Ohio is a flourishing trail state with exciting projects like the state-spanning Ohio to Erie Trail, the 340-mile Miami Valley Trail network and the epic Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition system, which incorporates more than 1,500 miles of trail across four states, including Ohio. And, with nearly 100 rail-trails to chose from, you'll have no shortage of places to bike.
Along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, adventurers will discover a series of canal locks, restored historical buildings, interpretive signage and, of course, the
In the course of its 78 miles, Little Miami Scenic Trail users get to cruise a paved, well-maintained, largely shaded route—including a gradual downhill grade heading south from Springfield to Cincinnati. They get to enjoy the Little Miami National Scenic River, as well as protected wildlife areas and an Ohio countryside of grassy pastures, wildflowers, farmsteads, soybean and corn fields.
For those whose hearts call out for adventure, the fully paved, sinuous Great Miami River Trail irresistibly beckons. Nestled within western Ohio's Miami Valley, the 86-mile trail winds through woodsy parks beneath the soft rustle of tall, broad-leafed trees, quietly glides into the rich green and gold hues of farm
Beginning a few miles south of Lake Erie, the Western Reserve Greenway stretches 43 miles from the historical district of Ashtabula to downtown Warren. Along the paved pathway, you'll pedal through the state’s rural north coast landscape with views farm fields, woodlands
Though not far from two of Ohio’s largest cities, Cleveland and Akron, the Bike and Hike Trail passes alongside scenic natural areas, including the 65-foot Brandywine Falls, a stunning cascading waterfall. Unlike most rail-trails, which are fairly flat, this route has delightful dips and rises. Starting at the northern end, experience a beautiful, mostly secluded route, much of which borders Cuyahoga Valley
Northeastern Ohio's Zoar Valley Trail winds along the Tuscarawas River for 20 miles through wooded tracts, open spaces, farmland and suburban backyards. The rail-trail passes by many historical sites of interest, including the villages of Zoar and Schoenbrunn (the latter founded in 1772), Camp Tuscazoar, Dover Dam, the Ohio & Erie Canal, Fort Laurens and a pre-Revolutionary War encampment. You'll also find a couple of railroad trestles, including the Fink Truss Bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nestled in the heart of Ohio's Amish country, the Holmes County Trail accommodates Amish buggies, and throughout much of the
The Kokosing Gap Trail delights visitors with its rich railroad history, which is on display throughout the paved route. Enjoy a landscape of ravines and farmland as you cross the Kokosing River twice along railroad bridges more than 250 feet long, and enjoy passage through the cool Howard Tunnel. Stop to marvel at an old locomotive and a bright red wood caboose, which sit trailside, and wander through the butterfly garden of the Brown Family Environmental Center at Kenyon College.
The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail runs parallel to the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek and has many beautiful and interesting features, including glacial outwashes, upland fields, mature ravine woodlots and wetland wildlife habitats. Remnants of the industrial past also dot the paved pathway with the remains of lime kilns, pig iron furnaces, coal mines and coke ovens. The 12.5-mile route also features a covered bridge.
The MetroParks Bikeway provides an ideal way to explore the charms of rural northeastern Ohio. A not-to-miss attraction on the nearly 11-mile route is Metro-Parks Farm, a 400-acre working farm spanning both sides of the trail. The farm offers educational programs, tours and agricultural displays seasonally. Farther along, you’ll travel alongside Sawmill Creek Preserve, a 154-acre forested area that's a haven for birds and other wildlife. Approaching the trail's northern end, the Kirk Road trailhead makes for an interesting stop with a historical 1938 sandstone building housing a bicycle rental and repair shop.
While most rail-trails have a characteristic straight and level projection, some do have surprising twists, turns, and elevation gains...
Here, you’ll find some extraordinary rail-trails tucked away in quiet forests that offer colorful spectacles come fall...
Many rail-trails that wind through rural parts of the country can be explored on horseback. Here are some of our favorite equestrian trails...
Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country.
Become an RTC member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. Help defend and expand trails nationwide.
Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy."
