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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Ohio
Cuyahoga County
Cleveland

Lock 39, Ohio & Erie Canal – Bath House Café loop from Little Italy–University Circle

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Ohio
Cuyahoga County
Cleveland

Lock 39, Ohio & Erie Canal – Bath House Café loop from Little Italy–University Circle

Hard

2.8

(17)

23

riders

Lock 39, Ohio & Erie Canal – Bath House Café loop from Little Italy–University Circle

04:58

82.4km

570m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

5.38 km

Shaker Lakes Nature Center

Highlight • Rest Area

The Nature Center is a great family-friendly place to visit to learn more about local wildlife. Also at the site are a birdwatching platform and a short interactive wilderness trail.

Tip by

2

42.6 km

Ride the road not the trail. Smoother and hills are more gradual.

Tip by

3

46.5 km

Tinker’s Creek is the largest tributary that feeds into the Cuyahoga River. The creek has carved out a steep, walled gorge. The gorge was declared a National Natural Landmark in …

Tip by

4

52.2 km

The Exploration Center is well worth a visit if you are venturing out on the O&E Towpath. The center is small, but holds a lot of history from mid-19th century …

Tip by

5

54.8 km

Lock 39, Ohio & Erie Canal

Highlight • Historical Site

The now-overgrown lock was once an integral part of the Ohio & Erie Canal. A sign by on the towpath tells the history of the old lock.

Tip by

6

55.3 km

Bath House Café

Highlight • Cafe

Great place to stop and refuel, bike friendly and on the trail.

Tip by

7

58.7 km

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

From 1827 to 1913, this path was used for mules to pull canal boats with passengers along the Ohio & Erie Canal. The trail follows the path as closely as possible, with plenty of trails and areas to explore.

Tip by

8

71.2 km

Cleveland Script Sign - Tremont

Highlight • Monument

You will find these Cleveland script signs scattered around the city. They are a great place to snap some memorable photos with great backdrops of the city.

Tip by

B

82.4 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

59.1 km

19.2 km

3.15 km

906 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

50.9 km

31.0 km

286 m

175 m

128 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (380 m)

Lowest point (170 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Friday 26 June

23°C

16°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a substantial touring bicycle adventure that blends urban history with natural beauty, the Lock 39, Ohio & Erie Canal – Bath House Café loop from Little Italy–University Circle is a difficult 51.2 miles (82.4 km) route with 1868 feet (569 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 58 minutes. This long-distance ride is perfect for experienced cyclists eager to explore the rich heritage of the Ohio & Erie Canal and the scenic landscapes of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering a unique perspective on Cleveland's surroundings.

What to expect on Lock 39, Ohio & Erie Canal – Bath House Café loop from Little Italy–University Circle

Starting from the vibrant Little Italy–University Circle area, you'll initially navigate through Cleveland's industrial valley, catching glimpses of the Cuyahoga River and the city skyline. As you head south towards Lock 39, the scenery gradually transforms, transitioning from paved urban paths to the hard-packed crushed limestone of the historic Towpath Trail. This remarkably flat profile makes the long distance manageable, even though it's rated difficult. You'll pass wetlands and forests, with Lock 39 itself serving as a fascinating historical marker, a preserved remnant of the canal's past. This route is best suited for cyclists who appreciate a long, steady ride with plenty of historical and natural points of interest.

Planning your visit

Accessing the trail from the Cleveland area, such as Little Italy–University Circle, provides a convenient starting point. Lock 39 acts as a significant trailhead, offering connectivity to both Cuyahoga Valley National Park to the south and Cleveland Metroparks to the north. While a specific "Bath House Café loop" isn't a formally documented segment, you'll find various cafes and amenities along the broader Towpath Trail and in nearby towns for refreshment stops. The trail is multi-use, so expect to share it with hikers and runners.

Trail details

  • Distance: 51.2 miles (82.4 km)
  • Elevation gain: 1868 feet (569 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 4 hours and 58 minutes

Nearby routes

Moderate

5.0

16

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath and Bike & Hike Trail Loop

02:35h

38.3km

160m

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