East Rim mountain bike trails, Cuyahoga Valley National Park/NPS

Mountain bikers will soon be able to indulge in additional miles on the East Rim Trail, which will make for approximately 10 miles in Cuyahoga Valley National Park when completed.

The East Rim Trail System is the first of its kind in the park. Designed to follow the natural topography of the valley, the challenging trail passes through dense woodlands and open meadows for mountain bikers, hikers, and runners alike to explore.

The latest developments of East Rim will come from a $15,000 REI Community Grant received by the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association. The grant will be used this summer and fall to complete the work that was started last year on the East Rim Trail System’s Edson Run Trail, as well as complete some improvements on Lamb Loop and the trailhead. The completion of Edson Run will add a trail that begins at the trailhead and feeds into Lamb Loop at the bottom near the creek crossing.

“Members and leaders of CAMBA greatly appreciate the commitment of our newfound partners and the many volunteers who came together on this project,” said Stephen Metzler, president of CAMBA.

The REI grant leverages the $400,000 raised by the park’s nonprofit friends group, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In addition to fundraising, the Conservancy also supports NPS with project management.

“The East Rim project represents multiple partners, donors, and volunteers coming together in a continued effort to sustain a world-class trail system that will enhance visitor experience and drive tourism to Northeast Ohio,” said Conservancy CEO Deb Yandala. “We are honored to be working with others who care as passionately as we do about the success of our national park.”

With more than 100 miles of robust hiking trails already in place, it was clear from the park’s 2013 Trail Management Plan that a system of mountain bike trails was the next step toward a world-class trail system. However, in order to move forward with the East Rim project, a special regulation was required to designate new bicycle routes off park roads and outside of developed areas. The park went through a process to get the rule changed to allow off-road mountain biking in Cuyahoga Valley.

"This project is a shining example of what the National Park Service can accomplish together with partners like CAMBA and the Conservancy," said Cuyahoga Superintendent Craig Kenkel. "We deeply appreciate the committed individuals who give of their time and talent and look forward to adding further trail amenities with our current partners and Summit Metro Parks.”  

Future projects on East Rim include an expanded parking lot and restroom facilities.

The East Rim Trail is part of the TRAILS FOREVER initiative to preserve, protect, and enhance the trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. TRAILS FOREVER is a partnership of the National Park Service, the Conservancy, and park volunteers.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. The park combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting.