The Ohio to Erie Trail Connection

Newsletter: October 2026

From the Director's Saddle

Hi Trail Friends!

October brings crisp mornings, vibrant foliage, and some of the best riding of the year along our 326-mile trail. If you’re heading north, the reds, golds, and oranges of peak fall color make every mile a little more memorable.

Riding across Ohio reminds me how important local trail infrastructure is to our communities. Every mile of connected trail creates new opportunities for people to explore Ohio’s towns, landscapes, and communities by bike.

Enjoy the fall colors, ride safely, and I hope to see you on the trail!

—Alan Weinstein, Executive Director

📢 Last call!

OTET Photo Contest

Capture the Spirit of the Trail! Submit your favorite shots through October in our two categories:

Trail Town Spotlight
Best of the OTET

🍁 Fall is the absolute best time to capture the trail in brilliant autumn color. From peak northern foliage to crisp morning rides, show us what makes the OTET special this time of year. Winners receive an exclusive OTET merch package!

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy & National Trail Progress

Across the country, communities are building connections that bring regional trails together into larger networks, including the Great American Rail-Trail.

Recent NPR coverage highlights growing, bipartisan support for rail-trail and bridge projects. Beyond recreation, these connections strengthen local economies, preserve history, and bring communities together.

Here in Ohio, we recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting for a new 1.6-mile section of the Heartland Trail in Orrville alongside the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC). This milestone helps close gaps in the larger trail network and moves us closer to a more connected statewide and national system. Don Noble, President of Rails-to-Trails of Wayne County and Treasurer of the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, and Ohio to Erie Trail Board member Molly Lehman joined the celebration.

Check out more on Rails-to-Trails and their progress on the national trail.

Rails to Trails Conservancy

326 Rider Spotlight:

Shawn Inzitari

Dayton, Ohio

Meet Shawn Inzitari from Dayton, OH, who successfully checked the trail off his bucket list on September 27, 2026!

The Inspiration: "Being from Dayton, I ride a portion of the trail all the time. I see people with their bags having fun riding the OTET, and it motivated me to become a better rider so one day I could do it."
Favorite Memories: "My favorite memory was ringing the bell on the train at Kenyon University; I was a little kid again laughing and smiling like it was the best thing in the world. I also wanted to thank the riders with me as they pulled me across the finish line everyday."
Business Hospitality: Shawn noted that all stops were wonderful, and everyone along the way was polite, kind, and accommodating.
Planning Tools: Shawn utilized the Ride with GPS maps to navigate his journey successfully.

Have a great trail story to share? Complete our post-ride feedback form for a chance to be featured—and enter to win an OTET bike jersey in November!

Trail Town Spotlight: Massillon & Towpath Region

Massillon offers a blend of industrial heritage, outdoor recreation, and small-town hospitality along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Stay and Refresh in Dalton: Stop by Larry Lamer’s welcoming B&B for an overnight stay or a trail-side relaxing break. Riders can grab water, unwind in the shade, and recharge before continuing their journey.
Explore Local Attractions: The region is close to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in nearby Canton, a great stop for football fans.
Visit Ernie’s Bike Shop: Connect with board member Molly Lehman for bike repairs, gear, and friendly local advice.
Refuel at Blue Heron Cafe: Right next door to the bike shop, enjoy a hearty bowl of soup or a satisfying meal on a crisp fall day.

Explore Massillon Trails

From the President: Tom on the Trails

Hello, trail supporters! Ohio is becoming a destination for cyclists looking to experience small towns, scenic river valleys, and beautiful greenways beyond the highways.

In my latest Substack post, “Don’t Fly Over Ohio—Bike Over It!”, I explore why long-distance riders are discovering all that Ohio has to offer.

Board Spotlight: Trail Leadership & Stewardship

This month, we recognize two dedicated leaders whose work has helped build and maintain the Ohio to Erie Trail network.

Randy Cronk

Kokosing Gap Trail Stewardship

Randy Cronk has been involved with the Kokosing Gap Trail (KGT) since its inception in 1988. As longtime president of its all-volunteer board, he helps oversee the 13.5-mile paved trail connecting Mount Vernon, Gambier, Howard, and Danville.

Randy’s commitment goes beyond board leadership. From mowing grass and clearing storm debris, to managing improvement projects (even on holidays) he helps keep the trail in great shape. As Knox County’s representative on the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund Board of Directors, he works to connect regional routes, including the Heart of Ohio Trail (HOOT) and Mohican Valley Trail.

Don Noble

Wayne County Advocacy & OTET Treasurer

Don Noble serves as president of Rails-to-Trails of Wayne County (RTWC), helping expand and maintain regional connections, including routes between Orrville and Marshallville that link into the broader Holmes County and statewide trail network.

As treasurer of the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, Don provides financial oversight for the organization supporting the 326-mile corridor from Cincinnati to Cleveland.

🗓️ Events along the OTET 🗓️

🦃 November 🦃

Cranksgiving: A food drive on 2 wheels!
Cranksgiving benefits local charities in cities around the world. Each event is locally organized. In Ohio, we have 4 near the trail:

Columbus - Nov. 7 @ 9am
Location: Combustion Brewery, 2971 N High St, Columbus
Beneficiary: CRC Food Pantry
More info

Gahanna - Nov. 14 @ 10am
Location: Bicycle One, 358 S. Hamilton Road, Suite F, Gahanna
Beneficiary: GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need)
More info

Lakewood - Nov. 14 @ 11am
Location: Lakewood Truck Park, 16900 Detroit Ave, Lakewood
Beneficiary: Lakewood Community Services Center
More info

Akron - Nov. 14 @ 9:30am
Location: Summit Cycling Center, 222 S Main St O, Akron
Beneficiary: South Street Ministries
More info

🎄December 🎄

Xenia - Dec. 5 @ 5pm
Jingle Bell Ride: A family-friendly 6.2-mile ride from Xenia Station to Old Town Reserve on the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Riders can decorate their bikes for the holidays, and prizes are awarded for the best decorations. This is part of Xenia's Hometown Christmas celebration.
More info

Columbus - Dec. 13 @ 6:30p
Joy Ride - A free, casual 10-mile ride to see downtown holiday lights. Decorate your bike, enjoy photo stops, and take a hot chocolate break at Franklinton Park. Registration and helmets are required.
More info

Have a bike event along the trail? Let us know! Email info@ohiotoerietrail.org

Autumn Safety Tips

Fall foliage makes the trail beautiful, but fallen leaves can also hide hazards beneath your wheels. Sticks, walnuts, uneven pavement, and other trail-surface imperfections may be difficult to spot under the leaves.

Slow down, stay alert, and give yourself extra room to react, especially on turns and downhill stretches. Enjoy the fall colors, and ride safely!

Quick Links and Reminders

Tag your rides: Riding the trail end to end? Don't forget to tag us @ohiotoerietrail and use hashtag #Ohio2ErieFinisher on social media.

326 Club: Finish the trail end to end? Use our form to register your ride, provide details, share photos, and get a chance at winning an exclusive OTET biking jersey.

OTET Jerseys: Show off your OTET love with a cycling jersey. And it isn't too early to start your holiday shopping! Visit Trail Shop

⚠️ October Trail Alerts ⚠️

Little Miami Scenic Trail (Southern Segment) — CLOSED: The trail is closed in South Lebanon for a major sewer infrastructure project. This closure affects the LMST from Stubbs Mill Road south to the Lebanon Spur.
Boston Trailhead to Lock 29 in Peninsula: (Northern Segment) — CLOSED: The Towpath Trail between Boston and Peninsula will be closed August 24 – November 20 to replace the Stumpy Basin boardwalk.
Kokosing Gap Trail (Central Segment) - IS OPEN! Come and enjoy the new KGT. It's a smooth ride

View Maps + Alerts

SUPPORT THE OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL

As a nonprofit organization, we rely entirely on your generosity to add signs and navigation, keep the path maintained and repaired, and our interactive maps updated. Every dollar directly supports ongoing infrastructure projects and trail community initiatives, ensuring a safe, scenic, and well-maintained trail for everyone. Please consider making a contribution today to help support our ongoing mission across these 326 miles.