Does Cuyahoga Valley National Park need more biking trails?/NPS

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is considering the addition of more than 10 miles of biking trails in the park, including about 10 miles of single-track and three miles of cross-country trails.

The proposal is outlined in the park's Trail Management Plan, which is open for comment through mid-December. The park planners looked at adding approximately 10 miles of single-track, off-road bicycle trails in undeveloped regions of the park; 3.1 miles of cross-country trails, and; 1.35 miles of connector, multi-use trails for bicycle use.  

According to the park, "Regional recreational trail networks have blossomed across northeastern Ohio, increasing demands for additional trail connections, new trail uses, and expanded recreational opportunities. Today, the park contains approximately 175 miles of trails, approximately 97 miles of which are managed by the NPS. The NPS trail system consists of three long-distance trails--the Towpath Trail, Buckeye Trail and Valley Bridle Trail--and 11 smaller localized trail systems with separate access points."

Currently, the park provides access to trails through 25 trailheads and from the four primary Visitor Contact Centers. These trails provide for various uses, including 34 miles for hiking and trail running only, 22 miles for multi-purpose biking and hiking, 17 miles for cross-country skiing, and 35 miles for equestrian riding.

"Nonetheless, requests for new trail uses to meet the needs of growing user groups have become more frequent in recent years," the park notes. "Technologies exist today (such as personal mobility devices) that provide new means to enjoy trails. Walk-in camping is a desired amenity that recently was approved for the first time in the park. Trail running is increasing in popularity, and biking has grown into a major recreational activity within the Cuyahoga Valley."

Cuyahoga Valley planners currently are developing a strategic plan that would prioritize trail projects and identify the "additional planning, funding, staffing, project management, and monitoring that will be needed to accomplish them successfully."

Although that strategic plan has yet to be written, park officials envision the use of volunteers and a Trails Forever Program administered in partnership with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park to help build and maintain trails.