Building a trail is about more than connecting miles.
For much of its 35-year history, the Ohio to Erie Trail has focused on connecting trail sections to create a continuous, traffic-free route between the Ohio River in Cincinnati and Lake Erie in Cleveland. It’s a tremendous undertaking made possible by countless people, organizations, communities, and supporters who believe in the value of trails.
As more miles connect, more people discover the trail. They come to experience Ohio through a different lens. They stop in large cities and small towns, support local businesses, and discover places they might otherwise have passed by on the interstate.
The trail’s work is no longer just about connecting miles. It’s about connecting people, businesses, communities, and experiences that make the trail more welcoming to everyone.
That’s a major part of the conversation happening today at the Ohio to Erie Trail, where I serve as board president.
Your Trail.
In 2024, the Ohio to Erie Trail Board of Directors developed a four-year strategic plan to guide the trail’s future. While completing the trail remains important, the plan recognizes the opportunities that come with a growing trail and diverse group of visitors.
At the midpoint of that plan, it’s time to look back at what we’ve accomplished and consider where we should focus our efforts over the next two years.
What is working well? Where are we making progress? What needs more attention? Are we investing our time, energy, and resources in the things that will make the greatest difference?
These are essential questions for any organization. A strategic plan must be more than a document on a shelf. It must be a roadmap that evolves as we learn more about the people we serve and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Having a plan matters. Being willing to adjust it as we learn more matters just as much. As the board considers the next two years, we need to look beyond ourselves to the people who visit the trail and the communities along it.
What do people who use the trail want from it? What would improve their experience or encourage them to return? What opportunities do residents and businesses along the route see for their communities? What would help visitors discover the attractions, services, and experiences that make each trail community unique?
Your Ideas.
Every person who visits the Ohio to Erie Trail brings a different perspective. Every perspective has something valuable to offer. Our visitors come from Ohio, other states, and beyond. We want to understand what makes the trail experience better for everyone.
Here’s where you come in!
As we prepare for our board meeting, I don’t want the planning conversation to stop with the board. I want to hear from the people who visit and enjoy the trail.
What would make your experience better? What information would help you plan a visit? What could make the trail more welcoming to new visitors or help people discover more of Ohio’s communities along the way?
Maybe you’ve noticed a problem we could fix, seen something on another trail that would work well here, or thought of an opportunity we haven’t considered.
You don’t need to be a trail expert to make a difference. Just share what’s on your mind. Your ideas help us see the trail through your eyes and make it better for everyone.
4 Questions.
We’ve put together a four-question survey to gather your ideas.
I’m interested in hearing from everyone who enjoys the trail, from those who visit in small trips to those traveling its full length. You don’t have to be a long-distance cyclist or epic outdoor enthusiast to have a meaningful perspective.
If you’re reading from outside Ohio, please join the conversation. We want the trail to be a destination that welcomes visitors, wherever they call home.
I’ll bring your input into the board’s planning discussions. I can’t promise every suggestion will become a priority. I can promise that your ideas will inform our thinking as we plan the path forward.
Complete the four-question survey here: Your Trail. Your Ideas. 4 Questions
More Than Miles. A Trail for Everyone.
For some, the trail is about adventure. For others, it’s recreation, transportation, better health, or simply a place to find a little peace outdoors. Sometimes, it’s all of those things. That’s the beauty of trails. They give us a place to find what we need, each in our own way.
As the Ohio to Erie Trail looks to the future, I hope we can build on the vision of those who came before us. I hope we can connect more than miles by helping visitors discover the communities, people, and experiences along the way. Most of all, I hope we can make the trail a place where everyone feels welcome.
Because building a trail is about more than connecting one place to another. It’s about connecting people, opening doors to new experiences, and giving more people the chance to enjoy the journey.
Here’s something worth remembering: the trail is free to enjoy. In a world where so many experiences come with a price tag, that’s something special.
Thanks for reading and for helping shape the trail’s future. I look forward to hearing your ideas!
Happy Trails!
Tom on the Trails