OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL ADVENTURE
2026 Daily Rider Guide
Milford to Cleveland • September 18–25, 2026
Approximately 340 miles across Ohio on the Ohio to Erie Trail
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Tour format |
Seven riding days with seven included hotel nights |
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Navigation |
Ride with GPS event routes, printed cue sheets, and route markings where applicable |
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Support |
Daily luggage transfer, SAG support, mechanical assistance, staff support, and planned rest opportunities |
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Ride with GPS |
https://ridewithgps.com/events/483562-ohio-erie-trail-adventure-oeta-2026 |
How to use this guide. Each section follows the rhythm of the original OETA daily sheets: where we are staying, what to expect in the host community, the next ride, morning logistics, route highlights, and arrival information. Final SAG locations, exact luggage-loading windows, meal times, and any route changes should be confirmed in the nightly rider briefing.
TOUR OVERVIEW
2026 OETA at a Glance
Hotel lodging begins Friday, September 18
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Fri • Sept. 18 |
Arrival in Milford — Tru by Hilton Milford Cincinnati |
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Sat • Sept. 19 |
Shakedown Ride — approximately 42.4 miles, return to Milford |
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Sun • Sept. 20 |
Milford to Cedarville — approximately 59 miles |
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Mon • Sept. 21 |
Cedarville to Columbus/Westerville — approximately 63 miles |
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Tue • Sept. 22 |
Columbus/Westerville to Mount Vernon — approximately 35 miles |
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Wed • Sept. 23 |
Mount Vernon to Millersburg — approximately 40 miles |
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Thu • Sept. 24 |
Millersburg to Akron — approximately 65 miles |
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Fri • Sept. 25 |
Akron to Cleveland / Edgewater Park — approximately 42 miles |
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A Consistent Daily Rhythm
Riders should plan to attend the short evening briefing whenever possible. It is the best place to hear weather, route, meal, luggage, and support updates for the following day.
- Breakfast and personal preparation
- Luggage to the designated loading area
- Sign out before beginning the day’s ride
- Follow the official Ride with GPS route
- Use planned rest opportunities and local businesses along the route
- Sign in at the overnight hotel and retrieve luggage
- Evening rider briefing and host-community time
ARRIVAL DAY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Welcome to Milford, Ohio
Check in, settle in, and prepare for the week ahead
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Our home |
Tru by Hilton Milford Cincinnati |
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Address |
951 Chamber Dr, Milford, OH 45150 |
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Tonight |
First included hotel night |
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Tomorrow |
Milford shakedown ride — approximately 36 miles, out and back |
Welcome to the Tour
Milford is our home base for the opening of OETA. Use the evening to check your bicycle, organize your day bag, download the Ride with GPS event routes, and meet the riders and staff who will be traveling across Ohio with you.
Before Tomorrow Morning
- Charge your phone, GPS device, lights, and e-bike battery if applicable.
- Confirm that the first routes are downloaded for offline use.
- Have your helmet, water bottles, flat-repair supplies, identification, and weather layers ready.
- Keep luggage organized for the following morning; we remain at the same hotel after the shakedown ride.
Tomorrow’s Focus
The shakedown ride is designed to make sure bicycles, navigation, and rider equipment are ready before we begin moving hotel-to-hotel. It also gives the group an opportunity to settle into the OETA support routine.
RIDING DAY 1 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Milford Shakedown Ride
Approximately 36 miles • Out and back • Return to Milford
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Start / finish |
Tru by Hilton Milford Cincinnati area / Milford |
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Distance |
Approximately 36 miles |
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Overnight |
Tru by Hilton Milford Cincinnati, 951 Chamber Dr, Milford, OH 45150 |
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Next ride |
Milford to Cedarville — approximately 59 miles |
Today’s Ride
Today’s out-and-back shakedown heads south toward the Ohio River corridor before returning to Milford. The purpose is less about mileage and more about making sure your bicycle, fit, navigation, clothing system, and on-bike supplies are working well before the point-to-point portion of OETA begins.
Ride Notes
- Use the official OETA Ride with GPS route for navigation.
- Treat today as your opportunity to resolve mechanical, fit, charging, or packing issues.
- Carry the same basic gear you plan to use throughout the week.
- Report any equipment concerns to staff after the ride so they can be addressed before Sunday.
Back in Milford
We return to the same hotel tonight. Take advantage of the extra time to repack, recharge, and prepare luggage for the first hotel transfer tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow Morning
Breakfast, luggage-loading location, start window, and any final route notes will be confirmed during the evening rider briefing. Tomorrow begins our northbound journey toward Cedarville.
RIDING DAY 2 • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Milford to Cedarville
Approximately 59 miles • Southern Ohio to Greene County
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Start |
Milford |
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Finish |
Cedarville |
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Distance |
Approximately 59 miles |
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Our home |
Hearthstone Inn & Suites |
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Address |
10 South Main Street, Cedarville, OH 45314 |
Today’s Ride
The first point-to-point day carries us northeast from Milford toward Cedarville. This is a longer day and establishes the rhythm of the tour: luggage moves ahead while riders follow the Ohio to Erie Trail and supporting connections through southwest Ohio.
Along the Way
The southern portion of the Ohio to Erie Trail is defined by river corridors, rail-trail riding, and small communities. The Little Miami corridor is one of the signature landscapes of the entire route, with long stretches of shaded trail and river views.
Support & Rest Stops
OETA support includes SAG assistance and planned rest opportunities. The current tour plan calls for rest opportunities approximately every 15 miles. Exact locations and operating windows will be announced in the rider briefing and reflected in Ride with GPS when finalized.
Welcome to Cedarville
Cedarville gives the group a small-town overnight after the first full transfer day. The Hearthstone Inn & Suites is located on South Main Street, placing riders close to the center of the community.
Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow is one of the longest days of the tour: approximately 63 miles from Cedarville through the Galloway/Columbus corridor to our hotel in the Westerville area. Have devices fully charged and be prepared for a mix of trail and urban connections.
RIDING DAY 3 • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Cedarville to Columbus / Westerville
Approximately 63 miles • Yellow Springs and the central Ohio transition
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Start |
Cedarville |
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Finish |
Columbus / Westerville area |
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Distance |
Approximately 63 miles |
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Our home |
ALoft By Marriot Hotel |
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Address |
32 Heatherdown Dr. Westerville, Oh. 43081 |
Today’s Ride
Today connects Cedarville with central Ohio. The current route is approximately 63 miles, with the tour schedule describing 38 miles from Cedarville to the Galloway area and another 25 miles through the central mapping segment to the Embassy Suites.
Community Highlight: Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is one of the distinctive communities along the Ohio to Erie Trail — lively, arts-oriented, and a natural place to enjoy the trail-town experience. Watch the official route and daily briefing for planned stops and timing.
Entering Columbus
As the route reaches the Columbus region, riders transition from rural and rail-trail settings into a larger metropolitan trail network. Expect more intersections, trail connections, and urban riding than on the opening days.
Welcome to Columbus
Tonight’s hotel is the Aloft 32 Heatherdown Dr. Westerville, Oh. 43081. This overnight positions the group for a shorter ride north to Mount Vernon tomorrow.
Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow’s approximately 35-mile stage is intentionally shorter. The ride continues through central Ohio toward Mount Vernon, where a special Ariel-Foundation Park experience is part of the 2026 tour plan.
RIDING DAY 4 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Columbus / Westerville to Mount Vernon
Approximately 35 miles • Central Ohio to Knox County
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Start |
Aloft Hotel / Westerville area |
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Finish |
Mount Vernon |
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Distance |
Approximately 35 miles |
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Our home |
Comfort Inn Mount Vernon |
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Address |
150 Howard St, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 |
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Special activity |
Ariel-Foundation Park tour / local experience |
Today’s Ride
This shorter stage continues north from the Columbus/Westerville area toward Mount Vernon. The tour schedule uses the central Ride with GPS map segment, ending at approximately mile 60 in Mount Vernon.
Trail Experience
The day brings riders deeper into the Ohio to Erie Trail’s central corridor and toward one of the strongest trail communities on the route. With fewer miles than the previous day, there should be more time to enjoy the destination and recover.
Welcome to Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is closely connected to the Ohio to Erie Trail and serves as a gateway to the Kokosing Gap Trail. Tonight we stay at the Comfort Inn Mount Vernon, replacing the Mount Vernon Grand used in the older daily guide.
Ariel-Foundation Park
The 2026 OETA plan includes a special experience at Ariel-Foundation Park, a striking example of industrial reclamation and one of Mount Vernon’s signature public spaces. Final timing and transportation details will be provided by tour staff.
Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow we ride approximately 40 miles into Ohio’s Amish Country. The route uses some of the most memorable trail segments of the week, including the Kokosing Gap Trail, Mohican Valley Trail, Bridge of Dreams, and Holmes County Trail.
RIDING DAY 5 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Mount Vernon to Millersburg
Approximately 40 miles • Kokosing, Mohican Valley, and Holmes County Trails
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Start |
Mount Vernon |
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Finish |
Millersburg |
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Distance |
Approximately 40 miles |
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Our home |
Comfort Inn Millersburg |
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Address |
1102 Glen Drive, Millersburg, OH 44654 |
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Special activity |
Amish Country tour and included dinner |
Today’s Ride
This is one of OETA’s classic trail days. Leaving Mount Vernon, riders continue north through Knox and Holmes counties on a chain of established trails and rural connections. The older rider sheet highlighted Danville, Glenmont, Killbuck, and the Bridge of Dreams; those remain defining communities and landmarks along this corridor.
Route Highlights
- Kokosing Gap Trail
- Mohican Valley Trail
- Bridge of Dreams over the Mohican River
- Holmes County Trail
- Danville, Glenmont, and Killbuck
- Arrival in Millersburg and Ohio’s Amish Country
Rest & Lunch Opportunities
The prior OETA guide used Danville and Glenmont as SAG locations and Killbuck as a lunch opportunity. For 2026, exact supported stops and times will be confirmed in the nightly briefing rather than carried forward automatically from the older schedule.
Welcome to Millersburg
Tonight we stay at the Comfort Inn Millersburg, 1102 Glen Drive. The 2026 tour includes an Amish Country experience and dinner, giving riders an opportunity to learn more about the culture and landscape that make this section of Ohio distinctive.
Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow is the longest stage of the northbound half of the tour: approximately 65 miles from Millersburg to Akron. Prepare for a full day and make sure electronics and e-bike batteries are completely charged.
RIDING DAY 6 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Millersburg to Akron
Approximately 65 miles • Amish Country to the Ohio & Erie Canal corridor
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Start |
Millersburg |
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Finish |
Akron / Lock 4 Park |
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Distance |
Approximately 65 miles |
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Our home |
Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown |
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Address |
41 Furnace St, Akron, OH 44308 |
Today’s Ride
The route shifts to the northern Ride with GPS segment for a 65-mile ride from Millersburg to Akron. This is a substantial day, moving from the rolling landscape of Holmes County toward the canal and towpath history of northeast Ohio.
Ride Strategy
Start prepared for a long day. Pace yourself, use the planned rest opportunities, eat and drink consistently, and communicate with SAG staff if you need assistance. The fully supported format means riders only need to carry what they need during the day.
Entering Akron
The day finishes near Akron’s Lock 4 Park before riders transition to the Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown at 41 Furnace Street. Akron marks our final included overnight before the ride to Lake Erie.
Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow is the final riding stage: approximately 42 miles from Akron to Edgewater Park in Cleveland. Much of the day showcases the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath and Cuyahoga Valley National Park before the final approach to Lake Erie.
RIDING DAY 7 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Akron to Cleveland
Approximately 42 miles • The final approach to Lake Erie
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Start |
Akron / Lock 4 Park |
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Finish |
Edgewater Park, Cleveland |
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Distance |
Approximately 42 miles |
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Major highlight |
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath |
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Finish tradition |
Front tire to Lake Erie |
Today’s Ride
The final stage completes our crossing of Ohio. From Akron, the route follows the northern Ohio to Erie Trail corridor toward Cleveland, including approximately 20 miles through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This section is a tour favorite: forested trail, canal history, and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath create a dramatically different setting from the southern and central portions of the week. Peninsula is one of the notable trail communities along this corridor.
The Finish
Our destination is Edgewater Park on the shore of Lake Erie. The traditional Ohio to Erie Trail finish is to dip the front tire in Lake Erie — the counterpart to the Ohio River start and the completion of the end-to-end journey.
At Edgewater Park
Stay with the official route through the finish and follow staff instructions for sign-in, bicycles, luggage, transportation, and group photos. Final post-ride logistics will be reviewed before departure from Akron.
Congratulations
Over seven riding days, OETA has carried the group approximately 340 miles across Ohio — from the Ohio River corridor through small towns, major cities, Amish Country, canal landscapes, and finally to Lake Erie.
DEPARTURE • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Heading Home
Post-tour transportation and final luggage logistics
Departure Day
Saturday is reserved for departure and post-tour transportation. Riders using an Outdoor Pursuits shuttle should follow the final instructions provided by staff for passenger check-in, bicycle loading, luggage loading, and departure time.
Shuttle Service
The 2026 tour offers optional post-tour transportation from Cleveland back toward the Cincinnati starting area for registered shuttle riders. Passenger, bicycle, and luggage transportation are included with the shuttle registration.
Before You Leave
- Confirm that you have all luggage, chargers, personal items, and bicycle accessories.
- Check your hotel room and staff loading area before departure.
- Make sure your bicycle is properly identified for transport.
- Follow staff instructions for loading order and passenger boarding.
Return Transportation — Friday, September 25
Return transportation will be available at the end of our ride in Cleveland.
Cleveland Pickup
Edgewater Park
Pickup will be near the Ohio to Erie Trail tire dip and just a short walk from the Cleveland Script sign.
Approximate Pickup Time: 1:00 PM
After loading riders, bikes and gear, the bus will travel south with two drop-off locations:
- Aloft Columbus Westerville — approximately 3:30–4:00 PM
- Tru by Hilton Milford Cincinnati — approximately 6:30 PM
A short restroom and stretch stop will be included between Westerville and Milford.
All times are approximate and may shift slightly depending on our arrival in Cleveland, loading time and traffic.
Please make sure your bike, luggage and personal items are accounted for before departing each location.