Portage Hike & Bike Trail
Location
The PORTAGE is a multi-jurisdictional project, with portions of the trail managed by Portage Park District, the City of Kent, the City of Ravenna and Kent State University.
Parking for Park District-managed sections is available at:
535 Cleveland Rd., Ravenna, OH 44266
1557 Lake Rockwell Rd., Kent, OH 44240
2264 Ravenna Rd., Kent, OH 44240
7173 Hudson Rd. and 784 Judson Rd., Kent, OH 44240 (Franklin Connector)
Activities
Park Activities: cross-country skiing, cycling, hiking, in-line skating, nature & historic appreciation, skateboarding
Amenities
- ADA accessible
- Benches
- Information kiosks
- Interpretive signs
- Multiple trailheads and parking areas
- Picnic tables
Special Notices
- No horses or motor vehicles
- Pass on the left, and signal before passing
Portage Park District Rules and Regulations
Trails
Trail Icon | Trail Name | Miles | Surface Type | Rating | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
multipurpose trail | The PORTAGE Hike and Bike Trail | 7.07 | asphalt paved | 1 | Smooth, flat trail from Ravenna to Kent and beyond. Great for a variety of activities and for ADA accessibility. |
History & Resources
The PORTAGE Hike and Bike Trail serves as a key east-west link between the major trail systems in Northeast Ohio. It was developed through a partnership between Portage Park District, Portage County, Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, City of Kent, Kent State University, Franklin and Ravenna Townships, and the City of Ravenna. Direct and indirect connections to adjacent regional trails, such as Summit Metro Parks Bike and Hike Trail, encourage a variety of short and long trail rides to local neighborhoods and towns to Cleveland, Akron and the Cuyahoga Valley Towpath Trail.
Trail development was made possible thanks to a variety of individual donations, local, state and federal grants and through the cooperation of the ODOT and AMATS.
Historically used as a transportation route by Native Americans, with Standing Rock nearby in Kent, the PORTAGE is also located along the historic Erie rail line, with a portion of it running alongside a still-active railroad operated by the Akron Barberton Cluster Railway. Portions of the trail travel along the Cuyahoga River, remnants of the P&O Canal, the historic Kent Railyards, Towner’s Woods Park, and Chestnut Hills Park. The PORTAGE now connects schools, businesses and parks with downtowns and neighborhoods from Ravenna to Kent and beyond.
Photo Gallery