Ohio to Erie Trail Day 5: Millersburg to Massillon (38 Miles)
Amish Buggies, Coffee, Hills on the Day That Always Stays with You
We are on a roll, in more ways than one. The riding on this tour has been easygoing, full of laughter, and powered by good company. The weather has been just as cooperative, with crisp mornings that warm into bright, sunny afternoons. Another perfect day lay ahead as we rolled out of Millersburg on the Holmes County Trail, turning north.
From Buggies to E-Bikes: Tradition and Transition
This stretch is one of my regular rides, and I love seeing others discover its uniqueness. The trail is built with dual lanes, one side for bikes and the other for Amish horse-drawn buggies. In a twist, though, we saw a lone buggy today. Times are changing, even among the Amish. More often than not, the clop of hooves has been replaced with the quiet hum of e-bikes.
The shaded path carried us through Holmesville and toward Fredericksburg, where the trail gives way to country roads. No complaints from us! Our first stop was Salt Creek Café, a favorite morning coffee break on this route. The place was hopping, every table filled, with a mix of touring cyclists (September is prime time for the OTET) and Amish locals enjoying breakfast. We lingered, swapping stories and laughs. With only twenty eight miles to Massillon, there was no rush.
From Hills and Sweeping Views to Scoops at the Dariette
Caffeinated and pastry-fueled, we faced the rolling climbs toward Dalton. Not far past Fredericksburg, we crested the “big” hill everyone talks about. Some spin up it with ease, others grind and grumble, but the view at the top always makes it worthwhile: a sweeping panorama of Amish farmland stretching below. The reward continues with a long, exhilarating downhill into Apple Creek.
The road to Dalton winds through classic Amish country, with farmsteads, woodworking shops, roadside produce stands, and an Amish school. I couldn’t help but notice that the school’s buggy barn, once filled with horses and carriages, now has more e-bikes than buggies. Progress is evident, but it's also sad that Amish children no longer ride bikes to school, which I believe should be the norm for all students.
In Dalton, the trail demands one essential stop: the Dalton Dariette. This little ice cream and hot dog stand hasn’t changed much since my childhood visits, and that’s a good thing. The retro vibe and comfort food hit the spot. Behind the Dariette, an Amish family set up a small farm stand overflowing with fall pumpkins, produce, fruit, jams, and jellies. I bought a pint of just-picked raspberries and shared them with our group.
Pedals, Pasta, and Good Company in Massillon
Fueled again, we cycled onto the Sippo Valley Trail into Massillon. With time to spare, we added a detour north on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail to Ernie’s Bike Shop. Ernie’s is more than a shop, but a destination. Fully equipped bike shop with a wide variety of Ohio to Erie Trail gear, and a canoe livery on the Tuscarawas River, it even offers pedal-and-paddle trips: ride up the towpath, float back down the river. If you’re riding the OTET, Ernie’s is a must-stop.
The rest of the afternoon was a welcome pause at the hotel with a stroll around downtown before dinner. I suggested Bella Sera, a family-run Italian restaurant tucked into a strip mall. These small, local spots always win me over more than chain sports bars. Almost everyone came along, and Bella Sera didn’t disappoint. Massive portions, warm pepperoni rolls to start, and a cozy atmosphere. Around the table, I heard plenty of, “This will be my go-to next time.” With bellies full and spirits high, we called it a night.
Tom’s Reflections
This part of the Ohio to Erie Trail has a reputation. Trail riders who love long, flat rail trails often fear these country road climbs. But here’s the truth: they’re not the Rockies, and no one fails to complete them. Some zoom up quickly, others breathe hard, but everyone reaches the top. The reward is the chance to enjoy Amish country, passing farms with laundry hanging in colorful lines, children playing during recess, farm stands selling fresh produce, and even e-bikes where buggies once traveled.
When this gap is eventually filled with a continuous trail, much of that intimate experience will be kept at arm’s length. That’s why I say: relish this stretch. It’s not even half a day’s ride, and it leaves lasting memories.
Tomorrow, we head for Akron on another short day, thirty miles, with plenty of time for coffee breaks and lingering. For me, it’s also a homecoming. I lived in the Akron area for twenty years, and I’m looking forward to rolling back into the Rubber City on two wheels.
Another great day in the books.
