5 summer adventure staycations
The Ohio to Erie Trail is your pathway to adventure
Memorial Day is only a week away. Ohioans embrace it as the official start of summer despite what the calendar says. T-shirts, shorts, and sunglasses have become everyday wear. This is the time when families and friends look for ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The trail is a pathway for those seeking an adventured-filled summer. Cyclists, hikers, rollerbladers, and birders know the shady trail is welcome on a hot summer day. The trail is a pathway for kayakers, canoeists, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring rivers, canals, parks, and trails. Here are five ways to enjoy a staycation on the Ohio to Erie Trail this year.
Pedal and paddle
Head to Ernie’s Bike Shop in Massillon for a Pedal Paddle Picnic. Bike north on the Towpath Trail, paddle back to the trailhead on the Tuscarawas River, then enjoy lunch and ice cream at the Blue Heron Café. Hike or bike the Towpath Trail south to Bolivar to canoe or on to explore Historic Zoar Village. Head north on the trail to Canal Fulton and ride a canal boat and enjoy an ice cream walking through a canal village.
Urban Kayaking
Enjoy Columbus skyline views on a guided kayak tour on the Scioto River with Olentangy Paddle. Add a taste of adventure to your visit to Ohio’s Cap City. Columbus has many bike-friendly streets and rental bike stations along the Scioto where you can easily enjoy the city’s diverse neighborhood parks by bike. Challenge yourself with 1,040 feet of cabled climbing using metal rungs, ladders, and fixed cables at the Quarry Hills Metro Park’s via ferrata and cycle the park’s mountain bike trails.
Camp along the river
Immerse yourself in nature at Morgan’s Canoe Livery and Campground near Fort Ancient on the Little Mimi River and the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Canoe, kayak, and raft past lush, steeply wooded hillsides. Enjoy your evenings at a campfire with a river view.
Ohio’s National Park
Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only national park, for an action-packed experience. Cycle the Ohio and Erie Canal Trail, hike the park's many trails, and cool off along Brandywine Falls and Blue Hen Falls. Paddle along the Cuyahoga River. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers cyclists, hikers, and runners an Explorer program with a discounted train ride to round out your hike or bike ride.
Small city, big adventure
The Kokosing Water Trail winds through woodlands and farmland through Mount Vernon and Knox County. The Kokosing Gap Trail follows its course offering a spectacular bike ride or hike. Put ashore for a short hike to Honey Run Waterfall. Kokosing Valley Camp and Canoe sits on the river and is convenient to the county's hiking and cycling trails. An evening walk in Gambier or Mount Version is the perfect end to a perfect day.
More to explore
These are just five of the numerous outdoor adventures that await you along the Ohio to Erie Trail. All the above are close to big cities and small towns where you can enjoy the taste of Ohio. Visit a local museum or historical site. Visit a local winery or brewery. Go shopping at a farmers’ market. See a show at the local theater. Attend a festival or fair. Just a few of the ways to round out your adventure.
Happy adventures on the trail!
Tom on the Trails