Graphic Courtesy Cleveland Metroparks
There may be a new water trail and land-based trail along Lake Erie for visitors and residents in northern Ohio. Cuyahoga County leaders announced in October that they plan to create a Lake Erie Water Trail, stretching about 28 miles from Bay Village to Euclid. In addition, Cuyahoga County has proposed a land-based waterfront trail that would also run from Bay Village to Euclid.
A water trail is defined by Cleveland Metroparks as “a recreational boating route along a waterway with strategically located access points similar to a hiking trail or bikeway.”
The land-based trail, called the Lakefront Public Access Plan, will be rolled out in multiple phases, and will ultimately “create seamless, connected path, trails and boardwalks across the entire lakefront,” according to Cuyahoga County. The goal of both projects is to connect residents to Lake Erie and enhance the quality of the shoreline.
“Our best asset in the region is our lake. This plan will be transformative for all our residents as we significantly increase access to our beautiful lakeshore,” Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish says of the land-based trail. “This project is for everyone living in the county. I’m excited that it is also forward-looking — taking into account the impacts of erosion and climate change and for the economic development opportunities it will bring to our county.”
For more information, visit cuyahogacounty.us and clevelandmetroparks.com.