Elyria sits at the two forks of the Black River. Waterfalls, riverside trails and places of local history offer different ways to shape your stay. If you’re planning a visit, you can choose from a longer regional trail connection, a shorter accessible route in the Black River Reservation, historic sites and annual events.

Trails with different features

The North Coast Inland Trail is more than 29 miles long. It connects Lake Erie with the rural fields of western Lorain County and passes through Elyria and Lorain. In Elyria, the Gateway Trailhead is at mile 14.3: 6302 Gateway Boulevard, Elyria, Ohio 44035. The trail is open to all types of non-motorized traffic except skateboards. This includes walkers, runners, cyclists, inline skaters and cross-country skiers.

A shorter route option is available at the Black River Reservation: its 6.5-mile hiking and biking trail runs along the Black River and connects High Meadows on Ford Road in Elyria with Route 611. It is suitable for hikers, cyclists and other non-motorized forms of travel, and is fully accessible. Compared with the North Coast Inland Trail, the shorter distance and accessibility are the distinguishing features here; the North Coast Inland Trail stands out for its longer regional route and the specifically listed user types.

Water, bridge and river scenery

The Bridgeway Trail is defined by a 1,000-foot bridge that crosses the Black River twice. Waterfalls are also among Elyria’s features. Cascade Park is close to downtown and offers rivers, waterfalls and hemlock forests. Along with trail details, these specific landscape features give you more options when planning a visit.

History, exhibits and events

A monument in Ely Square commemorates the hundreds of Elyria residents who enlisted to fight in the Civil War. The square also hosts annual festivals and celebrations that bring together people from the city and Lorain County. If you’re traveling for a particular festival, check its dates before making plans.

The Lorain County History Center has exhibition galleries. Admission is free for visitors taking a self-guided tour. Check the admission policy before your visit, as it may change.

At The Hickories, tours are offered of the house built for the Garford family. They last about 45 minutes and involve navigating stairs. As tour arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

Compare ways to visit

The trails can be distinguished by length, user types and accessibility. Historic visits offer different formats: a self-guided tour at the History Center is free, while The Hickories offers a guided tour with an approximate duration and a stair requirement. The annual celebrations at Ely Square, in turn, center on a specific event date. These differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay in Elyria.

Explore more destinations: Oberlin, North Ridgeville, Avon

For the broader travel overview: Lorain.