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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Navigation |
Ride with GPS event routes 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 |
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 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 42 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 42 miles • Out and back • Return to Milford
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Start / finish |
Tru by Hilton Milford Cincinnati area / Milford – 951 Chamber Dr, Milford, OH 45150 |
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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
- Group departure at 8:30am. The first two miles between the hotel and trailhead are on somewhat narrow & possibly busy roads. Our Saturday morning passage should be ok. Nonetheless, we’ll be safest, and most relaxed, traveling as a group.
- Alan Weinstein, the Executive Director of the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, will shepherd us this morning and facilitate group photos at the riverfront in downtown Cincinnati. Other Columbus Outdoor Pursuits staff and tour volunteers will likely join us for this ride.
- 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.
SAG Stops:
- Mile 20/22 – Sawyer Point Park
Restrooms:
- Several parks along the way & along the riverfront park in downtown Cincinnati
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 63 miles • Southern Ohio to Greene County
Our Home tonight – Hearthstone Inn – 10 S. Main St., 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.
Trail Detour
There is significant utility work that has a 4+ mile stretch of the trail completely closed at South Lebanon. The detour through the town of South Lebanon begins at mile 18.5 and is 6 miles long. It only adds about 1 mile to the route. There should be signage to direct you. After crossing the river, use the side path going up Grandin Road and deviate from the RidewGPS routing after crossing the river to follow the path through the woods. We’ll have a rest stop at Carter Park at the top of the hill – between the Masion and the Elementary School.
Support & Rest Stops
- 19 Miles – Kings Mills at Carter Park
- 41 Miles – Corwin – trailhead & restrooms
- 55 Miles – Xenia – Xenia Station Trail Hub
Additional Restrooms
Loveland (12), Foster Park (16), Morrow (27), Oregonia (35), Spring Valley (49)
Lunch & Coffee Opportunities
Loveland (12), Morrow (27) Mexican & others, Oregonia (35) Little River Bar & Grill, Xenia (55) various
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 longer days of the tour: approximately 65 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 65 miles • The central Ohio transition
Our Home Tonight – 32 Heatherdown Dr. Westerville, Oh. 43081
Today’s Ride
Today’s route is diverse. You’ll start in rural, agricultural areas where the rail business still services grain elevators. You’ll follow the Camp Chase Trail (named after a Civil War encampment) through western Columbus and we’ll route you to the North Market in downtown Columbus for great lunch choices at mile 48! You’ll continue past Columbus City Hall, the Ohio State Capitol, and through Old East Columbus (“Judge’s Row”) before connecting to the Alum Creek trail and aiming toward Westerville.
Entering Columbus
As the route reaches the Columbus region, riders transition from rural and rail-trail settings into a larger (and sometimes confusing) metropolitan trail network. Expect more intersections, trail connections, and urban riding than on the opening days. We expect several Columbus Outdoor Pursuits volunteers to meet and guide you through the urban setting.
Support & Rest Stops
- 21 Miles – London – Prairie Grass Trailhead
- 34 Miles – Battelle Darby Creek Metropark
- 48 Miles – Columbus – North Bank Park – We’ll point you to the North Market from here!
- 52 Miles – Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden Campus
Additional Restrooms
South Charleston (11), Wilson Rd Trailhead on Camp Chase (42), Innis Park (58) or Soccer Complex (59)
Lunch & Coffee Opportunities
South Charleston (11), Georgesville Rd & Casino area (41.3) Try Amy’s Donuts!! North Market for Lunch!! (48+)
Welcome to Westerville – There are several restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Or, bike/Uber 2 miles into the heart of Westerville’s vibrant business district that offers lots of food choices. There are even 2-3 brewery/distillery operations and other bars that serve alcohol. What’s the big deal, you ask? History fact – Westerville is ground zero for the US’s dry/temperance movement! It remained dry until a ballot initiative 5 years ago, finally allowed alcohol sales in Westerville …wow!
Special Guest – Jerry Rampelt, Executive Director (Emeritus) Ohio to Erie Trail
Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow’s approximately 37-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 37 miles • Central Ohio to Knox County
Our Home Tonight – 150 Howard St, Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Today’s Ride
This shorter stage continues north from the Columbus/Westerville area toward Mount Vernon. The day brings riders deeper into the Ohio to Erie Trail’s central corridor and toward some of the strongest trail communities on the route. There’s a gentle rise to the high-point on the trail; but it feels flat. This section of the trail is entirely tree-covered and shady.
Support & Rest Stops
- 14 Miles – Sunbury – Sandel Legacy Trail Depot
- 24 Miles – Centerburg Memorial Park
Additional Restrooms
McNamera Park (7.5) Galena (11.5)
Lunch & Coffee Opportunities
Galena (11.5) Coffee Vault, Sunbury (14+) Village Coffee & Yum-ee Donuts, Centerburg (24) Kolacheez Coffee Bar, 8 E. Main St – This is a regular destination for many Columbus cyclists; we’re liable to cross paths with the regular Tuesday morning retiree ride. They have really great Cowboy cookies!
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. Downtown Mount Vernon is a vibrant hub of shops, bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the award winning & whimsical “Dog Water Fountain!”
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. This park is a nationally recognized, stunning 250-acre example of adaptive reuse, created on the former site of a glass-making factory. You’ll ride past it on your last mile into Mt. Vernon; take some time and ride around the park on your bicycle. We’ll provide details about a guided tour specifically for our tour group.
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
Our Home Tonight – 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. We’re beginning to enter the heart of the largest Amish community in the world. There are several attractions to stop and enjoy:
- Gambier (Kenyon College) and train display.
- Howard Mill – try and find some info on the hellbender (a unique salamander in the area)
- Bridge of Dreams over the Mohican River
- Danville, Glenmont, and Killbuck (venture off route to find an Amish market)
Trail Upgrade Work and Detour?
The Kokosing Gap Trail has been receiving a fresh trail surface in September. If this trail maintenance impacts any portion of the route, we’ll let you know.
Support & Rest Stops
- 14 Miles – Danville
- 27 Miles – Glenmont Trailhead
Additional Restrooms
Gambier (5.5), Howard Mill (10), Bridge of Dreams (19), Killbuck (34)
Lunch & Coffee Opportunities
Danville (15) – Don Leo’s Market – ½ mile off route north on Market St., Glenmont Tavern (27)
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. We’ll provide details about gathering for a shuttle bus to the Amish farm.
Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow is the longest stage of the tour: 68 miles from Millersburg to Akron with hills and some unpaved trail conditions. Load up on the Amish noodles and cobblers tonight! 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 68 miles • Amish Country to the Ohio & Erie Canal corridor
Our Home Tonight – Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown – 41 Furnace St, Akron, OH 44308
Today’s Ride
The route shifts to the northern Ride with GPS segment for a 68-mile ride from Millersburg to Akron. This is a substantial day, moving through Amish settlements in 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.
Ride Segments
- Miles 1-11 – Holmes County Trail to Fredericksburg
- Miles 11-28 – On hilly roads through Amish settlements. The scenery is spectacular! Enjoy the Dari Treat in Dalton to celebrate conquering this hilly segment!
- Miles 28-38 – Dalton to Massillon on the Sippo Trail. Much of this is packed gravel/cinder. Navigation tip – from Massillon north to Lake Erie…. follow signage for the “towpath.”
- Miles 51-65 – From Clinton to the outskirts of Akron, the towpath will have 12+ miles of packed gravel/cinder. Be careful on tight turns.
Support & Rest Stops
- 18 Miles – Apple Creek – Midnight Readers (& Coffee Shop)
- 27 Miles – Dalton – Dari-ette Drive-In – consider ice cream or a sandwich here. Amish farm stand too.
- 39 Miles – Massillon – Ernie’s Bike Shop – there’s also a sandwich shop here.
- 51 Miles – Clinton
Additional Restrooms
Fredericksburg (11), Canal Fulton (47)
Lunch & Coffee Opportunities
Dalton (27), Massillon Deli next to Ernies (39), Canal Fulton (47) has 2-3 each of taverns, coffee shops and ice cream places, & Clinton (51) – convenience store only
Entering Akron
The day finishes north of Akron’s Lock 4 Park (which also includes lock #2 & #3). Continue through the string of parks in downtown Akron and you’ll exit the towpath on the “Northside Train Station Connector.” This will bring you right to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad station and the Courtyard by Marriott. Save enough energy (either legpower or e-juice) to climb up 2 blocks from the river to the hotel.
RIDING DAY 7 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Akron to Cleveland
Approximately 41 miles • The final approach 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. Remember to follow signage for “Towpath.”
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 and Boston are two of the notable trail communities along this corridor. Check out the National Park Visitor Centers!
Trail Construction & Detour
There is a substantial construction project replacing a 1-mile boardwalk through swamp terrain between Peninsula and Boston. (miles 13-15) You’ll be detoured onto Riverview Rd. This road has a nice shoulder and is a popular route for road cyclists. We’re sorry to miss the Boston Swamp, but, this project will have the trail closed for over 6 months. Drats. There’s also a possible closure and detour at mile 8.7 – if so, follow signs for 1 mile.
Support & Rest Stops
- 13.5 Miles – Peninsula – Lock 29 Trailhead
- 24 Miles – Canal Exploration Center – adjacent to Independence, OH
Additional Restrooms
Boston (16), Lock 39 Trailhead (27), Canal Way Visitors Center (30.5 – ¼ mile off Towpath), Clark Field Park (35)
Lunch & Coffee Opportunities
Szalay’s Farm Market (10.5), Peninsula (13.5), Steelyard Commons Shopping Center (34) – numerous sandwich & fast food places.
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. We’ll feed you lunch.
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
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. We’ll make a stop at the ALoft Hotel in Columbus to drop off our half-tour 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.
Thank You
Thank you for riding the 2026 Ohio to Erie Trail Adventure with Outdoor Pursuits. Every mile of OETA celebrates the communities, volunteers, trail organizations, and local partners who have helped build and maintain this statewide corridor.
We are honored to have played a significant role in the vision and development of this trail over the last 30 years. It’s status as a “destination” trail has attracted riders from across the country and world. Please share your OETA experience with your friends. We look forward to offering this tour multiple times in 2027. And, we’re developing a bike-packing version for those cyclists interested in carrying all their gear and tent camping along the way.
Thanks again for your support and patronage!
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.