The best cycling routes around Cleveland

Cleveland offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 40 routes available for exploration. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging long-distance tours.

Cleveland's touring cycling routes feature diverse landscapes, primarily utilizing extensive park systems and interconnected paved, all-purpose trails. While many routes are easy to moderate, such as the Edgewater Beach – Wendy Park loop from Flats East Bank, you can also find more challenging options with varied elevation, like the Quiet all purpose trail – Brecksville-Northfield Bridge loop from West 65th–Lorain (Eco-Village), which leads through the Cuyahoga River valley.

Yes, Cleveland is very welcoming for beginner touring cyclists. Approximately 25 of the available routes are rated as easy, offering gentle terrain and shorter distances. A great example is the Edgewater Beach – Wendy Park loop from Flats East Bank, which provides scenic views without significant elevation changes.

Absolutely. Cleveland's interconnected trail network allows for extensive long-distance rides. The Quiet all purpose trail – Brecksville-Northfield Bridge loop from West 65th–Lorain (Eco-Village), for instance, spans over 57 miles (92 km) and takes you through the scenic Cuyahoga River valley. The Cleveland Metroparks All-Purpose Trails also offer routes that can connect various reservations for rides exceeding 50 miles.

Cleveland's routes are rich with natural beauty and interesting landmarks. You can cycle alongside the scenic Rocky River in the Rocky River Reservation – Waterfall on Valley Parkway loop from West Park, or enjoy panoramic views of the downtown skyline and Lake Erie shoreline on the Edgewater Beach – Wendy Park loop from Flats East Bank. The region also features the extensive Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Yes, Cleveland's natural landscape includes several beautiful waterfalls accessible by bike. Within the Cleveland Metroparks and nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can find cascades like Buttermilk Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The Bedford Reservation also offers scenic areas with picturesque vistas and waterfalls carved by Tinker's Creek.

Cleveland boasts several outstanding areas for touring cyclists. The **Cleveland Metroparks**, known as the "Emerald Necklace," offers over 100 miles of paved trails through diverse reservations like Rocky River, North Chagrin (home to Squire's Castle), and Bedford. The **Cuyahoga Valley National Park** to the south provides woodlands, wildlife, and waterfalls. Additionally, the **Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail** offers a historic ride, and the **Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway** spans the entire 17-mile Lake Erie shoreline.

Many of Cleveland's touring cycling routes are family-friendly, especially those within the Cleveland Metroparks and sections of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. These paved, all-purpose trails are generally flat and well-maintained, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all ages. Look for routes marked as 'easy' for the most suitable family options.

Generally, dogs are welcome on leash on the shared-use, paved, all-purpose trails throughout the Cleveland Metroparks and on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. However, it's always best to check specific park regulations or trail signage for any restrictions before heading out with your canine companion.

Yes, many of Cleveland's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Rocky River – Rocky River Reservation loop from West 117th–Madison and the Rocky River Reservation – Waterfall on Valley Parkway loop from West Park. These circular routes are convenient for day trips and offer varied scenery without retracing your path.

The touring cycling routes in Cleveland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive and well-maintained paved trail systems, the diverse natural landscapes, and the scenic views of Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River, and the Metroparks. The interconnectedness of the trails, allowing for long and varied rides, is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in Cleveland. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while summer provides warm weather for lakefront rides. Autumn is particularly scenic with vibrant fall foliage throughout the Metroparks and along the river valleys. While some trails may be cleared in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice.