I remember looking longingly at the bright yellow bikes in the rack at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge when I visited there several years ago for a weekend conference with Ohio writers. The early spring timing of that visit meant it was really too cold to book a bike for a leisurely ride along Lake Erie, though.
I finally got to hop on one of those yellow bikes to take a spin along the lake and through some of the park's natural meadows and marshlands when I revisited Maumee Bay with a group of travel writers this past month.
Biking at Maumee Bay perfectly suits a casual bike rider like me as the multi-use trails shared by walkers, joggers and bicyclists are paved and mostly flat.
You can easily get to most of the park's day-use areas or out to the campground on the west end of the park on bike via the trails.
I found it a nice way to see some of the quieter and less developed areas of the park, and I especially liked riding along the Lake Erie shore for much of the way.
Bike riders will probably want to wear a helmet or hat and apply sunscreen as much of the trail goes through non-wooded areas, but there are a few shelters, fishing holes and picnic areas that make great stops along the way.
I checked in at the front desk to book a bike. Bike rentals are $7 for the first hour and $3 for each additional hour. Riders can also borrow helmets and infant seats from the lodge.
Consider this a sneak peek at the park and an introduction to a series of posts this fall about my recent visit to Maumee Bay State Park, the lodge and several Toledo-area attractions that are within a 30-minute drive from Maumee Bay.
Thanks to Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and Destination Toledo CVB, which provided lodging, meals and a tour of Toledo-area activities for my review during my most recent visit to Maumee Bay, with no further compensation. I was free to express my own opinions about my stay and experiences, and the opinions expressed here are mine.
© Dominique King 2012 All rights reserved
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