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General Ohio & Erie Canalway

How large is the Ohio & Erie Canalway?
The National Heritage Area spans 110 miles from north to south, and varies 5 to 10 miles in width, depending on your location throughout the Canalway.

When will Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail development be completed?
93 miles of the 101-mile Towpath Trail are completed. To learn more about development of the trail, visit Canalway Partners or Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.

Can I donate to the Ohio & Erie Canalway?
While the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association does not accept donations, the two founding organizations of the National Heritage Area do. Your donations will be used to further development of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, Towpath Trail, and connector trails throughout the region. To donate, visit Canalway Partners or Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.

What is the Towpath Trail?
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is the path where, from 1827 to 1913, mules pulled canal boats laden with passengers and goods up and down the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. Today’s trail follows the historic towpath as closely as possible, the exact route determined by historic maps and remnants of the trail itself. In some places, the trail leaves the historic route where time has erased the old path. Along the trail and at key visitor centers, you can learn more about the cultural, historic, natural and recreational resources being preserved and celebrated along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

How do I access the Towpath Trail?
There are more than 50 trailheads on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that include parking and trail access. Learn more on our Towpath Trail webpage. 

Canalway Activities

How can I plan a trip on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad? 
To check the schedule or purchase tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, you must visit the website at cvsr.org or call the customer service team at 330-439-5708. 

Are E-bikes allowed on the Towpath Trail?
Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are permitted on the Towpath Trail. E-bikes are limited to 15 miles per hour on most portions of the Towpath Trail. Check with the specific park districts to learn about any additional rules to be aware of. 

Can I hold my wedding in the National Heritage Area?
There are many different locations within our 5 park systems that can be rented to host a wedding. you will need to contact the park systems directly to learn more about these locations. The National Heritage Area does not directly rent out any sites. 

Are there volunteer opportunities available around the Canalway?
Yes! the two founding organizations have opportunities throughout the year. For Cuyahoga County, contact Canalway Partners. For Summit, Stark, Wayne, and Tuscarawas Counties, contact Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Our partner organizations, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, parks districts, and founding organizations, all offer multiple opportunities to volunteer throughout the calendar year. Visit our websites or follow us on social media to follow along as opportunities come up.

Can I bring my dog on a Towpath Trail hike?
Dogs are certainly welcome on the Towpath Trail, however we ask you follow leash laws and other guidelines while journeying along the trail. You can learn more about trail and preserve etiquette here.

Does my dog have to be leashed at all times?
Yes, while using the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and other trails throughout the Canalway, your dog must be leashed. This ensures a safe and enjoyable adventure for you and for other users of the Towpath Trail.

Where can I park overnight along the Towpath Trail?
As the Towpath Trail travels through 4 different counties and several different park districts, parking restrictions vary along the trail. Check with the managing park district on specific locations. Find general parking information on our Towpath Trail webpages.

How Long is the Towpath Trail?
As of 2026, the Towpath Trail is more than 93 miles long. When completed, the Towpath Trail will be 101 miles long.

Where does the Towpath Trail start and end?
The Towpath Trail runs north and south in the National Heritage Area. The northernmost trailhead is Canal Basin Park in downtown Cleveland. The southernmost trailhead is Canal Lands Park in New Philadelphia, Ohio.