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Welcome to the virtual home of the North Coast Inland Trail, also known as the skinniest park in the Lorain County Metro Parks system. The trail is open to non-motorized traffic of all kinds (except skateboards), including walkers, runners, bicyclers, in-line skaters and cross-country skiers. The trail’s long straight-aways pass through a variety of countryside including farm, field and forest, and there are 24 intersections or places to jump on in the Lorain County Metro Parks portion of the trail. So grab your bike, in-line skates or cross-country skis and check it out!

 

  



The North Coast Inland Trail (NCIT) is a 12 foot wide, asphalt paved trail, built over the abandoned Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland Railroad and encompasses 65 miles from Elyria to Toledo. In 1992, seven park districts agreed to develop a system connecting trails in northwest Ohio, each managed by local jurisdictions. The NCIT is the result. The Lorain County Metro Parks’ portion runs from Elyria to Kipton, passing through Oberlin along the way.

The NCIT is monitored by two full-time rangers, and additional part-time staff and volunteer help from 4-H groups, senior citizens groups and civic organizations contribute to its maintenance. Most of these duties include mowing, clearing debris for the trail and closely observing areas of the trail where Fox Grape (potentially threatened) and Northern Water Plantain (endangered) are known to exist.

The NCIT owes its existence to funding from both the federal government (80%) and Lorain County Metro Parks (20%.) The 148 acres of the trail managed by Lorain County Metro Parks was opened on August 15, 1998.


  



The Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland Railroad was constructed in 1851 and served as a vital link to Cleveland on the Chicago to Cleveland route. This railroad served to support the founding of several small villages including Kipton. In 1866, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern built a rail line from Elyria to Oberlin which then continued west using the Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland Railway. These railways allowed for the expansion of businesses, agricultural interests and several cities along its route including Oberlin and Elyria. The railroad hauled freight, lumber, coal, produce and passengers to and from the rich farmlands of this region until its abandonment in 1975.

 

 

 

 

 
 
  The Great Kipton Train Wreck

On April 23, 1891, two trains collided head-on only fifty feet east of the Kipton depot, killing eight people. The collision was so violent that a large piece of one of the steam engines struck the depot roof and rolled off, and the concussion alone broke most of the depot’s windows.

The collision was blamed on the station engineer’s watch being slow by four minutes, which caused him to miscalculate when to move one of the trains on to a side track. The accident resulted in new regulations for railroad time tracking and the creation of a quality timekeeper: the Ball Railroad Watch.

  
 
 

 
 
 
It is highly recommended that all bicycle riders and in-line skaters wear a helmet.

1. No alcoholic beverages permitted.

2. Please stay on the trail. Land adjacent to the trail is private property and is not available for public use.

3. Non-motorized vehicles only. (Sorry, no skateboards or snowmobiles.) Users may encounter Park District Ranger and Maintenance vehicles on the trail. If any other vehicles are encountered, please notify the Park Ranger immediately.

4. Due to natural conditions the trail may be closed without notice.

5. Dogs are permitted on hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet only. You are expected to clean up after your pets.

6. Normal rules of the road apply. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Users should keep to the right, riding no more than two abreast, and signal with an audible warning when passing, such as “passing to the left.” Users must be aware and obey all traffic and trail signs.

7. Please place trash in appropriate containers.

8. The Lorain County section of the North Coast Inland Trail is a multi-use facility. Users may expect to encounter bicyclists, in-line skaters, walkers, runners and wheelchairs. Use courtesy while sharing the trail.

9. Parking is permitted in designated areas only. Roadside parking is strictly prohibited.

Thank you for your consideration

  
 
 

 


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