Cuyahoga River – John Brown Tannery Park loop from Bike And Hike Trail Parking

If you're looking for a road cycling route that blends history with a good workout, the Cuyahoga River – John Brown Tannery Park loop from Bike And Hike Trail Parking is a moderate 23.1-mile (37.2 km) ride with 562 feet (171 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 47 minutes. This route is perfect if you enjoy varied terrain and historical sites, rather than just flat, easy paths.

What to expect on Cuyahoga River – John Brown Tannery Park loop from Bike And Hike Trail Parking

The Bike And Hike Trail terrain offers more than just flat pavement; expect delightful dips and rises, including several hills that can be short and steep, especially near road crossings. As you cycle along the Cuyahoga River, particularly in the Stow and Kent sections, the route becomes scenic but very hilly, demanding a good level of fitness. You'll pass through beautiful natural areas, including wooded sections and rural neighborhoods, with a notable highlight being the 65-foot Brandywine Falls. Keep an eye out for wildlife like great blue herons and Canada geese as the trail parallels the Cuyahoga River, and admire the Sharon Conglomerate rock walls south of Boston Mills Road. The loop also takes you to John Brown Tannery Park, a historical site with a natural amphitheater and a gazebo built from the original tannery wood.

Planning your visit

This road cycling loop starts conveniently from the Bike And Hike Trail Parking, offering easy access to the route. While specific seasonal considerations aren't noted, the varied terrain and hills suggest checking weather conditions, especially for ice or heavy rain, to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. The moderate difficulty means you should be prepared for a good workout, so bring enough water and snacks for the estimated 1 hour and 47 minutes duration.

Trail details

• Distance: 23.1 miles (37.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 562 feet (171 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 47 minutes