Today is July 24, 2018 and we are taking on the Bike & Hike Trail with the northern trail head starting at the Cuyahoga-Summit Co. border (use either the Alexander Rd or Aurora Rd (Rt 82)) lots. The 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail was one of the first “rails to trails” conversions in the country. The trail utilizes the course of two abandoned railroads; the Lake Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad (LE&P) the Akron, Bedford & Cleveland Railroad (AB&C Railroad).
Heading south, the trail runs along a utility right-of-way, though wooded areas on a well maintain surface. About 3 miles down the trail you will be treated to the spectacular Brandywine Falls. Take the opportunity to dismount and walk down to the observation area (Careful in those bike shoes).
As I continued south I spotted this sign (below).
I was riding my gravel bike as some of my research indicated that portions of the trail went to gravel/or poorly paved. I am not a mountain biker but couldn’t resist so I gave the Lamb Trail Loop a try. It was probably a bit more challenging than I expected and the rain soaked uphill section were not “ridable” with my bike/tire set up.
Fun all the same.
Trail Mileage Marker which you will see at many of the major road crossings.
South of Boston Mills Road the Sharon Conglomerate rock walls of the Boston Ledges rise along the trail. Very cool both aesthetically and temperature.
The southern part of the bikeway splits into 2 trails just after you ride over the Rt. 8 overpass south of Rt 303.
I took a right at the fork which takes you to Silver Lake and which eventually loops through Stow and bring you back to the fork in a 20 mile loop. There are several “on-road” section in the southern trail loop. Pay close attention to the trail signs or you will easily find yourself off the trail.
The southern loop has many twisted and turns as well as meandering through residential areas with many intersections (trail cross street or on-road).There are several very light rollers which is a break from the standard rails-to-trails.
Finished the loop and headed back to lot 82. The trail and the double back to lot 82, along with the 4.5 Mtn bike trail put me at 45 miles.
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