Side Cut Metropark is a scenic park located in the Maumee, Ohio area, offering a mix of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. It is part of the Metroparks of the Toledo Area and was established in the early 1970s.
Location of Side Cut Metropark:
- Side Cut Metropark
1025 W. River Road
Maumee, OH 43537
The park is located just north of Maumee, Ohio, and is easily accessible from Interstate 475. It's situated along the Maumee River, making it a picturesque location for various outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife observation.
Side Cut Metropark spans about 160 acres and is part of the larger Metroparks of the Toledo Area, which encompasses multiple parks and preserves in the Toledo region. The park is known for its natural beauty, riverfront access, and variety of recreational opportunities.
There are several parking lots within the park, including one near the park entrance and additional spaces near trailheads. Parking is free.
Hiking Trails at Side Cut Metropark:
Side Cut Metropark offers several trails:
- Side Cut Trail:
- Length: Approximately 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Description: The Side Cut Trail is a primary trail that runs along the Maumee River and follows the path of the old canal. This trail is relatively flat and accessible, making it ideal for hikers of all skill levels. It offers scenic views of the river, wooded areas, and the canal remnants.
- Riverside Trail:
- Length: Approximately 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: The Riverside Trail is a shorter, easy-to-walk path that runs parallel to the river. This trail offers beautiful views of the Maumee River, making it a great option for those looking for a leisurely walk along the water.
- Canal Trail:
- Length: Approximately 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: The Canal Trail is a shorter trail that takes visitors through the historic Side Cut Canal area. It’s a relaxing trail with less elevation change and provides an opportunity to learn about the park’s historical significance.
History of Side Cut Canal & the Maumee River:
Side Cut Metropark was established to protect the natural environment along the Maumee River and to offer a recreational space for the Toledo area.
The park gets its name from the Side Cut Canal, which was dug in the 1830s as part of an effort to improve navigation along the Maumee River for commercial purposes. The canal was constructed by hand and was originally used to bypass a section of the river with difficult navigation due to rocks and rapids. Over time, the canal fell out of use, and the land was eventually converted into a public park.
The Maumee River is one of Ohio's major rivers, flowing for about 130 miles from its source near the Ohio-Indiana border to its mouth at Lake Erie. Historically, the river has been a critical waterway for transportation, trade, and settlement in the region.
Early History and Native Americans:
Before European settlers arrived, the Maumee River was an essential route for Native American tribes, including the Miami, Shawnee, and Wyandot nations. The river served as a major transportation route for trade and communication among various tribes and later with European settlers. The Maumee River was also the site of various early conflicts, including the Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794), where U.S. forces under General Anthony Wayne defeated Native American tribes, which led to the signing of the Treaty of Greenville and the eventual U.S. expansion into the region.
As settlers began to populate the region in the early 1800s, the Maumee River became a vital route for transporting goods and people. However, the river itself was not always reliable for shipping because of its shallow waters and occasional rapids. The Side Cut Canal was part of the broader effort to improve navigation along the Maumee River. Built in the early 19th century, the canal was specifically designed to bypass a section of the river with difficult navigation conditions.
The Side Cut Canal was completed in 1830 and was one of several canal projects that aimed to improve the transportation system in the region.
The canal ran alongside the Maumee River, cutting off a section of the river to provide a shortcut for ships and boats. The construction of the Side Cut Canal also meant that it would bypass Miamiville, a village that was located near present-day Maumee, Ohio.
The canal was important for a time, particularly for commercial traffic. It facilitated the transport of goods such as timber, grain, and coal. The side cut made it possible for boats to avoid certain sections of the river that were difficult to navigate due to shallow waters and rocks.
However, as the 19th century progressed, railroads rendered the canal less useful. By the mid-1800s, with the rise of rail and other more efficient transportation methods, the canal fell out of commercial use.
Side Cut Canal Today:
Today, the Side Cut Canal is preserved as a historical feature within Side Cut Metropark. The canal itself is no longer used for transportation, but it remains an important part of the park's history. Visitors to the park can explore the canal area, learn about its construction and historical significance.
The Maumee River Today:
The Maumee River continues to be a vital part of the region, serving not only as an important natural resource but also as a scenic feature for recreational activities. Today, it is primarily used for fishing, boating, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
The river remains important for environmental protection efforts, as it is home to numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife.
As a historical waterway, the Maumee River is recognized for its role in the development of the area, from Native American tribes to its part in early U.S. industrial and commercial growth.
Conclusion:
The Side Cut Canal and Maumee River are historical destinations located in the Toledo, Ohio region. The canal was built in the early 19th century to improve navigation and facilitate trade. Today, it stands as a preserved historical feature within Side Cut Metropark, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's past. Meanwhile, the Maumee River remains an important natural and recreational resource, contributing to the identity and history of the region.
I have visited the Maumee River several times and Side Cut Metropark last fall. I love this area of Ohio. The area is much flatter than central Ohio and a majority of the trails in this area are pretty flat as well. It is definitely a place I recommend.
