve as a bridge between two major trails, much like the role of the Creekside Trail in southwestern Ohio.

Trail Specs:

Dalton Massillon-Towpath

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