Out For A RIDE in Northeast Ohio:

Many people know about Northeast Ohio’s abundant hiking and walking trails, but there is no better way to explore the area than on two wheels!

1. Bike & Hike Trail runs for 34 miles through Cuyahoga, Portage and Summit counties. This asphalt-paved trail follows old rail lines and passes alongside beautiful natural areas, including 65 foot tall Brandywine Falls. Restroom facilities are ample, though you may want to stock up on water and pack some snacks before heading out for the day. (Trail endpoints are located in Walton Hills [Cuyahoga County] and Munroe Falls [Summit County]).

2. The Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail runs 1.3 miles through the Cleveland Flats, where the downtown buildings alone are a sight to see. The link joins with the Towpath Trail and then with Wendy Park.

Visitors can find nearby parking in the Cleveland Flats at Merwin’s Wharf restaurant at 1785 Merwin Avenue, Cleveland 44113.

3. Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway runs for 17 miles alongside Lake Erie and is a mix of on- and off-road sections. As if the view of the water isn’t enough, bikers can admire all of the old neighborhoods along the ride. (Trail endpoints are located at 17288 Neff Road, Cleveland 44119 ; Edgewater Drive & West Boulevard, Cleveland 44102)

Stop for a photo at the Cleveland script sign at Edgewater Park on the way.

4. The Emerald Necklace Trail runs through Cleveland Metroparks, including the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation Towpath Trail, adding up to over 70 miles of trails!

Stop for water and restrooms at Station Road Bridge at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Brecksville Station.

5. Hampton Hills Metro Park Mountain Bike Area is up to 16 miles of trails (depending on the chosen routes) for cyclists only, eliminating the need to dodge pedestrians.

Trails are available for all skill-levels, from beginner to advanced. (2092 Theiss Road, Akron 44313)

While many trails have water available, Hampton Hills does not. Be sure to bring a water bottle along to stay hydrated.

6. Headwaters Trail is eight and a half miles of limestonepaved trail, built on the former Cleveland-Mahoning Railroad line between Mantua and Garrettsville. Passing by beautiful farmland, forests, steep ravines and wetlands—including State Nature Preserves and the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River—this trail provides a safe and scenic route for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. (Entry locations: 4633 Mill Street, Mantua 44255; 10480 ST RT 700, Garrettsville 44231; 10647 Freedom Street, Garrettsville 44231; 10482 South Street, Garrettsville 44321)

7. Sippo Valley Trail, used for biking, hiking, walking, or running the 10+ miles between Massillon and Dalton in Wayne County, ends just north of Rt. 30. This trail also connects to the Towpath Trail at the west side of Tremont Avenue in Massillon. (2069 Skyland Ave NW, Massillon 44647; 330.477.3552)

8. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail runs (north to south) through Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties. Traveling a path once used by mules, you'll ride through five preserves in a National Heritage Area. The hand-off between parks is virtually seamless, although terrain and surfaces change a bit.

Check out Summit Lake Trailhead for a waterfront view. (380 W. Crosier Street, Akron 44311)

BIKE RENTALS:

1. Rent a bike from Bike Ohio and experience the beautiful roads and trails of Northeast Ohio. They have handpicked a demo fleet of the sweetest road and mountain bikes for you to enjoy. One day rate is $100—pick up anytime and return by close of the following business day). Cost for a weekend is $200—pick up anytime Friday and return by close on Monday). (8576 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls 44023; 440.543.1155)

2. The Bike Rack in Cleveland offers the opportunity to take a casual downtown ride. Find them at the corner of E. 4th and High Street, in the Gateway North Parking Facility. Single-speed cruisers are available Monday-Friday 6:30am-3:00pm. Cost is $5 per hour and $25 for 5 hours. (2148 E. 4th Street, Cleveland 44115; 216.771.7120)

3. Blimp City Bike & Hike rents both single and tandem bicycles for hourly or daily fees. (1675 Merriman Road, Akron 44313; 330.836.6600)

This shop does rentals on a first-come, firstserved basis; rent bikes and hit the trails early in the day in case they run out!

4. Brimstone Bicycles is in a mid-1800’s building conveniently located just steps from the Ohio Towpath in the beautiful historic district of Canal Fulton. If you want to explore the Ohio Towpath and don’t have a bike, stop by and rent one from them! Bike rentals are $5 an hour or $25 a day. (133 Canal St. S, Canal Fulton 44614; 330.970.0911)

5. Century Cycles rents several bicycle models (including fat tire bikes) by the hour for those interested in riding the Towpath Trail through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Find Century Cycles next to Winking Lizard Tavern and the railroad tracks in Peninsula. (1621 Main Street, Peninsula 44264; 330.657.2209)

The Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway runs for 17 miles alongside Lake Erie.

Taking a break from biking on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

6. Eddy’s Bike Shop offers a notably wide variety of bikes for rent, by the day or the week. (Rentals are available at all four locations: 3991 Medina Road, Montrose 44333; 25140 Lorain Road, North Olmsted 44070; 3707 Darrow Road, Stow 44224; 2830 Bishop Road, Willoughby Hills 44092)

7. Ernie's Bicycle Shops offers bike rentals by the hour, day, or the week. With access to the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Sippo Valley Trail, it is the perfect place to begin your adventure. (Rt. 21 & Lake Avenue, 135 Lake Avenue NW, Massillon 44647; 330.832.5111)

#outforaride #biking