Cuyahoga Valley National Park guide · 2 min read
Walking or Biking the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath
The Towpath traces the old course of the Ohio & Erie Canal, cutting through the middle of the valley and keeping company with the Cuyahoga River over long stretches.
Mule teams once walked this corridor, hauling canal boats heavy with cargo and travelers. Now the same route carries cyclists, walkers, and runners. The trail spans 101 miles in total, and about 20 of those miles fall within the park, running north to south.
For most cyclists in the park, this is the route of choice. Because it is shared, riders often meet dog walkers, horseback riders, joggers, parents with small children, and people watching for animals. With everyone moving at their own pace and some paying more attention to the scenery than the path, the park sets a speed limit and asks for courtesy on the trail. Visitors who need a bike can find rental companies listed on the park's website.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad links up with the trail, so you can combine the two. With the railroad's one-way shuttle, you can ride your bike out along the Towpath and let the train carry you and your bike home. Train stops sit at just a few of the trailheads, so plan your route around them.
The gravel path is nearly level, so it is open to visitors of nearly every ability. A walk of 30 to 60 minutes on the Towpath takes in many sights on the valley floor, a good fit for people with mobility disabilities, families with children, and anyone with only a little time. Runners and hikers use the path too.
Three visitor centers line the trail: the Canal Exploration Center, the Boston Store, and the Hunt House. Lock 39 Trailhead is the park's northernmost starting point, and heading south from it leads you into the valley. Several trailheads have restrooms, and the Boston Store in Peninsula offers food. Beyond the park, the trail meets a Cleveland Metroparks trail to the north and a Summit County trail to the south.
