The best road cycling routes around Akron

Akron offers over 20 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy and moderate trails to explore across the region.

Yes, Akron has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail is particularly well-suited, offering a relatively flat gradient and a mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces. The Bike & Hike Trail, a paved rail-to-trail conversion, also provides a smooth and scenic ride.

Many routes offer beautiful scenery. The Cuyahoga Valley loop takes you through the lush forests and rolling hills of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Bike & Hike Trail offers picturesque views of the Cuyahoga River and abundant waterfowl, while the Towpath Trail also provides views of the river and diverse wildlife.

While Akron's routes are primarily easy to moderate, some offer more elevation gain and longer distances. The Peninsula/Kent loop, for instance, is a moderate 51.7-mile trail with over 500 meters of elevation gain, providing a comprehensive experience of the region's varied landscapes.

Akron's routes are rich with natural beauty. Along the trails, you can encounter features like the Sharon Conglomerate rock walls of the Boston Ledges and the impressive 75-foot Brandywine Falls, especially accessible from the Bike & Hike Trail. You might also spot wildlife, including over 250 bird species, particularly within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Highlights like Ledges Overlook and Blue Hen Falls are also nearby.

Yes, many of Akron's road cycling routes are designed as loops, offering a continuous journey back to your starting point. Examples include the Freedom Trail and Bike & Hike Trail Loop, which combines paved sections of former railroad corridors, and the Cuyahoga Valley loop.

Many of the major trail systems in Akron, such as the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail and the Summit Metro Parks trails, offer designated parking areas at various access points. These are typically well-marked and provide convenient starting points for your ride.

The road cycling routes in Akron are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, well-maintained trail systems, and the blend of scenic beauty with historical interest found along routes like the Ohio & Erie Canalway.

Absolutely. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail itself is a historic route, tracing where mules once pulled canal boats. As you cycle, you can pass through downtown Akron, near attractions like Canal Park and the Civic Theatre. The Jaite Mill Historic District – Brecksville-Northfield Bridge loop from Akron Northside also offers a glimpse into the region's past.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for road biking in Akron, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. The fall foliage can be particularly stunning along routes that pass through forested areas like Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Yes, Akron's trail network is well-connected. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail spans over 90 miles, connecting Akron to other areas and leading into Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Freedom Trail also holds potential for future connections to Downtown Akron, linking various urban and forested environments.