We have ridden quite a few of the long rail-trails (GAP/C&O, Katy, Couer d'Alene, Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet, White Pines, Pine Creek, Greenbrier, Northbend) and The OTET is unmatched for the variety of things to see and do along the way. The landscapes vary from the lake to the industrial history of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, The Towpath, Amish country, Columbus, the soybean and cornfields of western Ohio, the Little Miami River and Downtown Cincinnati.

The trail will be finished next year in Cleveland and there will be only a small road section on W25th and Franklin. Then its path all the way to Dalton (once the temporary construction of the CSO project in Akron is complete and the trail restored and the detour removed). The 17 miles on the back country roads between Dalton and Fredericksburg were pleasant with very little traffic. Same with the 10 mile section between Centerburg and Sunbury. The Downtown Connector Trail between Alum Creek and the Scioto River had its interesting moments but wasn't bad (but it wasn't rush hour when we did it). The Camp Chase Trail is temporarily rerouted along Wilson Rd but pay attention to the detour signs so you don't get off track. Only other section that was a little rough was Just east of Cincy on Wooster Pike - rough road, and fast moving traffic that doesn't like to give you 3'. But its only a couple miles.

All in all a wonderful trip. We took 4 days to do it but we had ridden most of the sections in the last few years so were less compelled to stop. If this is your first or only time take a few extra days, make a lot of stops and enjoy all this route has to offer.

Very nice trail. Not too much incline except in Akron where the detour is. We rode from Zoar to Cleveland. We stayed in Akron after the first night at the courtyard which is just off the connector trail and easy to get too. Mostly fine gravel but we did this trail with road tires and had no issues. (A few flats) but really no issues. It does get busy in the cuyahoga valley section but most people were kind and moved over.

We rode this trail from Toulon to Princeville today. It was great! The path was very good. It is mostly shaded. Excellent. We stopped in Wyoming on our way back for lunch. Ate at 111 Coffee Shop. Don’t be fooled, this is NOT just a coffee shop. The lunch was delicious. And it is decorated all with bikes! Perfect for us bikers. And check out the bathroom. Cute!!! Can’t wait to do more of the route from Princeville going south.

This was a nice trail that wound in and out of the metro park. Much of the ride was under the cover of trees which made it comfortable on a warm day. Plenty of ups and down to the y Trailterrain which provided some challenges at times. I would recommend this trail.

July 2020. Parked at Tarr Road in Middlefield. Biked North to the end in Chardon, and back for a 25 mile round trip. Entire trail is asphalt paved.
The southern section from Middlefield to Headwaters Park is accessible to horses.
North of Headwaters Park is the trails highest point so you will notice it while pedaling.
The trail goes through Amish country of fields and some wooded areas. There are 5 small covered bridges along the trail.
Trail services in Middlefield include places to eat, and a few stores / shops and if you need water you can get some in Middlefield.

This trail is the sister to the Erie Canal Towpath Trail. If you like paved biking and don't mind a few more intersections than the Towpath, then this is the trail for you. My favorite stretch is when the trail runs parallel to CVNP. Maybe the best part is that the Towpath tends to get more attention, so this trail can be a little less busy.

I've biked from Cleveland to Zoar on this trail and it is such a great trail with a lot of character. Of that, I'd say the stretch from Independence to Canton is my favorite. North of that it's mainly just Cleveland. And south of that is just woods and rural farms. As of summer 2020, about a 2 mile stretch just north of Akron is under renovation, so the detour is a bit of an annoyance. The trail mix stores in Peninsula and Boston Heights are a great place to grab bites to eat. My best suggestion for those who want a little more excitement than the flat terrain the trail has to offer is to detour from Peninsula and head to the Ledges Overlook in the CVNP. It's about a 400 foot climb so you'll feel a workout, but the views and the hiking are worth it especially in the fall. I camped at the boy scout camp near Zoar, and they were very easy to work with.

All purpose trail that is 13.5 miles one way and 26 miles in total round-trip. Trail is completely paved which makes it good for both road bikes with skinny tires as well as hybrid bikes. Trail is primarily flat, however there are few inclines that can be challenging to climb. Trail borders the Rocky River and goes in/out wooded areas. It can be crowded in certain locations, but in the early morning there aren’t many people on trail. I would definitely recommend this trail for both fitness ride and/or trip for the family.

We came off the Lorain county section of the trail and entered into Huron County near Wakeman. We biked the section along Route 20. Very nice asphalt paved trail separated by a grassy section between the trail and the road. In Wakeman we turned around and headed back to Elyria.
Trail services in Wakeman we found a service station/convenience store for cold water to purchase.