If you are traveling on the Northern Tier Cycling Route, you may wish to avoid riding through Cleveland and most of its busy suburbs. Consider the following route which is mostly paved trail. It follows the Valley Parkway Trail from the western suburbs (not fully shown on Google products as of 2024, but following the Valley Parkway road, as shown below). It connects with the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley and one can leave the valley thru several routes to join the Summit Hike and Bike Trail (Rt 82 is shown, Rt 303 is also popular). Hudson Rd connects the Summit Trail to the Portage Hike and Bike Trail in Kent. Peck Rd connects the eastern end of this trail to the Headwaters Trail (HWT) in Mantua (crushed limestone surface). From the eastern terminus of the HWT in Garrettsville, quiet roads can be used to access the Western Reserve Greenway (WRG) and Ashtabula.
Eastbound travelers will encounter one steep (7% avg) half-mile uphill climb (on paved trail) about 8 miles west of the Cuyahoga River on the Valley Parkway Trail. You will also need to climb out of the Cuyahoga Valley. Pushing your bike up a 700-ft long steep grade on Riverview Road (from Chippewa Creek Drive) to Rt 82 may actually make sense if you want to get it over with :). From there, the slight incline to the Summit Hike and Bike Trail is pretty friendly. There are also a couple of short trail options from the Cuyahoga Valley Railway parking area (just east of Riverview Rd) to get you up to Rt 82 on either side of the river. You can also choose to ride south on the Towpath Trail within the Valley and climb out to join the Summit Trail further south. Rt 303 in Peninsula is one popular option, with a bike shop and restaurants at that junction. There are no more significant climbs for the rest of the bypass route to Ashtabula.
Westbound cyclists will encounter a couple of steep, 8% hills after leaving the Headwaters Trail in Mantua. You will also need to climb for a couple of miles to leave the Cuyahoga River Valley. 4-5% average grades can be expected there. You can break up the climb by pulling into the Oak Grove Picnic area.
Nelson Ledges Quarry Park This campground is located about 2.5 miles north of the pictured route, just ENE of Garrettsville. https://nlqp.com/park-and-facilities/
I Trail Towns Fairview Park/North Olmstead Numerous motels and food/supply options due to the Valley View Parkway Trail's proximity to Cleveland Hopkins Airport
Kent A downtown hotel and numerous dining and supply options. A new (2022) trail segment connects The Fairchild Avenue bridge area (on the suggesting route) with the Main Street bridge and Kent business district via "bike stairs." The business/restaurant district is just a few blocks south of the 2-mile road route (mostly Hudson Rd) connecting the Summit and Portage trails at the Fairchild Avenue bridge over the Cuyahoga River. During late spring to early fall there is designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) on Franklin Ave, between Main and Erie Streets. North Water Brewing Company is located right on the trail after it crosses the Cuyahoga River (eastbound). They often have a food truck and an on-site kitchen is planned. Bell Tower Brewing Company is a couple of blocks south of that bridge. They have a full kitchen.
Mantua Dining and supply options. Check VRBO for lodging options. The business district is a mile west of the intersection of Peck Rd (road connection from Ravenna) and the Headwaters Trail.
Garrettsville At the east end of the Headwaters Trail, the posted route goes past the IGA market, a Family Dollar, and a Pizza place. "The Brick" is a family restaurant and pub a short distance from the trail southeast on Rt 82. A number of other dining options exist in the downtown, a half-mile to the NW on Rt 82. Check VRBO for lodging options.
Orwell/East Orwell Located about 13 miles north of the route's intersection and joining with the Western Reserve Greenway, this area features a diner and convenience store just east of where the trail crosses Rt 322. A Mexican restaurant is located on the trail here, and more food and supply options exist about a mile west on 322. A campground (see above) is located just north of town and a short distance west of the trail. The "Orwell Inn" is located a mile west of the WRG on Main St.
Austinburg Shortly before it ends in Ashtabula, the Western Reserve Greenway runs just a few blocks east of a major highway interchange (I-90 and Rt 45) that features several motels and dining options.
Ashtabula This is a larger town and many options for food and supplies exist. The downtown area near the river mouth has several options for lodging. This requires getting off the pictured route a bit, and following the North Shore Trail. As of 2024, it is not reflected on Google Maps. https://ashtabulametroparks.com/north-shore-trail/ashtabulametroparks.com/north-shore-trail/