Buckeye Trail: Allen, Auglaize, Shelby and Miami Counties
76.0 mi total 43.2 certified 0.0 connecting 32.8 marked 0.0 bare
The flatlands, with heavy private ownership, continue for many miles yet, but thanks to the Ohio canal lands and the Little Miami Scenic Trail, a rail trail, the majority of the route between Delphos and the Cincinnati area is off-road, though most of the canal lands are a very narrow patch of public ownership. There are a few breaks from the canal towpath, especially in the southern part of thid section, where roads must be followed. Campsites will continue to be a problem clear to the trail's southernmost point.
CAMPING: Camping is not prohibited on state canal lands south of Delphos, but there are few suitable locations. Hutchins has identified a possible campsite in Spencerville (see below). South of St. Marys, there are several possibilities for camping: here are several state and private campgrounds, notably at Grand Lake-St Marys and Lake Loramie State Parks, so for a while the camping situation eases a bit. MAPS: Buckeye Trail Delphos, St. Marys and Troy section maps. These are probably sufficent for most users. OTHER INFORMATION: Hutchins Guide (Available from North Country Trail Store) covers the section from Delphos south as far as Lake Loramie.
BED AND BREAKFAST HOP: Hikers that would like to spend several days on this interesting canal section, but don't want to deal with backpacks and camping, should be aware that St. Marys starts a possible hop between "Bed and Breakfasts" that extends clear to Waynesville on the Little Miami Trail (with a couple of stops in motels included). Legs between stops range from eight to 13 miles, mostly easy walking, with plenty of time to explore canal artifacts and other interesting sights along the way, carrying only a light daypack with perhaps a change of clothes or two, and lunch. The bed and breakfast hop could be started as far north as Spencerville, or even Delphos if someone wanted to put in a big day. Reservations should be made ahead of time.
DELPHOS, OH 45833 (Pop. 7314) LODGING: Arrow Motel, 718 5th St., (419) 692-0786. RESTAURANTS: Several. GROCERIES: Large, full-service grocery store. OTHER: Laundromat, bank, pharmacy, hardware, doctor, dentist, hospital. POINTS OF INTEREST: FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Delphos Chamber of Commerce, 310 N. Main St. (419) 695-1771.
0.0 [0.0] TURN SOUTH ON MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL TOWPATH
From this point, the trail is certified for a distance of about 40 miles. The 40-mile Miami and Erie Canal Trail was the first state recreational trail be be designated under the Ohio Trails Act, and is administred by the Ohio DNR. The trail is not highly maintained, and much of it is through open farm fields with little shade or cover, especially for the next few miles south of Delphos. The Hutchins guidebook also picks up description at this point.
The trail heads south along the towpath (the Buckeye Trail departs from the towpath for a short distance, and follows streets through town). It starts by passing through a city park, where there are the remains of an old lock, and continues south facing backyards, passing a block from downtown. Shortly to the south, the remains of another old lock are passed, then, after crossing railroad tracks, the Buckeye Trail rejoins. Outside of town the trail generally follows the county line between Allen and Van Wert Counties. At Climo Street, a white-blazed side trail leads east to Waterworks Park, where there are toilets, water and picnic tables. The route continues south for another 1.3 miles on the towpath until reaching State Rd.
3.0 [3.0] CONTINUE SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH.
The paralleling road moves off about 0.2 to the east, and the canal route mostly goes south through open fields with little shade, doing double duty as farm lanes along the edge of fields _ a pleasant walk if the sun isn't beating down hard on a hot day. After 0.9 mi, Landrek Road is crossed. Another mile and half and Bloomlock Rd. crosses. After another 1.1 miles, Zion Church Rd. crosses. After another 1.9 mi., SR 81 is crossed. A paralleling road picks up at SR81, and continues alongside the towpath until reaching Bailey Rd., on the north edge of Spencerville.
SPENCERVILLE OH 45887 Limited services. CAMPING: The police department in Spencerville (116 Broadway) has been known to allow hikers to camp on an empty lot the city owns on the north end of town, Hutchins reports.
10.0 [7.0] CONTINUE SOUTHWEST ON CANAL TOWPATH
The Buckeye Trail departs the towpath to follow streets that parallel the canal, past several foot bridges over the watered canal, and past the remains of a canal lock. The BT rejoins at Wiltshire Rd., on the south end of the village. The towpath continues south another two miles with SR 66 paralleling until reaching the rest area at Deep Cut Rd., where there is a historic marker. Deep Cut, a National Historic Landmark is over 6,600 feet long and 50-60 feet deep, and was dug entirly with human and animal muscle power through a glacial moraine, with the laborers making 30 cents and a jigger of whiskey a day. The best view of the cut is from the rest area, where there are rest rooms, water, tables, and parking. At this point, the trail enters Auglaize County.
12.5 [2.5] CONTINUE SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH
Follow the towpath south to a point just north of Kossuth where the trail is blocked by a fence and a land dispute; at this point, leave the towpath and follow the paralleling CR66A 0.9 mi to the church in the village at the junction of SR197.
KOSSUTH, OH 45887 (Pop. 61) No services available
.14.5 [2.0] SR 197 IN KOSSUTH.
The Buckeye Trail maps change from the Delphos to the St. Marys' section at this point. For the canal historian, the path between here and Lockington is interesting, with many old structures, interesting hydrology and more sylvan walking than to the north. South of Kossuth, the towpath bends to the southeast, and after 1.2 miles crosses Barber-Werner Rd. 1.8 miles farther, the towpath crosses SR66. The canal bends to the southwest, crossing Lock 14 Rd. after 1.4 miles, and passing Lock 14, a concrete structure built in 1907 to replace the original oak lock. The canal is used as a canoe route to a canal south of St. Marys, and on to Grand Lake from this vicinity. 2.2 miles farther, the towpath reaches Glynwood Rd.
20.3 [5.8] CONTINUE SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH
Just south of the Glynwood Rd. crossing the canal broadens into 40-Acre Pond. This was a turnaround basin and feeder lake for the canal, used to keep water levels stable in the canal. The route, now on a dirt trail, swings to the southeast, then swings back to the southwest, and after 2.0 miles, gets into St. Marys and reaches US33, which is crossed under via a concrete aquaduct.
ST. MARYS, OH 45885 (Pop. 8414). LODGING/ B&B HOP: Grand Lake St. Marys Bed and Breakfast, 524 W. South St., (419) 394-1138. Two motels are also located on the west side of town. RESTAURANTS: Several. GROCERIES: Large, full-service supermarket. OTHER: Bank, laundromat, hardware, doctor, dentist, hospital. NEARBY: Wapokeneta, OH, 12 miles east, is the boyhood home of Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon. There is an air and space museum there. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact St. Marys' Chamber of Commerce, 301 E. Spring St. (419) 394-6202.
23.6 [3.0] CONTINUE SOUTH ON TOWPATH
The route continues south , and generally follows the towpath, although there are a couple of points where the route has to climb up and follow sidewalks on city streets, the first at the Old St. Marys Cotton Mill. The route follows the street one block south, crossing SR66 downtown, and continuing south through Geiger Park, and crosses Greenville Rd. South of that, the trail crosses the St. Marys River on the aquaduct that was built to carry the canal over the St. Marys River.
24.5 [0.9] CONTINUE SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH.
The trail heads south through flat, open country. Two miles south of the aquaduct, the feeder canal from Grand Lake enters the canal. Grand Lake was dammed in 1840 to supply water to the canal. Nine miles long and three miles wide, covering 13,500 acres, it still is the largest body of water in the world constructed without machinery. The whole canal cost $8,000,000, had 32 miles of feeders, 106 locks, 19 aquaducts and 3 reservoirs, including Grand Lake and Lake Loramie. Grand Lake has a State Park Campground, with 206 sites, flush toilets and a coin laundry. For information contact Grand Lake-St. Marys State Park, PO Box 308, St. Marys OH 45885 (419) 394-3611.
The route continues south past the feeder canal, passing an old lock (#8) with the gates missing, to cross SR219 after 0.6 miles, and continues south on a shady path, occasionally penetrating woodsy areas, crossing Southland Rd. and CR 37, reaching the village of Lock Two 3.1 miles south of SR219, a canal-era village. The towpath angles southwest, and 1.2 miles farther enters New Bremen, crossing SR274 (Monroe St.) downtown. The route leaves the canal and proceeds on sidewalks for a short distance where the canal continues underground.
NEW BREMEN, OH, 45869 (Pop. 2393) Limited services. LODGING/B&B HOP: Grandma's House, 130 S. Washington St., (419) 629-3925.
31.5 [7.0] CONTINUE SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH
Continuing south, the route goes across a footbridge of cast iron "bowstring" girders, built in 1864 and moved to this site in 1984, then passes through a city park, which has a swimming pool. The trail continueson a treelined bank, crossing Amsterdam Rd., then SR119, then continues south to North Corporation Rd. at the north edge of Minster. There is a park nearby with toilets and picnic tables, but no parking.
MINSTER, OH 45865 (Pop. 2557) Restaurants, stores.
34.1 [2.6] CROSS TO EAST SIDE OF CANAL; CONTINUE SOUTH ON 4TH ST.
The route follows Fourth Street to the south side of Minster. At Egypt Rd., the route jogs back over the canal and turns south on Canal Rd., which sits astride the towpath.The route continues south on Canal road, a narrow blacktop road. After one mile, the road changes its name to Friemering Rd., and the trail enters Auglaize County. A short distance to the south, the road turns west and the canal turns southeast. Enter Shelby County here.
35.1 [1.0] TURN SOUTHEAST ON TOWPATH
Route heads southeast on the towpath, crossing SR66 after 1.1 mi. Certification ends here.
36.2 [1.1] CONTINUE SOUTH ON TOWPATH
At SR66, the NCT heads south on a white-blazed trail a short distance to an old aquaduct, then continues on south, partly as a roadwalk on SR66, to the town of Ft. Loramie, rejoining the Buckeye Trail. The BT heads east 1.1 along a feeder canal 1.1 miles to SR 362, then follows SR 362 past Lake Loramie State Park, where there is camping (184 sites), water, toilets, and a camp store and restaurant. Past Lake Loramie SP, the BT continues south, then west, rejoining the NCT in Fort Loramie.
FORT LORAMIE, OH 45845 Limited services.
37.2 [1.0] CONTINUE SOUTH ON TOWPATH
The trail heads south through Ft. Loramie City Park, with a museum at the corner of SR66 and SR 362, where the BT rejoins. This area is the summit of the canal between the Ohio River and Lake Erie, at 950 feet elevation. The route continues south 1.2 mi. to Schlachter Rd.
38.4 [1.2] TURN WEST ON SCHLACHTER RD. (CR102)
The trail leaves the towpath to avoid land ownership dispute problems up ahead, and turns west as a roadwalk on Schlachter Rd, and reaches Friemering Rd.
39.2 [0.8] TURN SOUTH ON FRIEMERING RD. (TR94)
The detour from the pathway continues south on Friemering Rd. (TR94) for 1.2 miles, with a jog to the west in the middle, and reaches Loy Rd.
40.4 [1.2] TURN EAST ON LOY RD. (TR 92)
The detour turns east on Loy Rd. for 0.8 miles before returning to the canal towpath.
41.2 [0.8] TURN SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH
The route returns to the towpath, turns southwest and bends to the south, crossing Cardo Rd. after one mile. The route then bends to the southeast, crossing SR66 in the village of Newport after another 1.4 miles. There is a general store and parking; a commercial campground is 1/4 mile north on SR66. The route reaches SR47 at Range Line Rd. in the village of Newport after another 0.6 mi.
NEWPORT, OH 45845 LODGING/B&B HOP: Wayne's Wildflower Farm, Wingett Run, Newport (614) 473-2700.
44.2 [3.0] TURN SOUTH ON RANGE LINE RD.
The trail route again continues south as a roadwalk along Range Line Rd., reaching SR66 (again) after 0.8 mi.
45.0 [0.8] TURN SOUTHEAST ON SR66
The trail route follows SR66 southeast for 0.8 miles, reaching Stocker Rd. (TR120).
45.8 [0.8] TURN EAST ON STOCKER RD (TR120)
The route continues east as a roadwalk, passing the intersection with Short Rd (TR90) after 1.2 mi. A commercial campground, Deer Run Campground, is in this area. Continue east, and after 0.8 mi pass the intersection with Dawson Rd. Continue east another 0.6 mi, passing another commercial campground, reaching Pampel Rd.
48.4 [2.6] TURN SOUTH ON PAMPEL RD.
The route turns south, passes another private campground, and after 0.5 mi crosses Loramie Creek reaches the intersection with Houston (Hardin Station) Rd.
48.9 [0.5] TURN EAST ON HOUSTON RD.
The route turns east along the south side of Loramie Creek. for another 0.3 mi., reaching TR123. The route bends sharply southeast for about another 0.6 mi, then turns east, recrosses the creek after about 0.6 mi and continues east another two miles to Hardin-Wapakoneta Rd.
52.2 [3.3] TURN SOUTH ON HARDIN-WAPAKONETA RD.
The route turns south through the historic settlement of New Bern; little is there now. After one mile, pass entrance to private Turtle Creek Campground. There is a remnant of an aquaduct over Mill Creek, to the east on the next half mile walk to Stangel Rd.
53.7 [1.5] TURN EAST ON STANGEL RD. (TR24)
Follow Stangel Rd. east 0.3 mi to the canal towpath.
54.0 [0.3] TURN SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH
The route returns to the canal towpath again; in two places, the route dips onto private property to avoid washouts. After 1.6 mi., leave the towpath to cross Loramie Dam.
56.6 [1.6] TURN EAST ON TRAIL
The route turns east, goes through a park and onto a service road past Lockington Dam. Parking and picnicing are allowed; no-fee camping is also allowed with a permit from Shelby County Park District, 118 W. Court St., Sidney OH 45365 (513) 498-7299. The route reaches Kaser Rd. at the crossing of Loramie Creek.
57.3 [0.7] PASS LOCKINGTON LOCKS
The route continues east past the Lockington Locks; a side trail leads south past the locks. This flight of five locks was the longest on the Miami and Erie Canal. The route in this park ends at Fessler-Buxton Rd. (CR 111).
58.1 [0.4] TURN EAST ON FESSLER - BUXTON RD. (CR111)
The route continues east out of the park for 0.1 mi, turns south on East Lockington Rd. (CR132), and continues south 0.1 mi to the intersection with Piqua-Lockington Rd (CR176) in the village of Lockington.
58.3 [0.2] CR 176 IN LOCKINGTON
The Buckeye Trail maps change from St. Marys to Troy at this point. At one time, there were nine locks in the Lockington vicinity. The trail route continues south through the village of Lockington on the Canal towpath to the Loramie Creek Crossing. NOTE: HIGH WATER ROUTE. Due to a stream wade across Loramie Creek, 0.4 miles south, in times of all but very low water, users should follow Miami Conservancy Road south out of the village, then turn west on Landman Mill Rd.
58.7 [0.4] CROSS LORAMIE CREEK
The Miami and Erie Canal crossed Loramie Creek here on an aquaduct. Plans call for an eventual reconstruction of the aquaduct, but for now, the stream must be waded just downstream from the remains of the aquaduct; this crossing is safe only in times of very low water. After making the crossing continue south on the canal towpath to Landman Mill Rd.
59.4 [0.7] CONTINUE SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH.
The next 0.9 miles is the route of a mule-drawn reconstructed canal packet boat - great camera material! The route turns away from the canal at the site of the Johnston Farm, an Ohio Historical Society project.
60.3 [0.9] TURN WEST ALONG FENCE ROW
The route heads southeast along the fencerow, the north boundary of the Piqua Historical Area, an Ohio Historical Society reconstruction project, until reaching Hardin Rd. after 0.6 mi. This 174-acre farmsteaad of John Johnston includes his 1829 brick house, summer kitchen, springhouse, cider house and an 1808. A mule-drawn canal boat leaves at 12:30, 2:30 and 4, taking visitors more than a mile over the Miami and Erie Canal. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day.
60.9 [0.6] TURN WEST ON HARDIN RD.
The route continues west as a roadwalk 0.3 miles, jogs south on SR66 for a short distance, and enters Fountain Park on the south side of Swift Run Reservoir, a canal feeder lake.
61.4 [0.5] ENTER FOUNTAIN PARK
The route goes south through the park on top of the Hydraulic Bank, then descends, and turns southeast, again reaching SR66, which it follows south for two blocks, then turns east to follow the river levee south through Piqua, crossing US36 on the levee.
PIQUA OH, 45356 (Pop. 20,480) LODGING/B&B HOP: The Pickwinn Bed & Breakfast, 714 N. Wayne St., (513) 773-6137; Comfort Inn, 987 E. Ash St, (513) 778-8100, near city center, pool, restaurant. RESTAURANTS: Several: GROCERIES: Large, full-service supermarkets. OTHER: Bank, mall, department store, hardware, pharmacy, doctor, dentist, hospital. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau, 3147 N CR 25A, Troy, OH 45373 (513) 339-1044.
64.5 [3.1] CROSS US36
Continue south on the levee on the west side of the river, then turn west on Statler Rd, continuing to CR25A.
66.0 [1.5] TURN SOUTH ON CR25A
Proceed south on CR25A to Farrington Rd. (CR31). Turn east, cross railroad tracks, and continue on to canal towpath.
68.1 [2.1] TURN SOUTH ON CANAL TOWPATH
Pass under I75 bridge, and follow the towpath south about two miles until reaching paralleling CR25A again. Follow CR25A south about 0.2 mi to Eldean Rd. (CR 33). Turn east on Eldean Rd., pass covered bridge over Miami River. The Eldean Bridge was built in 1860, and is 223 feet long, a long-type truss bridge. Continue along Eldean Rd. to Piqua Rd. (CR15). Turn south on Piqua Rd. for about 0.2 mi until reaching Troy-Sidney Rd. (CR14).
71.6 [3.5] TURN SOUTH ON CR14 (TROY-SIDNEY RD.)
Follow Troy-Sidney Rd. south as a roadwalk about 1.9 mi. until reaching the levee along the river. in the outskirts of Troy. Follow levee southeast, crossing the river again, until reaching Market St. in downtown Troy.
TROY, OHIO 45373 (Pop. 19,500). Troy's public square at Main Street and SR55 is particularly impressive. Some of the buildings around the square are listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the restored Miami County Courthouse, with its frescoes and five domes, is impressive. LODGING/B&B HOP: Allen Villa Bed and Breakfast, 434 S. Market St., (513) 335-1181; Willow Tree Inn, 1900 West ST 571 (513) 667-2957; Days Inn of Troy on SR41 east of I75; 74 rooms, pool, restaurant on premises, (513) 339-6756; Holiday Inn, SR55 east of I75, 100 rooms, pool, dining room, (513) 335-0021. RESTAURANTS: Several, in all ranges. GROCERIES: Large, full-service supermarkets. OTHER: Mall, bank, pharmacy, hardware, department, discount stores, doctor, dentist, hospital. FOR MORE INFORMATION, Contact Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, 305 1/2 S.E. Public Square, PO Box 218 (513) 339-8769, or Miami County Visitors Bureau, 3147 N CR 25A, Troy, OH 45373 (513) 339-1044.
74.3 [2.7] TURN EAST ON MARKET ST.
Recross the river on the Market St. Bridge, and follow it east past the river to Mulberry St., then turn south on Mulberry St. passing the Overfield Tavern, a historic site. Rejoin the levee, now on the east side of the river.
74.5 [0.2] TURN SOUTHEAST ON LEVEE
Follow levee south about 0.9 mi until reaching SR41.
75.4 [0.9] TURN EAST ON SR41.
Follow SR41 east 0.6 mi to SR202. NOTE: It's planned for the NCT to someday head southeast from this vicinity to the Little Miami Trail near Springfield. However, no development has yet been done on this route, and the recommended route turns south to follow SR202.
76.0 [0.6] REACH SR202.
Description of this segment ends at this point.