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I rode a complete round-trip on the bikeway (East 185th & Lakeshore to West 117th & Edgewater) for the first time after wanting to for quite some time. This took me about 3 hours saddle time. The route is well-planned enough, keeping close to the shore of Lake Erie. A mixture of road cycling and trail cycling is required, but bike lanes added on Lakeshore Blvd in recent years in Cleveland make this easier. Signage downtown is poor and the routing there is a bit awkward, but anything west of downtown is quite fun as long as you know to access the path next to the Shoreway beginning at W. 25th.
Enjoyable route, poorly signed at parts, but I expect the Bikeway will probably be improved in the future. Worth riding for the experience.
The trail is a mixed bag. The northern end is presently under development. I rode the trail in early October 2021, and they were in the process of paving the northern 3 or 4 miles. It will be wide and nice, while at the same time traversing multiple crossroads that will require you to stop more often then desired, As you move south, the trail connects with Ottawa park, which also includes multiple connected trails that are in pretty good condition and cut through woods and recreation areas, definitely one of the nicer aspects of the trail. Continuing further south, most riders will be disappointed. The trail, while paved, is old with multiple tree trunk bumps, (roots that have heaved the asphalt) some that will jar your nerves as much as your hands and seat. At the far south end, the trail will once again become worth riding. It's not a trail you will want to travel a distance to come ride. But if you are local and just want to get out and go, this might be a good option. I am semi local, and probably won't go out of my way again until more improvements are done, especially when Toledo has so many great trails within a short drive multiple directions. (See university trail, wabash, or Towpath, as three examples)
Started on the west side in Edgewater Park and tried to ride East. When you get to downtown, suddenly the trail markings for this trail get lost. There are numerous other trails crossing with markings, but never did find the continuation. The tow path comes into play as well as some Metropark trails marked Lake Front. Very confusing. Ride hilly in parts. Took the link back in Edgewater to go to Wendy Park on Whiskey island which was a nice addition to put on a few miles. All in all, a good riding asphalt trail and a nice way to get a feel for Cleveland. Would recommend investigating the other trails if you want to get in some mileage. Not crowded on a Tuesday afternoon.
I rode this yesterday for the first time. My route was from the end point back to the Lester Trail parking lot. What a great shaded ride! The only problem I encountered was newly placed gravel in the parking lot.
I love the open space on this route. Smooth path and very scenic.
The trail is close-by and I enjoy the ride. Lots of trees and relatively smooth trail. A couple of bumps along the way due to root growth.
If you're looking for a very easy, flat ride that traverses through lush, green countryside (at least in mid-August), this is one for you. Really, this trail was in remarkably good shape. It's extremely straight (we celebrated the 3 or 4 curves!). Very few walkers and just a few bikers on a Saturday morning. The trail is wide (8 - 10 ft) and there are spotless bathroom facilities at both ends. Park at the Black Swamp trail head--the trail head that's listed on Google Maps is at a Montessori school and there are signs posted there that prohibit parking. 26 - 27 miles out and back on the Slippery Elm.
We rode the Slippery Elm in the morning and then drove over to Providence Park in Grand Rapids, Ohio (about 20 minutes from Bowling Green) and rode about 5 miles out and back of the 10 mile gravel Towpath Ohio - Erie through the woods in the afternoon. Totally contrasting experiences--really nice for one full day of biking, about 37 miles total. Found a great restaurant in Bowling Green--"The Clay Pot"--for dinner. Highly recommended if you're looking for slightly upscale, delicious food!
I’m from California where we like to say we have great bike trails. Nothing we have can compare to this trail. Flat, scenic, paved and absolutely charming ice cream stop in Butler, Five Points Ice Cream¿¿
Only did a round trip 22 miles but what I saw was really nice. Paved and well maintained bike trail. Did this in July so I did get some sun but what I rode was about half sun half shade. Pretty country side and a nice bike stop 9 or so miles in. This is probably very pretty when the leaves start turning.
Total distance is 10 miles. New mile markers every 1/2 mile. It ends at Lake Erie. The new section is 4 miles and has a combination of wooded, parks, street and city. It is definitely not boring.
I biked this trail in early May on a very windy day, probably more so since it blew across the Maumee River. I parked closer to the northeast section of the lot, which was full of potholes. Other parking is available all along the area, which would have been better. I headed toward Main Street, got on the path and then went up the hill. Since it had a few switchbacks, it was very manageable. One switchback was undergoing an improvement, but scooting across the grass was not a problem. The path was flat and in good condition as it headed south between buildings and trees for about a mile. It then made the hairpin turn to go back north where views of the Maumee River and buildings on the opposite bank were along the path. Once I got back to my starting point, I went to the riverside going alongside the restaurants. I went a total of 4 miles by the time I returned to my vehicle.
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