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Ohio to Erie Trail Bike Tour

  • National Park marsh boardwalk
  • Red barn with reflection Ohio
  • Ledges in National Park Ohio
  • Tow path trail in national park Ohio
  • Sunrise with hills in distance Ohio
  • bike riders on bridge in national park
  • Train in station in national park Ohio
  • Cleveland at night
  • Landscape with barn and field Ohio
DURATION
5 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
21 to 42 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
2-Easier to Intermediate
STARTING FROM
$2795
SINGLES ADD FROM
$600

Trip Overview

Discover this hidden gem, an enticing gateway to the Midwest. The Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET) crosses the Buckeye State from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Piecing together multiple individual routes, the trail follows railroad lines and canal paths that are rich with history. Though the full Ohio to Erie Trail is 326 miles in length, on this 5-day tour you cycle 150 of the most scenic miles at the northern end of the route. Pedaling on a variety of surfaces ranging from crushed-stone rail trails to hard-packed canal paths and paved surfaces, you pass through rural countryside, picturesque swamplands, quaint towns, and lively cites. Highlights of the tour include riding through Amish Country and exploring the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Note: If you have time before or after the tour, consider spending an extra day or two visiting Cleveland. Popular tourist attractions there include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the West Side Market, and the house from the movie “A Christmas Story.”

Itinerary

From start to finish, check out the route.

DAY 1 - Bridge of Dreams
Distance: 42 miles | Climbing: 1,215 ft | Terrain: Intermediate | Hotel Millersburg
Meet your leaders at 8 a.m. at a hotel near the Cleveland Airport. From there, shuttle to the trailhead at the Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon. You get your first bit of history before even getting on your bike, as the park was once the site of a glass manufacturing plant. Visit the river of glass and climb to the top of the 140-foot observation tour to get the lay of the land before you head off on your bike. Not far into the ride, you follow alongside the beautiful Kokosing River. Stop for lunch in Danville before biking the Mohican Valley Trail to the Bridge of Dreams, which was built in the 1920s for the railroad. At 370 feet in length, the bridge is the second longest covered bridge in Ohio, and the third longest in the country. For the remainder of today’s ride, you cycle through Amish Country as you pedal along the Holmes County Trail, the first recreational trail designed to accommodate horse-powered buggies in addition to cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. End the day in Millersburg, and walk to a nearby restaurant for a group dinner.
DAY 2 - Amish Country
Distance: 38 miles | Climbing: 1,325 ft | Terrain: Intermediate | Hampton Inn (Massillon)
After breakfast, continue on the Holmes County Trail, pedaling through the Amish communities of Holmesville and Fredericksburg. Holmes County has the second largest population of Amish residents in all of the United States, so you’re guaranteed to see lots of buggies. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might even see a Mennonite darting by on an e-bike! Past Fredericksburg, you ride on quiet, rural roads through quaint Amish farmland. After enjoying a picnic lunch, pick up the Sippo Valley Trail and follow it straight into Massillon. Before checking into the hotel, take a group tour of the Massillon Museum, known for its art and history. Dine together this evening a few blocks away at Kozmo’s Grille.
DAY 3 - Towpath Trail & National Park Rail
Distance: 30 miles | Climbing: 435 ft | Terrain: Easier | Courtyard by Marriott (Akron Downtown)
After a hearty buffet breakfast, start riding directly from the hotel, following the scenic Tuscarawas River. All of today’s riding is on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which was constructed parallel to the river in the late 1820s. For decades, the canal and towpath were used to transport goods and passengers. Severe flooding in 1913, however, damaged the canal beyond repair. It wasn’t until 1993 that the towpath was officially established as a trail. Consider stopping for a morning treat in historic Canal Fulton, but don’t eat too much, as lunch is a mere 10 miles further down the trail. In the afternoon, take a two-hour train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to get a sneak peak at the national park you visit tomorrow. After returning from your rail adventure, you’re on your own for dinner. There are a number of tasty restaurants all within walking distance from the hotel. In the evening, stay close to home and take a dip in the pool or go out and explore Akron – “Rubber Capital of the World,” the center of airship development, and home to NBA star LeBron James.
DAY 4 - Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Distance: 41 miles | Climbing: 825 ft | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Courtyard by Marriott (Akron Downtown)
After filling up on a delicious breakfast at The Bistro, cycle directly from the hotel on the final stretch of the trail north toward Lake Erie. Continuing on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, cycle through 20 miles of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As you pedal through the national park — one of the most visited in the country — interpretative signs help you appreciate the area’s history and significance. Upon meeting at the Boston Mill Visitor Center, enjoy a group hike to Blue Hen Falls followed by lunch at the park. Afterward, get back on your steed and follow the trail as it winds through Cleveland. When you arrive at the city’s Edgewater Park, celebrate by dipping your tire into Lake Erie. If you’d prefer to maximize your time at the national park instead of riding into Cleveland, we can accommodate your wishes … after all, this is your vacation! At the end of the day, shuttle back to the hotel in Akron, where you have your final group meal together at Crave, known for its eclectic menu and artsy decor.
DAY 5 - Departure Day & Paddling the Cuyahoga
Distance: 21 miles (optional) | Climbing: 725 ft | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
Did you know that the Cuyahoga River was once so polluted that it caught fire? And did you know that this industrial disaster spurred an environmental movement? And thanks to years of effort, the upper 25 miles of this river now have excellent water quality. After breakfast, get up close and personal with three miles of the Cuyahoga River from the seat of a kayak. For those who would prefer to bike rather than kayak, you can cycle an optional 21 miles on an out-and-back route. The ride takes you along the Freedom Trail toward Kent. Paddlers and pedalers all return to the hotel for a quick shower before loading your gear into the trailer. As you head back towards the airport, stop for a final meal together before bidding adieu to each other and the Ohio to Erie Trail.

Map

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.

Start End Cost Availability
Jun 29, 2025 Jul 03, 2025 $2795.00 Available! Reserve Reserve
Aug 08, 2025 Aug 12, 2025 $2795.00 Available! Reserve Reserve
Sep 29, 2025 Oct 03, 2025 $2795.00 Available! Reserve Reserve
Oct 05, 2025 Oct 09, 2025 $2795.00 Available! Reserve Reserve

What’s Included

4 nights’ lodging, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, guided tour of Massillon Museum, ticket on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, kayak paddle (weather permitting). We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.

Start: Jun 29, 2025
End: Jul 03, 2025
Cost: $2795.00
Availability: Available!
Reserve
Start: Aug 08, 2025
End: Aug 12, 2025
Cost: $2795.00
Availability: Available!
Reserve
Start: Sep 29, 2025
End: Oct 03, 2025
Cost: $2795.00
Availability: Available!
Reserve
Start: Oct 05, 2025
End: Oct 09, 2025
Cost: $2795.00
Availability: Available!
Reserve

What’s Included

4 nights’ lodging, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, guided tour of Massillon Museum, ticket on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, kayak paddle (weather permitting). We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.

Inns

Where you stay along the way.

Hotel Millersburg
Hotel Millersburg lies in the heart of one of Ohio's earliest frontiers, Holmes County, now home to the largest Amish community in the world. The hotel was first built in 1824 as a stagecoach stop and tavern, in the same year that Millersburg was named the county seat. Now guest rooms feature Victorian era decor. Historic documents, antique pictures and mirrors decorate the guest rooms, hallways, and common areas.

Hampton Inn Massillon
This comfy hotel is in Downtown Massillon, less than a mile from Massillon Museum and eight miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Get back to nature at Sippo Lake Park, or walk the trails at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve, both 15 minutes away. Unwind in the fitness center, and enjoy WiFi, daily hot breakfast and parking on us.
Courtyard Downtown Akron
The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Akron hotel is an ideal choice for your visit to Akron, Ohio. This top rated Trip Advisor hotel is located in the revitalized northside district of downtown Akron near shopping, casual and fine dining and entertainment. In back of the hotel is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the front doors lead to the Akron Skyline. Some unique features the hotel offers include a 19-seat movie theater, oversized fitness center, a Speakeasy bar just off the lobby, loft suites that are 700 square feet and feature a fireplace, hardwood floors, brick walls and 1.5 bath. All the artwork in the hotel represents local business and attractions.

Gallery

Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.

National Park marsh boardwalk Red barn with reflection Ohio Ledges in National Park Ohio Tow path trail in national park Ohio Sunrise with hills in distance Ohio bike riders on bridge in national park Train in station in national park Ohio Cleveland at night Landscape with barn and field Ohio