The Ohio Erie Trail Adventure (OETA)
The Columbus Outdoor Pursuits Ohio Erie Trail Adventure (OETA) is a fully supported tour along the stunning 326-mile trail that links the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland. This tour takes the Ohio to Erie Trail, which mostly uses rail trails and canal paths, going through four big cities, numerous small towns, and plenty of rural areas.
Spring OETA Tour – May 10-17, 2025
Fall OETA Tour – October 4-11, 2025
Cincinnati, Ohio (0 Miles)
Description: We will gather in the late afternoon at our host hotel in Cincinnati. After a friendly orientation meeting, we will enjoy a group dinner. If you arrive early, take a stroll to Smale Riverfront Park, our starting point for the Ohio to Erie Trail adventure.
Highlights: Orientation, Smale Riverfront Park.
Cincinnati to Xenia (68 Miles)
Description: After a hearty breakfast, we will ride as a group to dip our back tires in the Ohio River at Smale Park. Our route begins from OTET’s southern terminus, heading toward Xenia.
Highlights: Ohio River Trail, Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, Lunken Airport Trail, Little Miami Scenic Trail.
Xenia to Columbus (52 Miles)
Description: Today’s ride takes us through the South-Central region, passing through Greene, Clark, Madison, and Franklin counties. The terrain is flat, and we will follow well-marked street routes.
Highlights: Little Miami Scenic Trail, Prairie Grass Trail, Roberts Pass, Camp Chase Trail, Lower Scioto Greenway.
Columbus to Mt. Vernon (52 Miles)
Description: Starting on the Downtown Connector, we will join the urban Alum Creek Trail. Our overnight stay in beautiful Mount Vernon Square allows time to explore the Ariel-Foundation Park.
Highlights: Alum Creek Trail, Centerburg, Ariel-Foundation Park.
Mt. Vernon to Millersburg (42 Miles)
Description: Passing through Howard and Danville, we will join the Mohican Valley Trail to the Bridge of Dreams—a 370-foot covered bridge. Today, we will experience the Amish Country.
Highlights: Mohican Valley Trail, Bridge of Dreams, Amish Country.
Millersburg to Massillon (38 Miles)
Description: Riding alongside horse-drawn buggies, we will continue through the Amish Country. The route includes beautiful rural roads and the Ohio & Erie Canal towpath.
Highlights: Ohio & Erie Canal towpath, Tuscarawas River.
Massillon to Rockside Road (58 Miles)
Description: Continuing the OTET/O&E Canal towpath, we will pass through historic Canal Fulton. As we approach Akron, we will visit the Summit Lake Nature Center.
Highlights: OTET/O&E Canal towpath, Canal Fulton, Summit Lake Nature Center.
Rockside Road to Cleveland and Edgewater Park on Lake Erie (20 Miles)
Description: Our final riding day is a short 20 miles to Lake Erie. At Edgewater Park, we will dip our front tires into the lake—the northern terminus of the Ohio to Erie Trail. Afterward, a shuttle will take us back to Cincinnati, where we will bid farewell to our new friends.
Highlights: Lake Erie, Edgewater Park, farewell with new friends.
About OETA
The Columbus Outdoor Pursuits Ohio Erie Trail Adventure (OETA) is a stunning 326-mile trail that links the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland. This tour takes the Ohio to Erie Trail, which mostly uses rail trails and canal paths, going through four big cities, numerous small towns, and plenty of rural areas. Here are some more facts about this incredible trail.
Columbus Outdoor Pursuits granted approximately $1,000,000 to the development of this trail over twenty years. Our vision of supporting the development of a destination trail to attract visitors from across the country has been realized! Although there are numerous tour operators on the trail now, our Ohio Erie Trail Adventure tour is unique in offering tour leaders who helped develop the trail and provide insights and stories about the trail’s development.
Route Information
Trail Type: The Ohio to Erie Trail is a dedicated multi-use trail that goes across the state of Ohio from southwest to northeast. It covers 326 miles (525 km) of regional parks, nature preserves, and rural woodland.
Surface: 83 percent of the trail is made up of off-street trails with hard gravel or paved surfaces. This makes it great for bike touring and other outdoor activities.
Parks and Natural Beauty: Much of the OTEA goes through scenic areas such as Little Miami State Park and includes at least 20 miles within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Start and End Points: Your journey starts by dipping your back tires in the Ohio River under Cincinnati’s historic Roebling Suspension Bridge in Smale Park. You will then travel northward, enjoying the beautiful landscapes, until you reach Lake Erie. There, you will dip your front tires in the water at Edgewater Park in Cleveland—this is why it is called “Ohio (river) to (lake) Erie Trail.”
Longest Continuous Bike Path: The Ohio to Erie Trail, also known as Ohio Bike Route 1, is the longest paved bike path in the country.
Cincinnati: Start your journey by dipping your back tires in the Ohio River under the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge in Smale Park. Explore the lively city of Cincinnati before heading northward.
Little Miami State Park: As you bike along the trail, you will pass through the beautiful Little Miami State Park. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Little Miami River and its green surroundings.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: About 20 miles of the OTET go through the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This park offers diverse landscapes, including forests, waterfalls, and the iconic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Quaint Small Towns: Along the way, you will encounter charming small towns. Consider stopping in places like Yellow Springs, known for its artsy vibe, or Peninsula, where you can explore local shops and eateries.
Bike-Friendly Cafés and Breweries: Look out for bike-friendly cafés and breweries. These spots are ideal for refueling and enjoying a well-deserved break. Try some local treats and chat with fellow cyclists.
Edgewater Park, Cleveland: Your journey ends by dipping your front tires in Lake Erie at Edgewater Park in Cleveland. Take in the views of the lake, relax on the beach, and celebrate your accomplishment!
For all the latest updates and information on the trail, the <a href=”https://ohiotoerietrail.org/”>Ohio to Erie Trail</a> organization is your go-to resource.
What's Included
This information can help you prepare for our weeklong bicycle tour, whether you are new to bicycle touring, new to the Ohio Erie Trail Adventure, or a returning OETA rider. Different bicycle tours have various ways of running their operations. Before you register, read the following sections, and if you have more questions, please get in touch with the Outdoor Pursuits office at 614-442-7901 or events@outdoor-pursuits.org.
What your registration fee covers:
- OETA plans and marks all the routes.
- Paints arrows on the roads to guide you.
- Provides free parking for leaving your vehicle in the starting town for the week.
- SAG Support and light mechanical services.
- Provides multiple rest stops on each day’s route with light snacks, fluids, & restrooms.
- Arrange emergency medical services.
- Moves your baggage from town to town. Riders only need to carry what they need on the road each day.
- Provides route maps that you can download on your GPS.
- Provides a “Welcome Dinner” and another meal mid-week with a guest speaker on the history of the Trail.
What your registration fee does not cover:
- Cost of meals other than welcome dinner.
- Cost of lodging. (See the Accommodations section).
- Merchandise (T-shirts, jerseys, etc.).
- Bring your vehicle to every overnight camp for the week.
- Massage services.
- Ambulance transport.
- Entrance fees to attractions.
Accomodations
Participants pay for their primary meals and lodging at hotels. OETA arranges special rates at a preferred hotel in each host community. The cost for these hotels will be approximately $900 for the week. Our tour is one of the most affordable hotel-lodging/full-service tours on the trail, considering the cost of hotel rooms. We have learned that many of our participants appreciate our lodging model, as it gives them the option to stay with family or friends on any night along the way! You may also find different accommodations that better meet your needs (e.g. Airbnb, less expensive, more luxurious). If you choose a different lodging accommodation, your luggage must be retrieved from the designated OETA hotel.
After registering, you will receive the specific hotel details and OETA discount codes. OETA will host a welcome banquet dinner on Friday night, May 10th, or October 4th.
Tour Dates, Registration, and Pricing
Tour Dates and Pricing
May 10-17, 2025, $1195 (7 days – 6 nights)
REGISTER HERE for the Spring / May 2025 OETA
October 4-11, 2025, $1195 (7 days – 6 nights)
REGISTER HERE for the Fall / October OETA
Registration fees will increase to $1,295 60 days prior to each tour. Spring – March 3, 2025, and Fall – August 4, 2025.
Shuttle Service after the tour from Cleveland back to Cincinnati – $120 per person. This also includes transport of your bicycle and bags.
Cancellation Policy:
Registrants may request a refund (less a $100 processing fee) up to 60 days before the tour.
Registration may be deferred to a future tour (at no cost) up to 60 days prior to the tour.
Cancellations less than 60 days before the event will be considered either a donation to Columbus Outdoor Pursuits 501(c)(3) or considered for deferment for a future event.
SAG Service
If you need help on the road, there is a Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle with water, snacks, and bike pumps. A volunteer mechanic can fix your bike on the road and in camp if necessary. We urge you to check your bike before you leave home and get any problems fixed by your local bike shop before the ride. You do not want to miss your ride because of something you could have avoided.
Bicycle Considerations
Hybrid Bikes: These bikes are comfortable and flexible. They work well on both pavement and gravel. They are good for riders who want some road and some off-road features. Tires of 28 mm or more are good.
Touring Bikes: Touring bikes are made for long rides and different terrains. They are stable, and strong, and often have places to attach racks and bags. If you need to carry stuff, a touring bike is a good option.
Road Bikes: Road bikes are best for smooth pavement, but they can also do well on good gravel trails. If you like speed and ease, a road bike with wide tires (around 28 mm or more) can do the job for the Ohio to Erie Trail.
E-Bikes: Electric bikes (e-bikes) are more common. They help you pedal, making long distances easier. Just make sure the e-bike’s battery can last for your daily distance.
Comfort is important, especially for long rides. Think about things like seat comfort, handlebar type, and overall size. Try and ride different bikes to find the best one for you.
SAG (Support and Gear):
The tour is fully supported by a luggage/bike vehicle, mechanic, and Outdoor Pursuits staff. Participants only need to carry what they will need for the day. Support stops are about every 15 miles with water and snacks.
Weather Considerations
Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET) Weather Considerations for May and October:
When planning your Ohio to Erie Trail adventure, consider the following weather patterns for May and October:
May:
Southern Ohio (Cincinnati, Xenia, Columbus, Massillon): Temperatures range from a pleasant average high of 72°F to a comfortable average low of 51-53°F. Expect occasional rain showers and comfortable humidity.
Central Ohio (Mt. Vernon): Like southern Ohio but slightly cooler, with an average high of 71°F and an average low of 50°F.
Northern Ohio (Millersburg, Cleveland): Temperatures are cooler, especially in Cleveland due to its proximity to Lake Erie. Expect average highs of 70°F in Millersburg and 68°F in Cleveland, with average lows of 49°F. Humidity is lower in this region.
October:
Statewide: Temperatures drop significantly in October, ranging from average highs of 62-65°F to average lows of 42-45°F. The northernmost cities, like Cleveland, tend to be the coolest. Expect crisp, clear days with colorful fall foliage.
Additional Weather Notes:
Spring (May) weather in Ohio is mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for cycling.
Fall (October) offers cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery but be sure to pack layers to accommodate for varying conditions.
It is always recommended to check the specific weather forecast closer to your travel dates for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
By planning accordingly and packing appropriate gear for the expected weather conditions, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the Ohio to Erie Trail.
Suggested Packing List
Here is a suggested packing list: This is a starting point, add and subtract as you see fit.
Bicycle in good, working condition, with charger for E-bikes
Helmet
Riding gloves
Riding shoes
Riding shorts
Jerseys or whatever shirt you ride in
ID and health insurance card
Cash/credit card
Sunscreen
Toiletries
Any medication you take
Phone and charger
Sleeping pad/air mattress
Bedding
Pillow
Towel
Swimsuit (may or may not be pool access)
Something to sleep in
Off-bike clothing for 8 days
Bike lock
Spare tubes and tools to change a flat