Walk Or Ride Alongside Lake Erie On The 17-Mile Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 29, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland is known as Forest City, and it’s no secret why. This community is exquisitely green, practically bursting at the seams with parks, reservations, and forests. All of this is nestled alongside an urban concrete jungle, and the duality of these features creates an especially irresistible draw for lovers of the great outdoors. One of the best ways to experience The Land and all that it has to offer is via a trek on the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway, a massive trail that spans the entirety of the city and its coast. Think you have what it takes to conquer this incredible route? Lace-up your sneakers and grab a helmet, because we’re going for a bike ride!
This incredible Ohio bikeway is actually 17.4 miles in length, and it's a journey like no other. With paved concrete and asphalt paths, locals can easily coast along on their bikes or walk at a leisurely pace as they explore the city like never before.
This incredible trail traces the path of Ohio's north coast and spans the entirety of Cleveland.
While portions of the path are totally urban, parks along the way will have facilities where you can take a break and freshen up. With pretty places like Cleveland Lakefront State Park and Edgewater Beach along the route, you might as well bring a picnic and plan to budget time to take in the local views.
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The path connects bicyclists to various points of interest, including both urban art and stunning green spaces.
While many cyclists may be used to more off-road trails, this route in Cleveland places you right in the heart of the action. You'll move through various neighborhoods, such as Collinwood and Bratenahl, along the way. You'll also get to swing by Ohio City, which features one of my favorite pieces of public art in the city — two adorable lovebirds spreading good vibes to passersby. Believe it or not, Instagram commissioned this work of art!
The course of the trail spans both hiking trails and designated on-road paths, so you'll get to see Cleveland like never before.
From places of industry to the quiet lakefront homes on Edgewater Drive, there's much to see along this route. And it also keeps you as close to Lake Erie as humanly possible, so you're almost guaranteed to experience some stunning sunsets if you time your adventure right.
And from Rockefeller Park to the Cleveland Metroparks, there's no shortage of incredible views along the way.
This lovely spot is one of several Cleveland script signs throughout the area. Framed by the city skyline, it's an iconic spot to snag a selfie. After all, if you travel the entirety of this trail, it's worth bragging about! 17 miles is not for the faint of heart.
This stunning route was completed between 1998 and 2003, and Lakefront Bikeway route marker signs will help you keep your bearings.
Planning your trek in chunked-out spurts offers all the time in the world to sit and take in the beauty of Lake Erie. No matter the season, the views along this route simply can't be beat.
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And don't worry... from Euclid to Lakewood, there's no shortage of stunning sights.
Remember to stay hydrated along your route, and don't forget to employ the buddy system. If you're not familiar with the neighborhoods you're passing through, it's always reassuring to have a friend at your side to help you figure out your path.
Get ready for adventure, because this magnificent path is calling your name!
There's so much to love about this lakefront trail in Cleveland!
The Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway is absolutely beautiful, thanks in part to a mixture of urban beauty and untamed natural spaces. Spanning Cleveland’s entire coast, it is truly the best way to see all that the city has to offer.
Think this trail is on the long side? Just wait until you check out the Towpath Trail, a jaw-dropping 101-mile hike that also spans the entirety of Cleveland (and beyond!).
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