Adventure

Biking NW Ohio

There is nothing quite like the enjoyment of a leisurely bike ride on a breezy 75-degree sunny day. Whether you enjoy cruising along a flat path or zipping down hills, Northwest Ohio has a range of paths that are suitable for anyone from the casual bicyclist to the avid rider. Here are some trails throughout northwest Ohio to consider for a bike ride:

MANSFIELD TO BUTLER: Richland B&O Trail

Richland B&O Trail.

Photo courtesy Destination Mansfield

The northern point of this 18.5 mile paved path goes between Mansfield and Butler. There are many quaint towns that hug the route of this path. For more information: richlandbandotrail.com. What they’ve said: “This is a nice trail, with some beautiful views. Trees and bushes grow alongside most of the trail, which makes it a pleasant ride. Also, the towns are nicely spaced (almost exactly 6 miles between) and accessible.”

OREGON: Maumee Bay State Park

Aerial view of Maumee Bay State Park.

Photo courtesy Ohio Department of Natural Resources

This 1,300-plus-acre state park situated on the western shores of Lake Erie in Oregon offers biking enthusiasts a range of trails and paths. Just 5 miles east of Toledo, Maumee Bay State Park features several multi-use trails as well as a 5 mile paved trail. For more information: maumeebaylodge.com. What they’ve said: “Easy trail[s] for bikers, runners, walkers. Great for dogs, went down to the beach and found beautiful glass and terra-cotta-colored polished stones. Many deer.”

WATERVILLE TO GRAND RAPIDS: Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Photo courtesy Metroparks Toledo

This trail follows the path of the former Miami Erie Canal. It starts at Farnsworth Metro Park and winds west to Benview Metro Park, then ends at Providence Metro Park in Grand Rapids. For more information: metroparkstoledo.com/trails/towpath-trail. What they’ve said: “Great ride, beautiful scenery, one of the best places to ride. Crossed the [Maumee] River for coffee in Grand Rapids. Nice town with friendly people.”

TOLEDO TO SYLVANIA: University Parks Trail

Maintained by Toledo Metro Parks, this paved path runs between the University of Toledo campus and Sylvania. There are several entrance points at various places on the 7 mile path. For more information: metroparkstoledo.com. What they’ve said: “Nice wide paved tree-lined route. Two road crossings with traffic lights, one crossing without. Parked in Wildwood Park [then] rode west to end on Silica Drive. Fair amount of traffic on path.”

LIMA: Lima Rotary Riverwalk

Offering a diversified range of scenery, this path winds itself from one side of Lima to the other. This trail goes from Heritage Park in Lima to Schoonover Park. For more information: traillink.com/trail/limarotary-riverwalk. What they’ve said: “Not bad. I get the complaints about cars, the view of cell towers and a refinery ... There's a nice section along the river and another through Johnny Appleseed park.”