Cleveland’s expanding network of connected trails are now being explored by many out-of-town cyclists. We’ve seen enough “confusion” on the socials on how best to complete the northern leg of the 326-mile Ohio to Erie Trail that links the Ohio River to Lake Erie. With warm riding weather finally arriving, we decided it’s time to put together a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the final miles of the OTET.

We’re going to pick your journey up from the split of the Towpath Trail at Scranton Flats and the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail Lake Link (just down the hill from Sokolowski’s overlook in Tremont). This route will be the more straightforward route to Lake Erie (until the Center Street Swing Bridge rehabilitation is completed next year). Bear left to ride over the bridge spanning Scranton Rd.

The Lake Link trail will cross Carter Rd. (BrewDog Cleveland is to the right down Carter Rd.) where you’ll arrive at the intersection at Columbus Rd. And here’s where the confusion seems to start. It’s here where the Lake Link Trail, Irishtown Bend, and the Red Line Greenway converge. Should you want to take some time to consider your options, Hoopples Riverbed Cafe and their fine outdoor patio is a super location to enjoy a refreshment and the view! Tell ‘em Share the River sent you!

Once you cross Columbus, turn right up Franklin Hill. On the way up you’ll see where the Redline Greenway Trail terminates at Franklin.

On the way up Franklin you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River!

At the top of Franklin, turn right (north) on W. 25th St. to Detroit Rd. Turn left across 25th (using the crosswalk) and cross Detroit Rd. using the crosswalk & sidewalk. At the corner of W. 25th and the Shoreway offramp, when you look left, you’ll see the onramp to the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway. This will take you to Cleveland Metroparks’ Edgewater Park. Our suggested route will take you first to Wendy Park, which connects to Edgewater Park via the Whiskey Island Connector.

Cross the Shoreway offramp to pick up the Flats West Bank leg of the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway down Main Ave. (towards the Cuyahoga River).

Ride down Main Ave. hill, cross over Mulberry Ave. and bear left to pick up the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail Lake Link.

At the end of the Lake Link Trail, cross River Rd. to pick up the trail. You need to stay on the narrow walk across the Willow Ave. bridge spanning the Cuyahoga River as this is the only way to access the Wendy Park Bridge spanning the train tracks.

After you cross the Wendy Park Bridge, you’ll see a kiosk with the OTET sign. Here’s one of your “asked about” photo-op locations.

Take the loop under the Wendy Park Bridge heading west. Turn right at the paved parking lot road. Whiskey Island Still & Eatery is there to satisfy your food and refreshment needs!

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Ohio to Erie Trail!

If you’d like to continue to the “other” Ohio to Erie Trail photo-op locations (Edgewater Beach, the Cleveland Script sign), you can take the Whiskey Island Connector to Edgewater Park! Questions? Suggestions? Send us an e-mail or leave us a comment on social if we need to add additional clarity to this guide. And thanks for making the trip from Cincinnati to Cleveland!

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