The best road cycling routes in Portage County

There are over a dozen road cycling routes in Portage County, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Yes, Portage County offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Belltower Brewing – John Brown Tannery Park loop from Kent is an easy 24.6-mile (39.6 km) path that provides a mix of urban and natural scenery, including sections near John Brown Tannery Park.

Road cycling routes in Portage County traverse a landscape characterized by rolling terrain, agricultural lands, and sections alongside waterways like the Cuyahoga River. You'll find a mix of paved roads and dedicated bike paths, including segments of the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. Elevation changes are generally moderate, with some routes offering gentle climbs and descents.

For those seeking longer rides, routes like the John Brown Tannery Park – Beaver Marsh loop from Kent cover over 50 miles (82.6 km) with moderate elevation gain, providing a more extended cycling experience through varied landscapes.

Many routes offer scenic views. You can cycle past Darrow Lake on the Darrow Lake – John Brown Tannery Park loop from Kent, or enjoy the Kent boardwalk along Cuyahoga River. The Portage Hike and Bike Trail itself offers pleasant natural surroundings.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Portage County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Portage Hike and Bike Trail – Portage Bike Trail loop from Shaw Woods, which is an easy 17.2-mile (27.6 km) ride.

Many routes start from accessible locations. For example, the East Rim mountain bike trails – East Rim MTB Trailhead loop starts from Theodore Roosevelt High School, and other routes often begin near parks or designated trail access points like John Brown Tannery Park or Jessie Smith Wildlife Preserve.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied scenery, which includes agricultural fields and river corridors, as well as the availability of dedicated multi-use paths like the Portage Hike and Bike Trail.

Absolutely. Along your rides, you might encounter the Freedom Trail — Middlebury Trailhead, the Belltower Brewing, or various bridges over the Cuyahoga River. There are also several lakes in the region, such as Brady Lake and Wingfoot Lake State Park, which offer additional points of interest.

Yes, some road cycling routes incorporate sections of multi-use paths. For instance, the Portage Bike Trail – John Brown Tannery Park loop from Jessie Smith Wildlife Preserve utilizes parts of the Portage Bike Trail, offering a blend of dedicated path and road cycling.

Many routes pass by or near significant locations. For example, several routes include sections near John Brown Tannery Park, a site with historical significance. The Cuyahoga River Bridge – Lock 29 loop from Dix Stadium also takes you past notable river features.