The best cycling routes in Summit County

Touring cycling the Bike and Hike Trail offers a moderate 23.0-mile ride through Summit Metro Parks, featuring the Cuyahoga River.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling adventure, tracing the historic path where mules once pulled canal boats. You'll glide through a diverse landscape, from urban stretches with views of the Cleveland skyline to the serene forests and open countryside of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially around Beaver Marsh, and enjoy the blend of natural beauty and historical remnants that define this unique route.

This moderate 20.8-mile (33.5 km) loop, with a gentle 498 feet (152 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 6 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available at numerous trailheads, including the Boston Trailhead, and many offer restrooms and water. Hybrid or mountain bikes are recommended due to the varied surfaces, which range from paved to crushed limestone and even some earthen sections.

What makes this trail truly special is its deep connection to Ohio's past, following a route that was vital for commerce between 1827 and 1913. It's also a significant part of the larger Ohio to Erie Trail and passes through the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering a blend of history and natural exploration. The "Bike Aboard!" program provides a unique way to experience the trail, allowing you to cycle one way and return by scenic train.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail offers a unique touring cycling experience, blending historical significance with diverse natural and urban scenery. You'll follow the historic route where mules once pulled canal boats, passing well-preserved locks and lockhouses, and transitioning from cityscapes to the deep forests and open countryside of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly at Beaver Marsh. The surface varies from paved asphalt to hard-packed crushed limestone and gravel, so a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended for comfort.

This moderate 30.2-mile (48.6 km) route, with a gentle 350 feet (107 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 3 hours and 1 minute, making it suitable for a relaxed day out. The trail is mostly flat and largely ADA accessible, with over 50 trailheads providing parking and amenities. Many riders find traveling south to north easier due to subtle elevation changes, and the seasonal "Bike Aboard!" program offers a unique return option via train.

The trail's historical significance is paramount, allowing you to literally follow in the footsteps of the past with abundant historical markers and structures. It forms the northernmost section of the larger 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail, providing a glimpse into a much grander cycling adventure. Quaint historical towns like Peninsula dot the route, offering charming stops for amenities and a deeper dive into local history.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath: Peninsula Loop offers a delightful and easy touring cycling experience, winding through the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You'll glide along a mostly flat, crushed limestone path, enjoying views of the tranquil Cuyahoga River and passing historic canal remnants that tell tales of a bygone era. This 13.6-mile (21.9 km) route, with just 380 feet (116 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride, taking approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete.

For planning your visit, the village of Peninsula provides convenient parking and amenities. The trail is open around the clock within the national park, but remember to bring helmet lights if you're cycling after dark. A fun option is to ride part of the way and catch the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for your return, offering a unique perspective of the landscape.

This loop is part of the much larger Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which follows the historic route once used by mules pulling canal boats. Its location within Cuyahoga Valley National Park means you're immersed in a protected natural area, with opportunities to spot wildlife, especially near spots like Beaver Marsh. Don't miss a stop at Szalay's Farm & Market, a popular highlight along the way.