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Canal Feeder Trail
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Access
The Canal Feeder Trail can be accessed in three areas:
- 975 S Main Avenue at the rear of Graceland Cemetery
- 1300 Canal Feeder Trail, located off of Maple Leaf Court
- 2616 S Vandemark Road
Pedestrian access is also available off of Westlake Drive.
Features
- Bird watching
- Natural areas
- River Access for fishing
- Topographical features
- Walkway/bikeway
About
Original Path Section
In 2007, the City of Sidney constructed a 3,400-foot asphalt path along the towpath of the former Sidney Feeder Canal, with the support of the Ohio Department of Transportation, Enhancement Program ($284,200), City local funds totaling $58,500 and the generosity of Cargill Corporation ($10,000 from Local plant, $10,000 corporate foundation and $10,000 in-kind contribution).
This section of path begins at the southwest corner of Sidney’s Graceland Cemetery and parallels the Miami River in a southwesterly direction. This path can be accessed either from Graceland Cemetery or from the Maple Leaf Subdivision or, for walkers only, along Westlake Drive.
Second Section
In 2010, again with the assistance of Ohio Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant ($342,200), the second section of approximately 4,000 feet was improved south to the City’s south corporate boundary, almost two-thirds of the way to Vandemark Road.
A bit of history is in order. In the 1840s, the Sidney Feeder Canal was built to move Miami River water at a higher elevation to serve the four Lockington Canal Locks. It also provided the City of Sidney and Port Jefferson with canal boat access to transport goods and materials.
Natural Features
This canal path on the feeder canal was built on the side of an approximately 100-foot slope along the south border of the City of Sidney. This is a heavily wooded section, home of a large number of native species of birds, mammals and other animal life. It is also a lineal strip preserving natural vegetation, including:
- Hardwoods
- Mushrooms
- Papaw trees
- Spring wildflowers
- Etc.
The path also provides direct access to the many Miami River fishing locations as the river flows toward the City of Piqua.
Dedication of Trails
Dedication of the first section of the trail was held in conjunction with National Trail Day on June 7, 2008, with many state and local dignitaries attending. The second phase of the trail was dedicated on a cool fall morning on October 29, 2010, with local government officials, and citizens joining the celebration. On July 13th, 2011, phase III was officially named Stilwell Stretch in honor of former City Manager, Steve Stilwell.
Third Section
On June 3, 2017, another one mile section from Vandemark Road to the I75 bridge over the Great Miami River was dedicated during a celebration of National Trails Day. Local government officials and citizens enjoyed a walk along the new trail after a short ceremony. This section was part of the raw water line, giving the citizens of Sidney a double benefit.