Defiance Section Trail Alerts: (5/18/06) The route of the trail between Florida and Napoleon in the Defiance Section has been altered. Specifically, most of the trail between Points 10 and 11 has been moved off SR-424 onto footpath. There is no significant change in mileage. At this time, the trail does not actually reach SR-424 at Point 10. However, the access trail remains and BT does get so close that no adjustment was made for this write up.The trail follows the description provided in the last Edition from Point 11 east.

CW CCW Pt Description 21.5 E 32.7 W 10. Foot Path (Steps) from Dam off SR-424 (P) At bottom of steps, BT turns E above drainage from canal into Maumee R. on wide benched, trail. In time, BT descends into former canal prism and crosses to towpath. Trail continues E on former towpath along canal that is sometimes watered and sometimes dry. In 3.8 miles, BT crosses from towpath to SR-424 opposite C-15C. BT continues along SR-424 across and past Benien Creek. Canal buffs will be rewarded with views of a fine culvert if they investigate the means by which Benien Creek passes beneath SR-424. 25.4 N 28.8 S 11. SR-424 at Gravel Multi-Purpose Trail BT continues N on gravel multi-purpose trail on E side of SR-424.

(12/15/05) The SR-108 bridge across the Maumee River in Napoleon, and between points 17 and 18, has been completed. The temporary route is no longer needed. (2/5/02) Camping is no longer allowed in Farnsworth Metropark (point 30 of 1996 map).

(2/5/02) The accompanying map on the right was copied from the Defiance Section Map, Edition of June 1996. The changes shown on the insert are permanent. Earlier trail location is shown by the black dots that are sometimes barely visible. The present trail location when on road is shown by the thick green line. And the off-road trail location is shown by the thinner yellow line. Points that are no longer relevant, Points 24, 25 and 26, have been marked over with a red X. A written description of the changes appear below.

CW CCW Pt Description E S Pt   39.5 13.9 23. T-3A at T-Q BT turns E on T-Q. In 1.2 miles, BT turns N on C-2. In 0.9 mile, BT turns E on SR-110. In 0.6 mile, BT diverges from the road on lawn on N side towards road and parking complex for Mary Jane Thurston State Park Marina. BT remains on lawn and continues generally E skirting an inlet just N. BT enters woods just below SR-110 and continues E to trail on abandoned road. BT turns N to trailer camping area and then continues N to tent camping area on banks of Maumee R. Here, BT turns E again on driveway to foot bridge over small stream. Across bridge, BT turns N past a large shelter house (P, Pr, Wa) built in 1936 by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) to Providence Dam. Note guard lock at dam. BT follows towpath of Gilead Sidecut Canal (1845) E. At Lincoln St. Bridge (0.4 mile), short side trip S to Village of Grand Rapids (Gr, P, Ph, Wa, WC). Shoppes abound on Front St. w/ ice cream, restaurants, antiques and other specialities. BT continues E on the towpath another 0.25 mile before veering SE across the canal through a garden and public driveway near the Mill House B & B (419-832-6455). 43.1 10.3 27. Front St. In Grand Rapids There are no further changes. Follow map descriptive material.

End of Trail Alerts

Defiance Section Description

The southern half of this section is all on-road. It follows county roads with light traffic. The trail then enters the city of Defiance where it follows tree-lined streets, crosses the Maumee River, and turns east through Pontiac Park, where there is a monument to Johnny Appleseed. The trail continues on-road to and through Independence Dam State Park, past the old canal locks. It follows along the Miami and Erie Canal on the towpath and is certified North Country Trail (6.6 mi.). The Buckeye Trail leaves towpath back on road to Napoleon.

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Information on this page is provided as a service by the Buckeye Trail Association. It is believed accurate, but not guaranteed.  Changes may occur at anytime. When known, such changes will be noted on this web site, and in Trailblazer, the BTA's bi-monthly publication. The Buckeye Trail Association is not responsible for any errors, omissions or changes to the information on this page. If you note any errors, please contact the Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington, Ohio, 43085, or E-Mail the webmaster.