Ohio to Erie Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohio to Erie Trail |
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Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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| Length | 318 mi (512 km) |
| Location | Ohio, United States |
| Designation |  State Bike Route 1 USBR 50 (Xenia–Columbus) |
| Trailheads | Cincinnati to Cleveland (various) |
| Use | Multi-use |
| Season | Year-round |
The Ohio to Erie Trail is a route for non-motorists that traverses the U.S. state of Ohio, from southwest to northeast. It is named for its endpoints, the Ohio River at Cincinnati and Lake Erie at Cleveland. The route largely consists of rail trails and other multi-use trails but also includes some on-road segments in anticipation of future segregated cycle facilities. The route as a whole is intended for bicyclists and hikers, while some trails along the route also permit equestrian and horse and buggy traffic.
History
The Ohio to Erie trail was first envisioned in 1991 by Edward Franklin Honton, who subsequently founded and served as president of a non-profit organization dedicated to making the trail a reality. After his death in 2005, his legacy continued through the organization he founded, The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund. In a fitting tribute to the former Franklin County Engineer, the historic Bridgeview Bridge was dedicated in memory of Ed Honton, during the opening of the Alum Creek Trail near Innis Park on July 15, 2011. The bridge is a fully restored 1902 structure which originally carried Beach Road and Lucas Road over the Big Darby Creek.
The Ohio to Erie Trail began in 1991 as an outgrowth of the Ohio Bicycle Advisory Council.
Path
The trail is divided into four separate sections:
- Northern leg: Cleveland to Massillon
- Heart of Ohio leg: Massillon to Mount Vernon
- Central Ohio leg: Mount Vernon to London
- Southern leg: London to Cincinnati
The trail passes through regional parks, nature preserves, and other rural woodland. The trail is planned to be 326 miles (525 km) in length. Of that number, 267 miles (430 km) are complete and in daily use, 59 miles (95 km) are either under construction or in engineering design, as of Nov 2016.
