Written Directions
This route begins in Valley View, Ohio a south eastern suburb of Cleveland, at the intersection of Rockside Rd. and Canal Rd. Follow Canal Rd south. The road will become Valley View Rd. Continue onto Valley View Rd 1.2 mi. At Chaffee Rd. (rt. 159) turn right for 1.6 mi to Ohio-82 and turn right go about a mile and then turn left onto Riverview Rd for 13.8 miles. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Riverview Rd. and go another mile. You will exit the park system in Akron and there will be a number of small restaurants once exiting the park.
Scenery
The route begins riding down into a somewhat industrial valley and quickly gives way to a rural environment where you ride along portions of an old canal system. Once on Riverview road, the route is all wooded and meanders up and down hills, around curves, and along gently winding roads. There are plenty of side roads one can take to see specific natural beauty such as caves, waterfalls, and old bridges. Take the time to stop along the way and walk some of the 125 miles of hiking trails. Stop for lunch in Peninsula. Be aware that even on dry sunny days the streams and creeks may overflow onto the roads, so be watchful on the low-land roads.
Drive Enjoyment
The roads are mostly newly paved 2 lane streets. All are well marked as are the road signs at intersections. Be careful when riding through the park's low lands as the roads can sometimes be covered with water even if on dry and sunny days. There are plenty of turns and hills along with straight sections.
Tourism Opportunities
The ride is about 26 miles long but can easily take over an hour. The road goes through several small towns where the speed limit is 25 mph. There are several restaurants in Peninsula so we often start around 11 AM and stop for lunch in Peninsula. There are also several gas stations there. At the end of the ride the road goes into Akron and again there are several restaurants and a gas station just as you come out of the park system. This rout takes you through an area most people rarely see as they elect to use I-271 and Rt. 8 into Akron.
Motorcycle Road Additional info
Go to https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/hiking.htm for more info on the park system and trails.
