CLEVELAND—Trails around Ohio are officially open and people are getting on their bicycles or going for a long walk.

And sometimes with man’s best friend.

“All the nature, the water flowers, good upkeep on the park and walking dogs,” said Josie Davidson, Lorain resident.

Since 1986, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s mission is to connect a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and existing trails.

• Stretches over 3,700 miles from Washington to Washington
• Will connect with Ohio to Erie Trail
• Halfway completed, but will take decades to finish

Plans are for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail to connect with the Great American Rail-Trail.

People trekking through the trail in Lorain County like the idea of trail routes coming together.

“I think it’s great, they connect pretty far,” said Robert Davis, Parma resident. “I know the trail out in Parma connects to Brecksville, Brecksville goes out to the Emerald Necklace and on a beautiful day like today and you get to enjoy the scenery and get a good workout in.”

“This one and the next one up here, Burr Oaks is connected and recently they tied in the one from Colorado Avenue, it’s really cool to take the dogs up here, ride the bikes and everything, oh it’s great, I love it,” said Jay Pittak, Lorain resident.

“My dog needs lots of exercise and activity so it’s great for her,” said Allie Pittak. “I get a decent 2-mile walk out of it, I like the loops and being outside with her… she needs the exercise, so.”

The Great American Rail-Trail map will connect more than 125 existing trails over more than 3,700 miles from coast to coast.

It will be a multi-use trail for cyclists, runners, walkers, and skaters to experience the nation’s diverse landscape.

“I think that is awesome, ya know it’s encouraging people to be active and outside more is better,” said Madison Perry, Cleveland resident. “It’s very relaxing, it’s great this time of year and now that it’s starting to warm up, it’s one of my favorite places to run.”

“Oh, I love it. It’s a great get out of the house enjoy it and get in the sun… I love it, ya it’s pretty awesome… connecting people is good,” said Lee Perkins, Cleveland resident.

It is more than half finished, but the Great American Rail-Trail will still take decades to complete.