University/Parks Trail - Road Bike Trail

The paved and easily accessible University/Parks Trail is open to cyclists, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair users. Located in Ohio, this level trail runs through lush and wooded suburban areas, giving bikers a gentle and enjoyable ride any day of the week.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The well-maintained asphalt surface of the University/Parks Trail makes it usable throughout the year. With a point-to-point configuration, the 6.3 miles (10.1 km) can be accessed at either end although other access points are available as mentioned below.

One trail end is at King Road, between Sylvania and Central Avenue while the other point is at the University of Toledo at E. Rocket Drive.

The wide trail can accommodate a group of bikers abreast, and it runs alongside a former railway line. Over half of the University/Parks Trail traverses alongside an active freight line. Bike riders can access both the University of Toledo and the massive 493-acre Wildwood Preserve Metropark which has an all-purpose trail which can be equally enjoyed by bikers.

The University/Parks Trail is an easy trail offering riders of all levels both a leisurely or brisk ride depending on their preferred pace. Elevation ranges between +678/-611 ft with a maximum grade of 1%.

Additional Trail Features

Extending from the western suburbs of Toledo, the University/Parks Trail travels through a wooded corridor for most of the way. Riders will pass meadows and wetlands along the way and may even encounter some wildlife in the vicinity of Wildwood Preserve Metropark. Plant life is abundant too, creating the impression you’re out in the countryside and not in the middle of a suburb.

Parking and access to the University/Parks Trail are available at the following points:

• Tam O’ Shanter
• Wildwood Preserve Metropark
• The University of Toledo Southwest Academic Centre
• Ottawa Park
• Ottawa Hills Municipality Building
• McCord Road

Restrooms are available at Wildwood Preserve Metropark. There’s no entrance fee and dogs on leashes are permitted. The University/Parks Trail is a popular area for cross-country skiing in the winter months.

Sights of Interest, Landscape, Views

The greenery offers users of this trail a serene and natural environment and bikers can expect the landscape setting to change from an urban to a rural environment within a few miles. It’s not surprising to come upon creatures such as snakes, rabbits, deer, frogs, and turtles while birdlife is profuse as well.

A major attraction is the Manor House in Wildwood Preserve Metropark while bike riders will also enjoy the numerous other trails on offer in the park. Riders can also view the Ottawa River which bisects this park.

Recommendations/Precautions

This family-friendly trail has traffic lights at most crossings, making it safe for riders of all ages to use. The University/Parks Trail is patrolled by Metropark rangers and local jurisdictions and special permits can be issued for commuters using the route after park hours.

It’s recommended to either start at the University of Toledo or at the Wildwood Metropark entrances to get the most out of this trail.

On busy days, the trail can become congested with walkers, joggers, and rollerbladers. Proceeding with caution is recommended if bikers want to avoid accidents while en route. The parking space at the western endpoint of King Road is only for businesses. Your vehicle will be towed if you don’t have special permission to park there. The trail is open from 7 am until dusk throughout the year.