North Coast Inland Trail

Executives of the TN&C made a decision to bypass Woodville and Perrysburg and forge a line straight through the Black Swamp from Fremont to Toledo, saving crucial time and money by shortening the distance by eleven miles.

The towns of Lindsey, Elmore, Genoa, and Millbury sprung up along the line as a result of this time-saving decision.

This operation became part of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway in 1869 and eventually the New York Central Railroad.

The Northern Division gained favor over time due to its shorter distance and the Southern Route was eventually abandoned.

During the 1980s several park districts and counties began an effort to convert the abandoned Southern Division into a multi-use pedestrian path.

The North Coast Inland Trail Conservancy was created by supporters in Genoa and Elmore.

In 1992, several park districts agreed to create a series of connecting trails across the state of Ohio.

[8] Because the North Coast Inland Trail is not yet complete, it is currently separated into several disconnected portions that are generally defined by specific counties.

[2] The Lorain County portion of the trails is 13 miles long, is completely paved, and extends from Elyria to Kipton.

[18][19] This portion is not a paved trail, but leads followers through the city using green-painted curbs, which is unique to any other segment of the project.

[20] The Ohio Department of Transportation has proposed that most of the trail be designated as a part of USBR 30, a federal bicycle route that will eventually span much of the Northern United States linking Ohio with the Northwestern United States and New England.