About the Ohio to Erie Trail

The Ohio to Erie Trail is a continuous, mostly off-street trail that runs the length of Ohio, connecting the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland. Traveling by foot or bicycle, users can move through cities, small towns, farmland, canal corridors, and former railroad routes—experiencing the state at a human pace.

The Ohio to Erie Trail Fund exists to help make that connection possible and to ensure the trail continues to grow, improve, and serve the people and communities along its route.

The Past: How the Trail Began

At the time, long-distance trail systems were still uncommon. Many of the corridors that would eventually form the trail—abandoned rail lines and canal towpaths—were unused and overgrown. Turning them into public assets required patience, persistence, and collaboration.

In its early years, the Ohio to Erie Trail focused on providing technical and organizational support to local partners. This included help with fundraising, advocacy, planning, government coordination, signage, and project management. Progress came gradually as individual trail segments were built and connected.

Early route concepts evolved as opportunities and partnerships changed. While some original alignments were adjusted, the central goal remained the same: a continuous, non-motorized route linking the Ohio River and Lake Erie.

The Present: A Connected Trail and a Growing Community

Today, the Ohio to Erie Trail stretches 326 miles and is made up of 23 regional trails, with the vast majority of the route now fully off-street. Only a small portion remains on low-traffic roads as work continues to close the final gaps.

The trail has become a destination for people walking, running, and biking across Ohio—and for visitors traveling from outside the state. Its appeal lies in variety: urban neighborhoods, quiet farm roads, historic canal paths, railroad corridors, and small towns that tell the story of Ohio’s past and present.

As trail use increased, the role of the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund expanded. While supporting trail development remains essential, the organization now also focuses on the experience of the people using the trail.

Current OTETF efforts include:

• Working with local, state, and federal partners to secure funding for land acquisition and trail construction

• Promoting the trail through maps, guides, and digital resources that help visitors plan trips and extended tours

• Supporting communities along the corridor as outdoor tourism grows

• Laying the foundation for a Trail Town program that helps towns understand trail user needs and create welcoming environments

The trail now supports local economies, encourages healthy lifestyles, and provides accessible outdoor space for people of all ages and abilities.

Image by Arman Ashraf, October 2025

The Future: Finishing the Route and Strengthening Its Impact

While the Ohio to Erie Trail has come a long way, its work is not finished. Approximately 10% of the route remains on roads, and completing those segments is a top priority.

Looking ahead, the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund is focused on:

• Completing remaining off-street trail connections and maintaining + enhancing existing sections

• Supporting trail communities as tourism and trail use continue to grow

• Strengthening partnerships with local trail organizations and governments

• Advancing a long-term vision that reflects both the original mission and the realities of today

A new strategic blueprint is being developed to guide the trail into its next phase—one that builds on Ed Honton’s original idea while recognizing how people use trails now and how communities benefit from them.

Image by Darla Cookson Carlisle, September 2025

Why It Matters

The Ohio to Erie Trail is not just a route across the state—it is a place to slow down, explore, and reconnect. Whether it’s a short walk, a weekend ride, or a multi-day journey, the Ohio to Erie Trail offers a safe, scenic way to experience Ohio and the communities that call it home.

The trail was built piece by piece through collaboration and persistence. Its future depends on the same spirit.

We invite you to learn more, explore the trail, and be part of what comes next.