The A to Z of the Ohio to Erie Trail
Let the letters guide you on an unforgettable Buckeye State adventure.
Crossing the Buckeye State, the Ohio to Erie Trail offers an A-to-Z adventure, with each letter showcasing a unique piece of Ohio. From small towns and big cities to scenic trails, historic sites, and local eats, every mile tells a story. Whether it’s A for Amish Country’s rolling hills, F for a floating towpath, or I for homemade ice cream at a dariette, each turn brings something new to discover. Come along as I explore the Ohio to Erie Trail, uncovering the best of Ohio—one letter at a time!
A
A is for Amish. Explore Ohio's Amish Country on the trail in Holmes and Wayne Counties. Share the trail with Amish e-bikes and buggies in Holmes County. Stop at Fredericksburg's Salt Creek Cafe for coffee and baked goods, and visit Cardinal Hill Grocery, an Amish bulk goods store between Fredericksburg and Holmesville.
B
B is for Barberton. Cross the Ohio and Erie Canal and the Tuscarawas River at Robinson Avenue to reach downtown Barberton, known as the Magic City. Cycle the streets around Lake Anna Park, home to the popular September MumFest. Grab takeout at Whitehouse Chicken, Barberton's famous Serbian fried chicken, served with homemade fries and hot rice—a unique regional taste. Al’s Quality Meats, a Hungarian meat shop, serves authentic Hungarian lunches next door at Al’s Corner Restaurant.
C
C is for Canal Fulton. Canal Fulton, once a bustling port on the Ohio and Erie Canal, now offers a glimpse into canal history. Experience a replica canal boat ride on St. Helena III. Explore the historic downtown, a block from the trail, with many eateries. Don't miss my favorites: Speakeasy Coffee for outstanding brews and Cherry Street Creamery for ice cream.
D
D is for Dog Fountain. A short ride from the CA&C Mount Vernon Depot is South Main Plaza, a small park with a unique fountain. A golden dog bone crowns the fountain, where a pack of dogs playfully frolic in the cascading water. If you're curious, look for the bluebirds of happiness. Explore downtown Mount Vernon’s shops and restaurants. I recommend North Main Café for breakfast or lunch, Bickerdyke Table and Tap for dinner, and Happy Bean Coffee Shop for coffee anytime.
E
E is for Edgewater Park. Cleveland’s Edgewater Park marks the northern terminus of the Ohio to Erie Trail. Dip your tires in Lake Erie near the beach bathhouse and cycle to the park's western edge for a photo with a Cleveland script sign and the city skyline as the backdrop. The large parking lots are ideal for tour start or end drop-offs and pickups.
F
F is for Floating Towpath. Experience a unique ride along Summit Lake's western shore on the Ohio and Erie Canal Trail's floating wood path, perfect for memorable photos and selfies. Stop into the Summit Lake Nature Center, located on the former site of Akron's Summit Beach Park, to learn about the nature and history of the lake. The lake is undergoing a renaissance.
G
G is for Galena. This charming village is on the western shore of Hoover Reservoir, just north of Columbus. The Ohio to Erie Trail runs a few blocks west of its historic main street. It is a small-town downtown with an unexpected array of food and drink, including a coffee shop, classic diner, Italian restaurant, and burger joint. The trails through Galena provide a shady ride to Sunbury or Westerville.
H
H is for Heart of Ohio. Centerburg, known as the Geographical Center of Ohio, is also the midpoint of the Ohio to Erie Trail. Capture a photo at the Ohio to Erie Trail midpoint selfie frame before exploring Main Street, just a few blocks away. More Space at Your Place offers Ohio to Erie Trail and local cycling merchandise. Enjoy a pizza at the bicycle-themed Long Branch Pizza or sample Texas kolaches at Kolacheez Coffee Bar before returning to the trail.
I
It is for ice cream. Ohio offers an array of local ice cream experiences along the trail. From Cherry Street Creamery in Canal Fulton and the mid-century Dalton Dariette to Whit's Frozen Custard in Mount Vernon and Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream in Cleveland's Ohio City. There's something for everyone. Don't miss Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs and Graeter's Ice Cream in Cincinnati, Loveland, and Westerville, which highlight the best of Buckeye State ice cream.
J
J is for jerseys. Outfit yourself for the trail! Find official Ohio to Erie Trail jerseys, performance tees, and logo items at various locations. District Image (Big Walnut Apparel) in Sunbury is a few blocks off the trail. Y-Not Cycling in Mount Vernon, Ernie's Bike Shop in Massillon, and Blimp City Bikes in Akron are conveniently located on or near the trail, offering a wide selection of cycling and trail apparel.
K
K is for Kokosing Gap. Begin at the Gambier trailhead by climbing the 0-6-0 Locomotive to ring the bell. Cycle up to Gambier to explore historic Kenyon College, founded in 1824. Look for the distinctive upside-down tree, a European weeping beech. A short ride down the trail is the historic Route 36 railroad underpass, another excellent photo-op for Ohio to Erie Trail visitors. The Mount Vernon to Danville trail offers many scenic highlights.
L
L is for Loveland. The Little Miami Scenic Trail passes through the heart of Loveland, a must-visit trail town north of Cincinnati. This pedestrian and cyclist-friendly trail town has a vibrant atmosphere with numerous eateries and shops along the trail. Enjoy a beer at Narrow Path Brewing, lunch at Ramsey's Trailside or Paxton's Grill, and coffee at Hometown Café. Loveland is a perfect stop near the start or end of your Ohio to Erie Trail adventure.
M
M is for mural. Discover London's Community Mural Park, where an impressive mural along the Ohio to Erie Trail tells the city's history through sixteen panels. London also offers unique, free trail-side camping with amenities like water, electricity, and restrooms. Beyond the mural, the trail passes through downtown, with a classic Ohio county courthouse. Enjoy a meal at M&M Diner or stay overnight at the cyclist-friendly London Guest House.
N
N is for Newport. Across the Ohio River from Cincinnati lies Newport, Kentucky, a historic river city transformed into a traveler's destination. Newport on the Levee offers a fun riverfront experience with hotels, shops, dining, and the Newport Aquarium. Enjoy sunset drinks with a breathtaking view of Cincinnati's skyline. The Purple People Bridge, located in the heart of the Levee, provides bike and pedestrian access across the river to the official start of the Ohio to Erie Trail.
O
O is for Ohio City. Ohio City, a historic Cleveland neighborhood, is alive on West 25th Street at the iconic 113-year-old West Side Market. This classic market hall, one of the largest in the nation, overflows with diverse ethnic and gourmet foods and fresh produce. Just beyond the market, a lively neighborhood awaits, offering a wealth of shops, entertainment, dining, and drinks. Great Lakes Brewery on Market Square is a highly recommended stop.
P
P is for Peninsula. Experience the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula. Exit the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail at Lock 29, explore the canal lock, and cycle into the village. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Peninsula station allows you to explore the trail with your bike, from Akron to Cleveland and the towns in between. Eddy's Bike Shop caters to your cycling needs with repairs and rentals. Enjoy a meal and craft beer at Winking Lizard or Fisher's.
Q
Q is for Queen City. Discover Cincinnati's rich river city history, once known as Porkopolis, by cycling from Smale Park a short distance north into downtown. A visit to Fountain Square is a must before exploring the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, which is renowned for its German architecture and diverse entertainment. Findlay Market, a historic food marketplace, and the architecturally stunning Cincinnati Music Hall are must-sees in OTR.
R
R is for rock and roll. Explore Cleveland's waterfront, home to the architecturally impressive Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, designed by I.M. Pei. Voinovich Park, along Lake Erie, offers a perfect spot for an end-of-tour photo with a breathtaking backdrop of the downtown skyline. The Cleveland Browns Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Center are next door. Downtown Cleveland is just a short bike ride away.
S
S is for statehouse. Don't miss downtown Columbus on your Ohio to Erie Trail adventure. A short ride down High Street or the Scioto Greenway is an easy ride. The classic Ohio Statehouse is a photo-worthy destination for your tour side trip. Cycle a few blocks more to explore Topiary Park or cross the Scioto River to Franklinton, known for its breweries, eateries, unique shops, and Center of Science and Industry (COSI). See if you can spot three ‘deer’ along the greenway.
T
T is for towpath. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail stretches nearly 100 miles south of Cleveland and through Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). It is the park's spine, giving visitors easy park access. Boston, just north of Peninsula, houses the CVNP Visitors Center, an ideal park exploration starting point. Must-stop attractions along the towpath include the Beaver Marsh, Szalay’s Farm Market, Peninsula and Boston, Station Road Bridge, and numerous canal locks. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) Boston station offers six park explorer stops within the CVNP. Put on your hiking boots in Boston and head to Blue Hen Falls or Brandywine Falls.
U
U is for Underground Railroad. Explore the history of the Underground Railroad near the Ohio to Erie Trail's southern terminus in Cincinnati. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, located a few blocks north, offers exhibits detailing the history of slavery in America. Enslaved individuals followed the Underground Railroad north to freedom in free states, including Ohio. That route mirrors today's Ohio to Erie Trail, where historic homes, sites, and museums illuminate their passage to freedom.
V
V is for veterans. Located a short distance from the trail across the Scioto River from downtown Columbus, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum pays tribute to armed services veterans. Unlike a war memorial or military museum, it focuses on the personal stories of veterans, guiding visitors through their experiences across history.
The Ohio Veterans Memorial Park in Clinton, a few blocks from the Ohio and Erie Canal Trail, showcases a collection of military vehicles, including a tank and helicopter, and numerous artifacts. A replica of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall honors Ohioans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War and subsequent conflicts.
W
W is for Westerville. Discover Westerville, a northern suburb of Columbus, and its fascinating prohibition history at the Anti-Saloon League Museum, housed within the Westerville Library. The library is just steps from the Ohio to Erie Trail's Hanby Park trailhead. Exit the museum onto State Street into Uptown Westerville, a vibrant district offering diverse food, drink, shopping, and entertainment experiences. My personal favorite is the NorthStar Café.
X
X is for Xenia. Surprise! It’s pronounced Ze-n-ya with no X spoken. This former railroad hub, now Xenia Station, serves as a central point for traffic-free cycling to Dayton, Yellow Springs, Jamestown, South Charleston, and Loveland. A few miles north along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, you'll find Ohio's newest state park, Great Council State Park, which honors the history of Native Americans and European settlers in the region.
Y
Y is for Yellow Springs. Yellow Springs, a popular cycling destination on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, is about 10 miles north of Xenia. This artsy, hippie-inspired village boasts a collection of unique shops along its main street. A short cycle north leads to Young's Jersey Dairy, a destination offering much more than just ice cream. From the dairy, a quiet ride on scenic country roads brings you to Clifton Mill, a picturesque mill often featured on a calendar page.
Z
Z is for Zoar. Step back in time with a side trip to Historic Zoar Village, a national historic landmark and living history museum, centered around a beautiful communal garden. Located twenty miles south of Massillon on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the ride takes you through the former canal towns of Navarre and Bolivar. The final miles into Zoar are on the canal levee, constructed by the German separatists who founded the village. Experience a unique glimpse into Ohio's past.
Discover the alphabet
Discover your personal trail magic on the Ohio to Erie Trail by uncovering your A-to-Z of unique moments and unforgettable memories. By bike or on foot, let the trail guide you along an alphabet of experiences. Savor the flavors, take in the sights, and enjoy the moments to weave your distinctive Buckeye State adventure.
This is great, Tom!
Fun, Tom!