Get the kids suited up in that new mohawk helmet and find them the perfect bike for your day on the bike trail. Akron, Ohio is home to miles of trails that are perfect for new riders, experienced bikers and our favorite, the family cargo bike riders. Ride along paths that used to be train tracks, look for hidden waterfalls and take a dip in a lake when you are done. Scroll down for all the best bike trails for kids of all ages and abilities.
Bike and Hike Trail, Summit Metro Parks
The paved 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail travels southeast from Sagamore Hills to Munroe Falls and Stow. This was one of the first "rails to trails" conversions in the country and sections of the Bike & Hike Trail follow the course of two abandoned railroads. There are several parking lots with access points along the way.
East of Route 91 in Munroe Falls, the Bike & Hike Trail parallels a scenic section of the Cuyahoga River where great blue herons, Canada geese and a variety of ducks can be seen. Don't miss a stop at Brandywine Falls. At 75 feet, the fall are one of the highest in Ohio.
Online: summitmetroparks.org
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Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath
The Ohio & Erie Canalway is a National Heritage Area that draws hikers, bikers, horseback riders and birders. This path is partially paved and very popular for good reason as it is a gorgeous area to explore via your bike. On weekends it can get pretty crowded so pick it for your weekday rides. Check out the Bike Aboard program where you can bike one way between the Boston Store and Station Road train stations, and ride the train the other direction with your bike onboard.
Online: ohioanderiecanalway.com
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Orchard Hills Park
This 237-acre park has six trails that total 3.6 miles. The trails are smoothed with some rolling hills that are perfect for younger riders. There are several trails to choose from, the longest is about a mile and a half. As a post ride reward, children will enjoy the orchard-themed playground. There's also an awesome sledding hill here in winter months.
11340 Caves Rd.
Chester Township, OH
Online: geaugaparkdistrict.org
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Hinckley Lake
The 3.3-mile paved trail around the lake offers great opportunities for bike riding kids. Located in the southern end of Cleveland Metroparks, Hinckley Reservation is the site of the nationally-known annual Return of the Buzzards. Bonus: you can cool off in the water after your ride!
Online: clevelandmetroparks.com
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Greenway Corridor
The Greenway Corridor is a 4.8-mile paved trail that's perfect for family bike rides in the beauty of nature. Bonus: The beautiful waterfall locally known as “Chair Factory Falls” is a natural feature accessible by a pedestrian trail off the Greenway Corridor in Concord Township. You'll have to park your bikes and take the very short pedestrian pathway to see the falls.
Online: lakemetroparks.com
—Kate Loweth
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