The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail offers a unique and enriching experience for cyclists. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual biker, exploring this historic route on a Towpath Bike promises adventure and breathtaking scenery. This guide will take you through each section of the Towpath Trail, highlighting what makes it perfect for your next bike excursion.
Cuyahoga County: Urban Beginnings of Your Towpath Bike Adventure
Starting in downtown Cleveland, the Towpath Trail’s northernmost point is marked by the future Canal Basin Park, a historic site where the Ohio & Erie Canal once met the Cuyahoga River. This urban section of the Towpath Trail is ideal for a towpath bike ride, beginning at Scranton Flats, Cleveland’s first publicly funded Towpath section. As you pedal your towpath bike through the Tremont neighborhood and towards Harvard Avenue, you’ll experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere alongside the tranquility of the trail.
This five-mile stretch within Cleveland seamlessly connects to the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights, further extending your towpath bike journey. South of the reservation, the trail leads directly into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, creating a continuous and diverse riding experience.
Cuyahoga County Towpath Bike Highlights:
- Towpath Miles: 11 miles of paved trail perfect for a towpath bike.
- Trailheads: 10 convenient access points.
- Surface: Smoothly paved, ideal for various towpath bikes.
- Key Stop: CanalWay Center in the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation – learn about canal history and see the northernmost watered canal section.
- Night Riding: Mostly lit and snow-cleared in winter, extending your towpath bike riding season.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Immerse Yourself in Nature on Your Towpath Bike
Within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Towpath Trail transforms into a 24-hour accessible haven for nature lovers and towpath bike enthusiasts. Imagine riding your towpath bike under the stars, with helmet lights illuminating your path, offering a unique perspective on nocturnal wildlife.
Make sure to stop at the Canal Exploration Center at Lock 38, part of the America’s Byway, to delve into 12,000 years of local history. Witness a lock meticulously restored to its 1905 condition, a testament to the canal’s rich past. As you continue south on your towpath bike, the trail meanders into Pinery Narrows, a stunning 2.7-mile stretch south of the historic Frazee House, immersing you deeper into the park’s natural beauty.
Further along, Boston, one of Summit County’s oldest settlements, beckons. From here, a short detour west of the Towpath Trail leads to the majestic Brandywine Falls, a 63-foot cascade worth exploring after a towpath bike ride. Pedal onward to the charming village of Peninsula, where you can refuel at local eateries like Winking Lizard Tavern and Fisher’s Café & Pub, popular stops for towpath bike riders.
North of the Ira Road Trailhead, as you head towards the park’s southern edge, you’ll encounter the renowned Beaver Marsh, a wildlife hotspot and a scenic highlight for any towpath bike journey.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Towpath Bike Highlights:
- Towpath Miles: 20 miles of varied terrain for an adventurous towpath bike experience.
- Trailheads: 13 entry points to customize your towpath bike route.
- Surface: Level, hard-packed crushed limestone, suitable for most towpath bikes, though wider tires recommended for optimal comfort.
- Key Visitor Centers: Canal Exploration Center and Boston Store Visitor Center, enriching your towpath bike trip with historical and natural insights.
- 24/7 Access: Unique opportunity for nighttime towpath bike riding (helmet lights required).
Summit Metro Parks: Towpath Bike Trails Through History and Urban Landscapes
As you transition into Summit Metro Parks, your towpath bike adventure continues from Botzum, home to the historic Conrad Botzum Farm, south towards Old Portage and Cascade Locks. Here, marvel at five of the original 15 “staircase” locks that once lifted canal boats over a steep elevation change – a remarkable feat of engineering. During summer weekends, the restored 1850s Mustill Store Visitor Center, managed by the Cascade Locks Park Association (CLPA), offers canal-era exhibits, providing a glimpse into the past while you take a break from your towpath bike.
Continuing south, you’ll reach the heart of Akron. Consider side trips on your towpath bike to cultural and athletic landmarks like the Akron Art Museum and Canal Park Baseball Stadium. The Richard Howe House Trailhead also offers historical exploration. South of downtown Akron, experience “The Divide,” an extraordinary floating section of the Towpath Trail at the southern end of Summit Lake, a truly unique feature for towpath bike riders.
Summit Metro Parks Towpath Bike Highlights:
- Towpath Miles: 22.4 miles to explore on your towpath bike.
- Trailheads: 17 access points (14 within Summit Metro Parks), offering diverse towpath bike routes.
- Surface: Hard-packed crushed limestone, great for towpath bikes with slightly wider tires.
- Key Visitor Centers: F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (SMP) and Mustill Store Visitor Center (CLPA), enhancing your towpath bike journey with nature and history.
- Urban Exploration: Akron’s cultural and historical sites are easily accessible from the Towpath Trail, enriching your towpath bike experience.
Stark County Park District: Towpath Bike Rides Along the Tuscarawas River
In Stark County, the Towpath Trail follows the Tuscarawas River, leading you to Canal Fulton, home of the St. Helena III, a working replica of a canal-era freight barge. Enjoy a 45-minute canal boat trip to Lock 4 Park and back, a delightful break from your towpath bike.
A side trip to the Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center in Massillon is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural history of the Ohio & Erie Canalway, explore wetland trails, and enjoy boating opportunities. South of the Crystal Springs Park Trailhead, discover historic structures like High Mill Bridge, Smith Mill, and the U.S. Boundary Marker, all easily accessible by towpath bike.
Look out for the historic big rock on Erie Avenue, once marking the western border of the United States! The Lake Avenue Trailhead provides visitor amenities, including bike rentals, repairs, and refreshments – a perfect stop for towpath bike riders.
Continue south towards Navarre, home to the Mathews House Museum, and through the rural farmlands of the Tuscarawas River Valley and Wildcat Basin. Note that services are limited between Navarre and Bolivar, and this section of the Towpath Trail is also shared with equestrians, so be mindful while towpath biking.
Stark County Park District Towpath Bike Highlights:
- Towpath Miles: 25 miles of trail for extensive towpath bike exploration.
- Trailheads: 13 access points along the Stark County section of the Towpath Trail.
- Surface: Crushed limestone, mostly ADA Accessible, accommodating a variety of towpath bikes.
- Key Visitor Centers: Canal Fulton Canalway Center and Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center at Sippo Lake Park, offering rich historical and natural experiences for towpath bike riders. Lake Avenue Trailhead provides visitor amenities.
- Canal Boat Trip: St. Helena III in Canal Fulton offers a unique canal experience alongside your towpath bike adventure.
Tuscarawas County: Southern Terminus for Now – Explore by Towpath Bike
South of Bolivar, the Towpath Trail leads to Fort Laurens State Memorial, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War-era fort. Explore the parklands and pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot of the American Revolution. Continue your towpath bike journey south to the German community of Zoar and the Canal Lands Park Trailhead – currently the southernmost trailhead on the Towpath Trail.
Explore the historic Village of Zoar, including its stunning historic gardens and the Zoar Store, perfect for a post-towpath bike exploration.
Tuscarawas County Towpath Bike Highlights:
- Towpath Miles: 2.9 miles + 2.7 mile extension from Zoar to Zoarville, perfect for a shorter towpath bike ride.
- Trailheads: 3 access points, including the newest McDonnell Trailhead near the Aqueduct Bridge.
- Surface: Earthen, level surface suitable for most towpath bikes.
- Key Visitor Centers: Ft. Laurens State Memorial and Village of Zoar, providing historical and cultural depth to your towpath bike trip.
- Historic Villages: Zoar offers unique cultural and historical experiences to complement your towpath bike adventure.
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail offers a diverse and rewarding experience for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure on a towpath bike. From urban landscapes to national park wilderness and historic villages, each section promises unique discoveries and memorable rides. Plan your towpath bike trip today and explore the heart of Ohio’s canal history!
