Ohio to Erie Trail

An off-road trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie

The Ohio to Erie Trail spans the state of Ohio from Cincinatti to Cleveland following lands formerly owned by railroads and canals. When complete, this trail will connect four of Ohio's metropolitan cities, a dozen large towns and numerous small villages - all done on easily accessible, paved trails, that are completely separated from highways and automobiles.

Along the way, the trail passes through rural areas, farmlands, nature preserves, and regional parks giving the adventurous a hearty helping of nature's finest. At the metropolitan perimeter, meadows and woods give way to exciting urban centers, affording the traveller a contemporary taste of Ohio's culture and arts.

Bicyclists, hikers, equestrians, and other groups such as bird watchers, cross-country skiers, and nature lovers have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Ohio as the trail weaves its way across the state.

Ohio's Green Corridor

Once The Ohio to Erie Trail is in place, users will be able to travel the corridor linking Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron and Cleveland on a safe trail while enjoying the splendor of Ohio's rural heartland. Along the way, users can re-live the history that shaped the state: Amish history, Revolutionary War history, Civil War history, canal history, railroad history -- it all happened here!

Many sections of the Ohio to Erie Trail are open and in daily use. Of the 453-mile length of the Ohio to Erie Trail, 262 miles are completed and open for public enjoyment, another 54 miles are either under construction or in engineering design, and an additional 137 miles are awaiting final planning, acquisition, and funding.

Everyone's Welcome

The Ohio to Erie Trail is a multi-use trail that provides exercise and adventure to anyone who's willing to leave their automobile behind. Bikes, horses and skates are a common sight. In the winter, the trail becomes a snowshoe and cross-country ski trail. And for those with mobility impairments, construction designs call for full compliance with ADA guidelines.

Ed Honton Remembered

Ed Honton was the founder of The Ohio to Erie Trail, and it was his idea in 1991 to have a trail from Cincinnati to Cleveland using former railroad and canal corridors. Through's Ed's dedication most of The Ohio to Erie Trail is complete, and now the gaps in the trail will be closed. It was a tremendous loss in 2005 when Ed left us, but his legacy will be enjoyed for centuries.