The north end of the official route for the Ohio to Erie Trail ends in Cleveland. Interested in adding another day of mostly rural travel? Consider this alternate route from downtown Akron to Ashtabula. It will add 40-45 miles to your adventure.
Route Description: Leaving the Towpath Trail at Lock 3 in Akron, you climb/walk a short, steep hill and continue on University Ave to Akron U. and the paved Freedom Trail. Pick up the Portage Hike and Bike Trail just across a bridge from the terminous of the Freedom Trail at Middlebury Rd in Kent (a switchback bike path will eliminate the short, steep road connection in 2025). The paved trail continues through downtown Kent, eventually arriving at Peck Rd on the eastern outskirts of Ravenna. Ride north on Peck for 7 miles and intersect the Headwaters Trail in Mantua. Continue east for 7 miles on this limestone trail to Garrettsville. At the trail's end at Rt 82, cross the road and continue behind the supermarket to start an 18-mile ride through quiet roads to the Western Reserve Greenway. (If you hated Holmes County hills, you'll like this a lot more!) Continue north for 38 miles, with options at Ashtabula to follow a bike route to a lakeside park at the west side of town, or take a road route to another park on the east side. Southbound riders (from Ashtabula) will experience some steep climbs out of Mantua on Peck Rd. This is still the safest route, even if you need to walk the bike a bit. Leaving Garrettsville at Freedom St (becomes Hankee Rd) and going south on 700 will avoid the steepest grades, but any alternate southbound route will involve some hills. 700 connects with Rt 88. Rt 88 directly out of Garrettville is another option. This is a busy road, but eventually connects to the Portage H&B Trail via a short section of Peck Rd. Ammenities (a quick overview): There is a hotel and lots of restaurant options in downtown Kent. Campgrounds can be found close to the trail just south of Bristolville and just north of Orwell along the Western Reserve Greenway. There are a few food options in Orwell. A few B&Bs exist along the route and there are a number of hotels just west of the trail in Austinburg, as you approach Ashtabula.
Route Map: See below. This route is approximately 71% trail, most of which is asphalt. There is a 0.7 mile ride through Akron on streets. A couple of alternate routes are possible through a short section (a couple of blocks) of Kent where the bike trail is still in planning stages. The road sections northeast of Kent are all rural and mostly very quiet. The Western Reserve Greenway is paved and shady. You can download this route at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49895571
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/
Trail Towns 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 open later on Thursdays through Saturdays. 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/