Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a leisurely bike rider, or an adventurous mountain biker, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is a great place for biking, so strap on your helmet and make plans to pedal in the park!
1. Biking the Towpath
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is an amazing regional asset, and twenty miles of the trail are within the national park. With its flat surface, the trail provides a relatively smooth and stable ride for bikers.
Planning a biking excursion on the Towpath is easy thanks to CVNP’s Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail page. One of our favorite features is a handy table listing distances in miles between CVNP’s trailheads and other points of interest along the Towpath.
For example, you can easily calculate the distance for a scenic ride from the Hunt House Trailhead to the Beaver Marsh viewing area. Only 2.2 miles round-trip, this short ride is perfect for those looking for a leisurely or low-impact biking experience!
Bike Safety
The park also includes guidelines for Towpath safety and etiquette on their Towpath page. Many of these guidelines are geared (no pun intended) toward cyclists sharing the trail with other users (walkers, joggers, wheelchair users, and in some sections, horseback riders). Knowing the following will help you safely use and share the trail:
- Don’t risk a head injury. Always wear a helmet when cycling.
- Bicyclists should yield to all trail users.
- Travel at a safe speed and keep to the right except to pass others. The speed limit for bicycles is 15 mph.
- Give a clear warning before passing on the left (say “Passing on your left” and/or use a bike bell).
- Travel single file when passing and being passed.
- Move off the trail when stopped.
2. Mountain Biking
Mountain biking offers a different riding experience. Mountain bikers enjoy the challenge and adventure of riding over rougher, varied terrain that may contain rocks, roots, or other natural obstacles.
In CVNP, you can mountain bike on the East Rim Trail system, which includes four trails that are well-suited for intermediate mountain bikers. Visit the park’s mountain biking page for trail information.
Again, safety is paramount, not only for mountain bikers, but for others enjoying the trails. Use caution when riding.
You can review rules & safety information posted at the access points off the Bike & Hike Trail (managed by Summit Metro Parks), which connects to portions of the East Rim Trail system (see park map below).
Special note: E-bikes are not permitted on the East Rim Trails.
New to mountain biking?
If you’re interested in mountain biking but are a beginner, the Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council (CVTC), authors of Trail Guide: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (4th ed.), recommend using the Bedford Singletrack Mountain Bike Trail.
Located within the Cleveland Metroparks’ Bedford Reservation (in the northernmost end of CVNP), CVTC notes that this 11.5-mile trail system has both smoother sections for beginners and more challenging areas for experienced riders!
3. Pedaling with Our Partners
Check out CVNP’s biking page, which lists three trail systems managed by park partners that conveniently connect to the national park. Knowing about these connections is great for planning, especially for cyclists looking to map out lengthier trips.
Along with regularly checking CVNP’s events calendar for biking events, see our park partners’ events calendars for events. Below are some upcoming biking experiences and programs in and around CVNP:
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park is offering Bike the Canal excursions (Aug. 25, 2024 & Sept. 29, 2024)! Journey along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath by bicycle and explore the rich history of the valley around the Canal Exploration Center. Join a ranger for a 4-mile bike along the Towpath.
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Explorer Program allows cyclists to board the train at their Akron Northside, Botzum, Indigo Lake, or Peninsula stations throughout the day and ride back for a $5 one-way fee or by using an Explorer Pass when boarding.
- Summit Metro Parks regularly offers a diverse range of biking events and programs. Upcoming events include Senior Cycling (Aug. 15, 2024 & Aug. 29, 2024) and Summit Lake Cycle & Tour (Aug. 20, 2024). *Check their Program & Events Calendar for new and updated events.
- Cleveland Metroparks also offers biking events and programs. If you’re interested in mountain biking, register for their Learn-It: Mountain Biking clinic on Aug. 22, 2024! *Check their calendar for new and updated events.
Special Event!
Biking is an excellent recreational activity that provides exercise and time outdoors, but there are additional benefits, too. Join us at or next Low Power Happy Hour on August 14, 2024, at Happy Days Lodge to learn more about how biking makes a difference!
Enjoy networking, cocktails, and a discussion with Cycling Schools and Ohio City Bicycle Co-op to learn more about the work of these two impactful organizations in the Northeast Ohio community.
They will share their thoughts on how bicycling makes a difference in a changing world to benefit people and our environment!
Conservancy Members and Students: Free! General Admission: $10
