Embark on an unforgettable trail ride through Southern Ohio, traveling from Cincinnati to Columbus along scenic routes brimming with history and natural beauty. Begin your adventure along the majestic Ohio River, then stop at the historic Golden Lamb Hotel in Lebanon, Ohio’s oldest inn. Continue on to Dayton, where you’ll explore the Wright Brothers Museum, a tribute to aviation’s pioneers. Enjoy the vibrant arts scene and unique charm of quirky Yellow Springs before arriving in the picturesque capital of Columbus, with its stunning skyline along the Scioto River. On your final day, cruise the Alum Creek Trail past an ideal mix of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Southern Ohio Trails
From Cincinnati to Columbus
Tour Difficulty
Mostly Flat TerrainDuration
6 Days, 5 NightsMeet/Depart
Downtown CincinnatiNearest Airport
CVG: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky InternationalPricing
From $2895 per personDates
6/1/25 - 6/6/25 6/8/25 - 6/13/25 9/14/25 - 9/19/25 9/21/25 - 9/26/25Tour Status
ItineraryDownload Itinerary
Day 1
Embark on an unforgettable 41-mile bicycle trail ride that begins in Cincinnati, Ohio, and takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, which is part of the popular Ohio to Erie Trail system. This day of cycling winds through southern Ohio including the charming town of Loveland and ending in historic Lebanon Ohio. This ride combines natural beauty, and a dash of history. As you journey along the peaceful riverside path, you’ll enjoy lush greenery, quaint bridges, and vibrant small towns. Our destination is the historic Golden Lamb Hotel in Lebanon, Ohio, a beloved landmark dating back to 1803 and has hosted 12 U.S. presidents, politicians, and literary greats such as Samual Clemens and Charles Dickens. Here, you can unwind, savor a delicious meal, and immerse yourself in rich Ohio history.
Day 2
Day 2 of our Ohio bicycle tour promises another exciting adventure on the Ohio to Erie Trail! After a brief 20-minute shuttle, you’ll start pedaling through scenic Ohio landscapes, with options to ride between 33 to 56 miles to suit your pace and preference. The day’s route is filled with gentle stretches and scenic views, leading to the Xenia Trail Hub, a popular gathering spot at the heart of Ohio’s bike trail network. Here, you’ll enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch, refueling amid the beautiful park scape, and optional trail riding to make the most use of Ohio’s vast bikeways.
Day 3
Day 3 of our Ohio bicycle tour takes us west from Lebanon to Middletown, where we’ll begin a scenic 25-mile ride along the Great Miami River. This morning’s route brings us to the historic Carillon Park in Dayton, home to the U.S. National Park monument dedicated to the Wright Brothers’ first airplane—a true tribute to Ohio’s aviation legacy. After exploring the museum and enjoying lunch, we’ll set out for another 23 miles on the trail, winding our way to the lively and eclectic town of Yellow Springs. Known for its unique shops, vibrant arts scene, and small-town charm, Yellow Springs is the perfect place to unwind after a day of memorable rides and discoveries.
Day 4
We embark on a picturesque 39-mile ride, departing from the charming town of Yellow Springs and connecting to London, Ohio, along the Ohio to Erie Trail. This stretch of the trail follows an old rail line, leading us through historic rail towns that offer glimpses into Ohio’s past. The path is lined with scenic countryside, rustic bridges, and traces of the region’s railway heritage, creating a journey that’s as beautiful as it is nostalgic. Whether you’re a history buff or simply love scenic cycling, this ride offers a perfect blend of culture and nature on one of Ohio’s most treasured trails. After lunch there is an option to cycle all or part of the way back to Yellow Springs.
Day 5
After a quick shuttle from Yellow Springs to London, Ohio, you’ll start a 25-mile ride from the London Prairie Trailhead, following the Camp Chase Trail into the heart of Columbus. This stretch is filled with beautiful views of Ohio’s farmland and peaceful wooded paths, leading you right into the vibrant capital city. Once in Columbus, you’ll have the option to add extra miles exploring the Scioto and Olentangy trails or to spend the afternoon off the bike, soaking in Columbus’s rich arts, food, and cultural scene. It’s a day that balances the thrill of riding with the opportunity to discover the sights of Ohio’s largest city.
Day 6
On the final morning of our Southern Ohio cycling tour, we’ll enjoy a beautiful ride through Columbus’s extensive trail network. Starting along the scenic Scioto River, we’ll connect to the Alum Creek Trail, surrounded by lush greenery and creekside views, offering a peaceful and fitting end to a week of exploration on Ohio’s trails. This last stretch provides a chance to savor the sights and sounds of Columbus before we gather for a celebratory lunch, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared. It’s the perfect finale to an unforgettable week of adventure and camaraderie on Ohio’s finest trails.
Pricing
What's included in your Tour Price
Tour prices are per person rates and include all of the following:
- Lodging costs (double occupancy rooms), including all taxes/fees
- All breakfasts and most lunches
- All dinners described in the tour itinerary. Please note: alcoholic beverages are not included.
- Morning and afternoon snacks
- Route planning and detailed daily area maps
- Guide support along the route
- Van support along the route
- Luggage transfer
- Fees for all ferries, tolls for all highways and any park entrance or guided tour fees were noted
- Transportation back to starting point
- Costs for any special activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or rafting where noted
- Carolina Tailwinds t-shirt or day bag, water bottles, complimentary photo cd of your tour on request.
Please Note:
All lodging costs are based on double occupancy. The single room surcharge rates are shown above.
Single travelers who desire a roommate match will be paired with other tour guests of the same gender in a room with two beds, if available. If a match can't be found for a single traveler, a single occupancy surcharge will be assessed. To find out if a roommate match is available, call us. We will be happy to put you on a wait list for a match if one is not already available.
Single travelers may request a private room, subject to availability, and to the single room surcharge rate payable in full at the time of the reservation.
Transportation to the tour starting point, including airfare and any airport transfers, is not included in the tour price. We can assist you with making any airport transportation arrangements or advise you on the nearest and most convenient airport. See more airport and airport shuttle information on our FAQ page or on the individual tour pages.
Alcoholic beverages at restaurants are not generally included . A separate beverage tab may be run for anyone who would like a drink with dinner. Settling this tab will be the responsibility of the individual participants.
Bicycle rental is available as an option (prices above). We have road touring bikes and hybrid bikes for your use and invite you to forego the hassle of transporting your bike to and from the starting point. Click here for more information on the equipment available for your use.
Want to know more about our polices, terms and conditions? Click here to review our deposit requirements, cancellation policy and more.
We will be happy to address any additional concerns or questions you may have.
Simply e-mail us at our Contact Us page, or call us at 1-888-251-3206 (local number is 336.794.1054). Ready to make your
reservation? Click here to reserve a spot online, or call us at 1-888-251-3206 (local number is 336.794.1054).
Travel Insurance: We strongly encourage you to consider travel insurance. You may research and compare competing travel insurance policies at websites such as www.squaremouth.com.
Lodging
Nights 1 & 2
Nights 3 & 4
The Mills Park Hotel offers 28 tastefully decorated rooms in the heart of charming Yellow Springs. Onsite dining and common space make it the perfect place to relax and socialize. Rooms feature luxury linens, Smart TVs, custom solid wood desks, armoires, and upholsteries. Internet access, coffee makers, and hair dryers are standard features in all rooms. Enjoy the exceptional quality of custom Amish hand-crafted furniture and pillow top mattresses.
Night 5
Our modern downtown Columbus hotel will provide sweeping veiws of the the downtown skyline. We will be walking distance to restaurants and shopping.
Planning
Cycling
The terrain is mosty flat. Mileage each day will range from 25 – 56+ miles, at your option. As with all Carolina Tailwinds tours, you can take advantage of the support van to "leap frog" ahead on the route.
All of the routes are on paved rail trails, with a few short section on side streets.
Tour Point of Origin for Complimentary Day 1 Shuttle:
Columbus, OH airport area (John Glenn International/CMH), with a complimentary shuttle to Smale Park, downtown Cincinnati.
Tour Point of Origin for those hiring their own ground transportation:
Smale Riverfront Park, downtown Cincinnati.
Getting to the Tour Start (Columbus, OH)
Airports:
John Glenn International (Columbus) (CMH) https://flycolumbus.com/
Service by 11 airlines to 50 non-stop destinations. This tour ends in Columbus. We will offer ground transportation at specific time on the first day of the tour from the Columbus airport area to Cincinnati.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) https://www.cvgairport.com/
Service by 12 airlines to 55 non-stop destinations. You may want to consider flying into CVG at the beginning of the tour. We would still recommend flying home from CMH at the end of the tour. Carolina Tailwinds will NOT provide any shuttles to or from CVG, so you will need to make your own ground transportation plans if you use this airport.
Ground Transit:
Carolina Tailwinds will provide a courtesy shuttle from CMH and CMH airport hotels to downtown Cincinnati early on the morning of the first day of the tour. Carolina Tailwinds will provide a courtesy shuttle back to CMH and CMH airport hotels on the afternoon of the last day of the tour.
At all other times, taxis, Ubers, limos, and rental cars are available at CVG and CMH.
Parking:
You may want to consider parking at a CMH airport hotel or at this parking facility:
https://www.thefastpark.com/
Carolina Tailwinds can include this location in its courtesy shuttles mentioned above.
NOTE: If you drive to Cincinnati at the beginning and park your car there, you will need to arrange your own transportation back on the last day.
Arrival/Departure Timing
In order to participate in the Day 1 meeting and bike ride, please plan to arrive in the Columbus airport area no later than 8:30 a.m. If you are arranging private transportation to Smale Park in Cincinnati, please be there by 11:30. (10:30 a.m. if renting a bike).
On Day 6, we will conclude in Columbus between 12 and 1:00 pm. Flight timing on our last day should not be booked any earlier than 4:00 p.m. from CMH.
Extend Your Vacation
Before or after our activity packed tour, you may want to tack on a few days.
Columbus: Experience attractions like the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium or Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, the only museum of its kind, COSI, voted best science museum in the nation three times by USA Today’s 10Best awards, and the Columbus Museum of Art.
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