Please remain on the trail at all times and respect end of trail signs. All adjacent land and paths/drives crossing the trail are private property. Also, please be aware of hunting seasons. Hunters cross the trail, and there is a tree stand on the east section.

Following a former railroad route, the 3.03-mile unimproved natural surface and gravel hiking trail has a small parking lot at Crowl Street. The trail goes NW for 1.58 miles to Baird Ave. and 1.45 miles southeast toward Union Avenue (OH-183). The trail is bordered by rock formations and rural landscape. The east section of the trail, especially, is usually very quiet.

Explore urban and rural landscapes as you hike or bike along the Nickel Plate Trail connecting to the City of Louisville’s Metzger Park. The Nickel Plate Trail has a crushed limestone surface and extends from Swallen Avenue to the intersection of Pinevale Avenue and McKimm Ave. It then connects with the City of Louisville’s paved asphalt trail heading north past Metzger Park to OH-44.

You’ll pass through a thriving wetland where you may see boneset, joe-pye weed, and skunk cabbage plants as well as apple, hickory, maple, sassafras, and swamp white oak trees.

Hit the trail with your pet! Just remember that dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must dispose of pet waste properly.

The Nickel Plate Trail has been adopted by the Rotary Club of Louisville, the club sponsors cleanup projects along the trail throughout the year.

In February 2018, a new section of the Nickel Plate Trail opened in Minerva. Following the former railroad route, the 3.03-mile unimproved natural surface and gravel hiking trail has a small parking lot at Crowl Street. The trail goes northwest for 1.58 miles to Baird Avenue and 1.45 miles southeast toward Union Avenue (OH-183). Look around and appreciate the rock formations and rural landscape.

Please note that northern and southern portions of the Nickel Plate Trail do not connect at this time.

Parking and restrooms are available along the trail but are owned and maintained by partnering agencies.