The not-so-ordinary trail
The Ohio to Erie Trail is more than a tunnel of green
A common complaint of some touring cyclists is that trails are tunnels of green and make for a repetitious and uninteresting tour. They find cycling country roads through small towns on terrain that is rolling and changing sawa preferable way to tour.
The Ohio to Erie Trail certainly has an ample number of green tunnels. They are certainly welcome respites on hot, sunny, and windy days. The trail also has diversity along the 324.5 miles. Here are a few of my favorite not-so-ordinary trail sections.
The Cincinnati Riverfront
Starting at the foot of the Roebling Suspension Bridge, visitors are treated to a beautifully landscaped park along the Ohio River. Cincinnati skyline views and an impressive view of the Roebling Suspension Bridge crossing the river to Newport and Covington are photo worthy. Cincinnati was known as Porkopolis in its early history. Look for the Lucius Quintus Pegasus flying pig statue as you pass through the parks.
Loveland on the Little Miami Scenic Trail
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a gem as it heads north along the shore of the Little Miami River. The city of Loveland seems to center itself along the trail. There are many places to drink, shop, and dine along the trail that have their front doors and patios facing the trail. The city’s bike-friendly doormat welcomes you in. Plan a stop in Loveland on your next Ohio to Erie Trail adventure.
Alum Creek Trail Boardwalk
One of the biggest surprises I experienced on my first Ohio to Erie Trail tour was cycling along Alum Creek. It is a corridor with a twist as it meanders beside the creek crossing a variety of interesting bridges. My favorite spot is the long boardwalk suspended over wetlands just south of Easton. It is an excellent immersion into nature amid a large urban area.
Bridge of Dreams
Who doesn’t love a covered Bridge? Cyclists leave Knox County on the Mohican Valley Trail heading to Millersburg. The Bridge of Dreams carries the trail over the Mohican River. This 370-foot covered bridge started life as a railroad trestle. It is the perfect place to stop, rest and enjoy nature. Want a unique view of the bridge? Follow the parking lot driveway down to the river. You will be treated to a less photographed and more impressive view of the bridge from the river.
Amish country
The Holmes County Trail stands out as a unique trail. It is double-width where Amish buggies, wagons, and horses share the trail with walkers and cyclists. In recent years, the Amish have become avid e-bike cyclists and are plentiful on the trail. The Wayne County section of the Ohio to Erie Trail is on quiet country roads through Amish country, a real treat. Stop at Cardinal Hill Grocery, a few miles north of Holmesville, to experience an Amish bulk grocery.
Summit Lake floating towpath
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail crosses Summit Lake as it heads north into Akron. The floating towpath carries the trail along the shore of Summit Lake. Summit Metro Parks has developed a nature center on the eastern shore on the site of the turn of the 20th-century Summit Lake Park. Work is in progress to surround the lake with trails to enhance the lakeside experience.
Cleveland Flats
The Ohio to Erie Trail heads north to Lake Erie following the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail from the industrial heart of Cleveland, known as The Flats. Working steel mills greet visitors at Steelyard Commons where you climb the trail with sweeping views of industry and the Cuyahoga River. An iconic Cleveland script sign at the summit offers a photo-op with The Flats and the Cleveland skyline in the distance. The Tremont and Ohio City neighborhoods along the trail are perfect locations for an end-of-tour celebration. The neighborhoods are uniquely Cleveland with not run of the mill options. My favorite go-to is The South Side in Tremont, only a few blocks off the trail.
Enjoy the ride!
Tom on the Trails