4 Reasons to get off the trail
My favorite places not on but near the Ohio to Erie Trail
There are many experiences to be had along the 326 miles of the Ohio to Erie Trail. Cyclists who cycle the length of the trail get a taste of the variety that Ohio has to offer in cities, towns, villages, and the trails that connect them. There are many places to explore via connecting trails. Here are four of my favorite go-to spots off the Ohio to Erie Trail.
Yellow Springs via the Little Miami Scenic Trail
The Ohio Erie Trail travels over fifty miles of the Little Minam Scenic Trail from Cincinnati to Xenia. Yellow Springs is only ten miles north of Xenia Station on the trail. Dave Chappelle calls Yellow Springs home.
This small village is home to many interesting shops, restaurants, and breweries downtown that has a ’60s vibe. Cycle a few miles north on the Little Miami to Young’s Jersey Dairy, one of Ohio’s must-visit ice cream dairies. Scenic Clifton Mill, seen on many calendar pages, is only a few miles of quiet country roads beyond the dairy.
Franklin Park Conservatory via the Alum Creek Trail
The Ohio to Erie Trail turns north on the Alum Creek Trail from the Downtown Connector. Franklin Park Conservatory is 2 scenic miles south of this intersection on the Alum Creek Trail. The impressive glass conservatory is surrounded by botanical gardens in a park setting. East Market, a unique collection of shops in restaurants in the former Columbus trolley barn, is only a few blocks from the park.
Bryden Road, a few blocks south, is a marked bicycle route through quiet historic neighborhoods that connects with the Scioto Greenway in Downtown Columbus. A visit to Topiary Garden, a 7-acre living recreation of Georges Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatt, is a special place on that route.
Zoar Village via the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Massillon is where the Sippo Valley Trail intersects with the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Ohio to Erie Trail cyclists follows the towpath north to Cleveland or the Sippo Valley Trail west to Dalton. The historic village of Zoar lies 19 miles south of Massillon via the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Zoar, settled in 1817, is a living history museum and national historic landmark. German religious dissenters established a communal society in the village. The centerpiece of the village is the large public garden surrounded by authentically restored buildings, many available to tour.
Hale Farm and Village via the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Look for theCuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Indigo Lake Station directional sign north of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Beaver Marsh and South of Szalay’s Farm Market on the Ohio and Erie Canal towpath Trail. A 1.3-mile connector trail passes by the Indigo Lake Station on the way to the farm.
Hale Farm and Village is a taste of 1860s Civil War history. The collection of historical buildings features artisans demonstrating glassblowing, potting, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, candle making, and basket making. The large Countryside Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays during the warmer months in Howe Meadow adjacent to the connector trail.
Explore beyond the trail!
I urge trail visitors to spend some time off the trail on their day, weekend, or weeklong tour on the Ohio to Erie Trail. The above four are just a sampling of what can be enjoyed on trails that branch off the trail.
Tom on the Trails