More than corn and soybeans

Reasons to put the Ohio to Erie Trail on your bucket list

Autumn Color on the Heart of Ohio Trail

Recently the Roland & Julianna: Bicycle Tourists YouTube channel shared their video, The Top Rail Trails in the U.S.A. It is a well-done and excellent resource for cyclists looking to add trails to their to-cycle list. I am happy to see the Ohio to Erie Trail making their top 10 and being chosen as #2 on the list.

I just returned from a weeklong tour on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail and Great Allegheny Passage, #1 on their top 10. It deserves its #1 spot without a doubt. I love those trails with this past week being my sixth end-to-end tour from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh.

Wait… The president of the Ohio to Erie Trail is agreeing with being #2 on Roland and Julianna’s top 10! I agree with everything they said about the GAP and C&O. It is a unique cycle through American history of transportation, industry, and the nation’s path westward in an extremely scenic and diverse setting.

Every trail has things that make it unique and make people return. My version of touring by bicycle has three components: places, people, and experiences. I treasure my on-bike personal interactions the most. Here are my thoughts on what makes the Ohio to Erie Trail a must-add on your to-cycle list.

Cleveland on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Ohio’s 3Cs

The trail starts on the bank of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, cuts through Columbus, and ends on the shore of Lake Erie. Each city has its unique flavor and history to experience. This is one of the few trails that pass through many large urban centers.

Cities, towns, and villages

Small town Ohio is the heart of the Ohio to Erie Trail. The trail is built on the path of canals and railroads. Early settlement grew over time. These towns now welcome trail visitors through their doors. Industry, agriculture, and transportation shape their unique identities.

Rural Ohio

The majority of the trail crosses rural farmlands and forests of Buckeye State. The southern trail passes along the river and woodlands of the Little Miami State Park and western Ohio farms and prairies. The northern trail crosses rolling farmlands, Amish villages, the New England-inspired Connecticut Western Reserve, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Ohio and Erie Canal passing through Akron

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail on the trail’s northern end travels the length of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is America’s second most-visited National Park. The canal, Cuyahoga River, waterfalls, trails, and park amenities make this a special place to visit.

History of Transportation

Experience the history of commerce and transportation on the trail. Ohio had a vast network of canals modeled on the Erie Canal to move goods across the growing frontier. Railroads followed suit building a complex network of cross-state railways. Historic artifacts remain and are yours to enjoy.

Midwest hospitality

I may be biased as an Ohioan. The people and interactions I encounter as I cycle the Buckeye State are heartwarming and genuine. There is pride in their local trails and communities. You will always find a person willing to share their favorite restaurant, bar, place to stay, and must-visit.

Xenia Station in Little Miami Scenic Trail

90% off-road

Building trails is not an easy task. The trails that make up the Ohio to Erie Trail have successfully built a nearly continuous off-road on-trail path. Only 10% of the trail remains on road, mostly rural low-traffic country roads. This vehicle-free safe passage is testimony to the drive of Ohio trail builders and advocates.

Crossing the state diagonally

Allow me to do a little bragging here. Crossing a state is on many U.S. state's radars. The Ohio to Erie Trail has done just that. Its 326 miles make it one of the longest trails in the United States. Not only does the trail cross the state, but it also crosses Ohio diagonally!

Legacy of immigrants

Ohio is a melting pot of immigrants. The state grew dramatically during the 1800s and 1900s.  Rapidly expanding factories needed laborers with Europe providing many. Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron, and Cleveland are rich in ethnic neighborhoods, customs, and foods.

Approaching downtown Columbus on the Scioto Greenway

And more…

The above is a sampling of what you will find in Ohio and along the Ohio to Erie Trail. I invite you to find out why Ohio is the heart of it all. You will find the places, people, and experiences to be memorable and reasons to return.

Roland and Julianna’s YouTube video

Ohio is more than corn and soybeans!
Tom is on the trails.