Local enthusiasts developed the idea of creating a public recreational trail and utility corridor.

[10] The name Wabash Cannonball stems from an 1882 American folk song about an imaginary train.

Download coordinates as: The northern section of the trail roughly parallels both the Ohio Turnpike I-80/90 and US Route 20A for about 43 miles (69 km) starting in Maumee, and extending through Monclova, Wauseon, and West Unity, ending at its western trailhead near Montpelier, Ohio.

[citation needed] An additional 18-mile (29 km) spur runs from Maumee southwest to near Liberty Center, Ohio.

[7][14] A 2-mile (3.2 km) section of the trail in Fulton County, owned by the city of Wauseon, also is paved.