Buckeye urban exploration by bike
4 cities to experience on the Ohio to Erie Trail
Ohio is rooted in its industrial and agricultural past; settled by immigrants from many nations. This is evident in Ohio’s urban centers where factories’ need for workers brought these immigrants together. Ohio to Erie Trail long-distance bicycle tourists can easily experience a taste of Ohio’s melting pot.
Cincinnati
The Ohio to Erie Trail begins in Smale Park on the Cincinnati riverfront, home to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds stadiums. It’s an easy cycle across the Purple People Bridge to Kentucky and German-influenced Newport and Covington with Queen City skyline views.
Cycle a few blocks north of the Roebling Suspension Bridge to downtown and Fountain Square. Bike lanes lead north into Over the Rhine, a historic German neighborhood home to classic architecture, breweries, and dining. The impressive Cincinnati Music Hall overlooks Washington Park just across Central Parkway. It is an easy cycle to Findlay Market, the city’s historic market house.
Columbus
The Ohio to Erie Trail passes through Columbus on the northern edge of downtown and is a short ride to the State of Ohio Capital. Trails and bike lanes abound in the city. Follow the Scioto Greenway south for skyline views on a beautiful green space. Franklinton on the west side of the greenway is an upcoming neighborhood and entertainment destination. The National Veterans Museum and the Center for Science and Innovation (COSI) call Franklinton home.
Bike lanes on 4th and Summit streets are safe cycling routes north to Italian Village, Victorian Village, and the Short North, popular food, drink, and entertainment destinations. The Olentangy Trail is an easy cycle to The Ohio State University with beautiful grounds to explore including Ohio Stadium, The Shoe.
Akron
Major tire companies called the Rubber City home. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail enters downtown at Canal Place, the former home of B.F. Goodrich, now an entertainment center. Â Cycle Main Street on a separated bike lane passing the Akron Rubber Ducks Canal Park. Stop and enjoy the murals at Lock 3 Park. Akron is home to an impressive number of trailside breweries.
The Northside neighborhood, a few blocks cycle from the towpath, is home to Akron’s art scene, Northside Marketplace shops, and Luigi’s, Akronites’ favorite Italian restaurant. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will take you and your bike for a trip north through Cuyahoga Valley National Park from a station in this neighborhood.
Cleveland
The city that rocks sits on the Lake Erie shore at the end of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Tremont and Ohio city neighborhoods are amazing places to cycle into with food, drink, and unique architecture and shopping. The West Side Market, a historic city marketplace, is alive with ethnic meats and produce.
It’s an easy cycle across the Hope Memorial Bridge to the Cleveland Guardians stadium. Cycle a few blocks north to downtown and the Cleveland Public Square. Continue north a short distance to Cleveland Browns stadium, Great Lakes Science Center, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a photo-op that can’t be beaten. Finish cycling a loop into The Flats to celebrate at one (or more) of the numerous entertainment venues.
Plan an extra day or two or three or four
I hope this gives you a taste of what these cities offer visitors. It is impossible to list all the things you can see and do in Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron, and Cleveland. Most bicycle tourists avoid cycling through cities. That should not be the case for these cities. All worked hard to make their cities bicycle friendly and continue to do so.
The Ohio to Erie Trail is the safe green corridor that links to other trails and bicycle-friendly streets in these cities. I urge you to get off the path and explore the city neighborhoods on your cross-Ohio tour.
Plan your visit
Happy Trails!
Tom on the Trails