The Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET) is one of the most recognizable long-distance trails that is a destination for explorers on foot and bicycle. It stretches 326 miles from the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland on 23 regional trails and 35 miles of quiet city streets and country roads. The trail evolves as the remaining 11% of non-trail miles become on-trail.
The early years
Ed Honton, cyclist, advocate, and engineer is recognized as the father of the trail. He envisioned a recreational trail stretching across Ohio. The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund was born in 1991 with a mission to promote, develop, and establish a multi-use, non-motorized network of regional trails from the Ohio River to Lake Erie.
The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund Mission
The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund seeks to promote, develop, and establish a multi-use, non-motorized, network of regional trails and greenways linking Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Working in partnership and collaboration with units of government, non-profit organizations, elected officials, and corporations.
Providing technical assistance was the primary focus of the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund. Assistance included fundraising, project management, government relations, advocacy, signage, and organizational development to build trail miles. The trail's directors spared no effort to bring it to life. It was an ambitious and slow-going task.
The early 1990s map illustrates the initial vision of the trail. Today’s Ohio to Erie Trail largely follows the Heart of Ohio Route. Absent is the Panhandle Route which headed east from Centerburg to Newark and followed the path of the Ohio and Erie Canal reconnecting to the Heart of Ohio Route in Clinton.
The rise of trails
The abandonment of railways and an increased interest in outdoor recreation spurred the transformation of overgrown derelict rail corridors into a community asset. Rail trails and canal towpaths became the go-to places for walks, runs, bike rides, and outdoor getaways.
Partnering and collaborating with state, county, and local governments, non-profits, elected officials, and corporations was an important piece of the trail’s mission. This collaboration continues today with trail partners assuming the role of building trails. Ed Honton and his peers would be proud of the progress made to turn the vision of a cross-state trail into reality.
Today
The trail’s mission highlights the importance of trails and greenways for transportation, recreation, and educational opportunities. While these are central to the mission, the trail's significant impact on health and its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts have risen in importance.
Outdoor tourism has grown in popularity. Long-distance connected trails are favored places for tourists on foot and bike. The Ohio to Erie Trail’s varied landscapes, rural and urban spaces, canal and railroad history, and Ohio’s Amish County entice outdoor tourists to Ohio.
The Ohio to Erie Trail answered the need to support outdoor tourism beyond advocating and building a trail spanning the State of Ohio. The trail’s print and social media focus on making the visitor experience more enjoyable. Resources to plan a visit or extended tour are the trail’s most popular items.
Outdoor tourism grew the outdoor economy along the trail. Cities and towns stepped up to welcome visitors. The Ohio to Erie Trail answered the call to support the outdoor economy. The groundwork for a Trail Town program is being laid. This effort assists communities in understanding trail visitor needs, providing essential services, and cultivating a culture of welcoming those from the trail.
The future
The mission to build a multi-use, non-motorized, network of regional trails and greenways linking the Ohio River with Lake Erie remains the trail’s primary task. The trail has grown in many ways beyond the on-trail miles over the years with the trail’s mission remaining the same.
This trail is nearing the completion of a blueprint for the trail’s future. The trail’s new vision and updated mission are built on Ed Honton’s vision and mission and reflect the support of trail communities, outdoor tourism, and the outdoor economy. Look for more about his blueprint in a future Tom on the Trails.
In closing
The Ohio to Erie Trail is more than a path through Ohio. Its beginning was as a recreational trail crossing Ohio. It grew as small and large regional trails connected. More people came as the connectivity increased. Build it and they will come. A growing number of visitors grew the economy along the trail.
Society changed since 1991. Life is hectic and fast-paced. People seek a place of respite and solitude. Trails offer that experience. Studies show that a walk, run, or bike ride improves mental and physical health. People have discovered that vacation is more enjoyable at the speed of a bike or on foot. A safe off-road trail answers all of these needs. Let the Ohio to Erie Trail be that place for you. Â