This Saturday is a day for both trail aficionados and novices to gather and celebrate the paths that weave through our communities. The annual Celebrate Trails Day, a tradition since 2013, is returning in 2025 to Cuyahoga County with a variety of outdoor activities. The event, free to the public and championed by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, invites all to come out to Canal Basin Park at 1:00 p.m. for a community bike ride and trail walk.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, accompanied by Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb and Cleveland Metroparks Chief Planning and Design Officer Sean McDermott, will host the festivities marking the start of the walking, hiking, and biking season. "By supporting pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, we are not just building pathways, we are creating healthier, more connected communities," said Chris Ronayne, in a statement obtained by Cuyahoga County's website.
This year's events also mark the inaugural start of Cuyahoga County's Bike with a Mayor season. This initiative aims to draw citizens' attention to the Cuyahoga Greenways Plan and share opportunities for trail and bikeway development. Mayor Bibb shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, noting, "Celebrate Trails Day is a reminder of the incredible potential our city’s trails hold for building stronger, more vibrant communities. I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating these important spaces that bring us together, and move us forward."
Adding to this momentum, Brian M. Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks, highlighted the significant reach of the park system, which features over 325 miles of trails. "With over 325 miles of trails, we’re committed to enhancing access, working with civic leaders, and advocates across the region to create a more connected network that ensures every resident can easily access our park district and regional trail network," Zimmerman explained, according to the same Cuyahoga County's announcement.
Those interested in joining the Celebration Trails Day activities should come prepared for an engaging day that will offer a glimpse into the future of Cuyahoga County's outdoor infrastructure and provide them with an opportunity for direct input on upcoming projects.
