News & Alerts

  • OHIO & ERIE CANALWAY ASSOCIATION NOW ACCEPTING LETTERS OF INTENT FOR 2025 STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FUNDING PROGRAM

    August 23, 2025

    The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association is now accepting Letters of Intent for its 2025 Strategic Initiatives Program, which supports projects with a focus on conservation and development of natural, recreational, cultural and historical resources throughout the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. Learn more here.

  • Ohio & Erie Canalway Association Extending Deadline To Submit Letter Of Intent For 2024 Strategic Initiatives Program

    August 23, 2025

    The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association has extended the deadline for Letters of Intent for its 2024 Strategic Initiatives Program. The deadline for submission is now March 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Read More. 

  • OHIO & ERIE CANALWAY ASSOCIATION NOW ACCEPTING LETTERS OF INTENT FOR 2024 STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FUNDING PROGRAM

    August 23, 2025

    The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association is now accepting Letters of Intent for its 2024 Strategic Initiatives Program, which supports projects with a focus on conservation and development of natural, recreational, cultural and historical resources throughout the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. Read more. 

  • OHIO & ERIE CANALWAY ASSOCIATION AWARDS $292,450 IN GRANTS TO FUND NORTHEAST OHIO PROGRAMS

    August 23, 2025

    NORTHEAST OH – (October 25, 2023)— The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association (OECA) has awarded $292,450 to 17 regional organizations for projects and programs within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, which includes Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties. Read more.

  • ALERT: Towpath Trail Closures - Know before you go!

    August 23, 2025

    Please be aware of Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail closures or detours before you begin your adventure. View a list of these closures and detours, and please contact us if you have questions or concerns about sections of the trail.

     

  • Ohio & Erie Canalway Reauthorized as National Heritage Area to 2037

    February 07, 2023

    On Thursday, December 22, Congress reauthorized the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area for an additional 14 years to 2037 and increased the funding cap from $20 million to $22 million dollars as part of the passage of S.1942, the National Heritage Area Act. Read more.

  • Tales from the Trails: Canalway Sampler - Ladies Who Lunch

    January 13, 2023

    Ladies, this one’s for you! OEC is back with a Canalway Sampler for a day of leisure! Go ahead, you deserve it! And why not grab your pals and treat yourself to the visually stunning landmarks and hidden gems in Downtown Canton. Read More

  • OHIO & ERIE CANALWAY ANNOUNCES 7TH EDITION TOWPATH COMPANION, REDESIGNED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS

    April 30, 2021

    The Ohio & Erie Canalway has announced the seventh edition of its Towpath Companion, redesigned for the first time in its nearly 20-year history. This book is the result of a collaboration of partners from across the National Heritage Area, led by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Read more.

  • Places to Birdwatch

    April 28, 2021

    In Cuyahoga Valley National Park alone, more than 250 bird species can be found. See the iconic great blue heron and the majestic bald eagle, nesting in treetop rookeries and soaring above beaver-filled wetlands. Read more.

  • Canalway announces more than $300,000 in 2018 strategic initiative grant awards

    March 29, 2021

    The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association (OECA) has awarded $353,000 to 14 regional organizations for projects and programs within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, which includes Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

    The OECA funded the projects through its Strategic Initiative Program, a competitive grant program that funds organizations and political subdivisions that enhance the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area—which extends 110 miles from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, OH. See the full list of projects here.

  • THREE THINGS - TRAIL ATTRACTIONS TO EXPLORE THIS FEBRUARY

    January 31, 2021

    With freezing temperatures and social-distancing still ahead of us, we thought you might need some ideas to keep you entertained, and cozy inside. We’re thrilled to highlight three partner attractions along the Towpath Trail that will add light (and a little love!) to your month of Valentine’s. Read more

  • Three Things: Safely Enjoy Your Park’s Activities this January

    January 04, 2021

    As we find ourselves in another round of stay-at-home advisories, getting fresh air is more important now than ever, and we are thrilled that most of our paths and parks are open. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy all that our park systems have to offer. While socially distancing, of course. Have fun & explore this month! Read more

  • Three Things: Safely Enjoy Your Park’s Activities this December

    November 30, 2020

    As we find ourselves in another round of stay-at-home advisories, getting fresh air is more important now than ever, and we are thrilled that most of our paths and parks are open. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy all that our park systems have to offer. While socially distancing, of course. Have fun & explore this month! Learn more about December activities.

  • Four Things: Safely Enjoy Your Park’s Activities this September

    October 30, 2020

    With things slowly getting back to normal, many of our parks’ outdoor activities are moving forward with some new conditions in place to keep us all safe. Getting outside is more important now than ever, and we are thrilled that most of our paths and parks are open. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy all that our park systems have to offer. While socially distancing, of course. Have fun & explore this month! Read more.

  • Three Things: Safely Enjoy Your Park’s Activities this November

    October 30, 2020

    With things slowly getting back to normal, many of our parks’ outdoor activities are moving forward with some new conditions in place to keep us all safe. Getting outside is more important now than ever, and we are thrilled that most of our paths and parks are open. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy all that our park systems have to offer. While socially distancing, of course. Have fun & explore this month! Read more.

  • Survey for Visitors to the Ohio & Erie Canalway

    September 29, 2020

    We're excited to present the following survey for visitors to the Ohio & Erie Canalway. We really appreciate your input and advice, and once you complete the survey, you'll be entered to win complimentary passes to Hale Farm and Village! Fill out the survey here!

  • Survey for Visitors to the Ohio & Erie Canalway

    September 29, 2020

    We're excited to present the following survey for visitors to the Ohio & Erie Canalway. We really appreciate your input and advice, and once you complete the survey, you'll be entered to win complimentary passes to Hale Farm and Village! 

  • Three Things: Safely Enjoy Your Park’s Activities in August

    August 17, 2020

    With things slowly getting back to normal, many of our parks’ outdoor activities are moving forward with some new conditions in place to keep us all safe. Getting outside is more important now than ever, and we are thrilled that most of our paths and parks are open. We hope you’ll continue to enjoy all that our park systems have to offer. While socially distancing, of course. Have fun & explore this month! Read more.

  • Ohio & Erie Canalway Association awards $603,830 in grants to fund Northeast Ohio Programs

    July 15, 2020

    NORTHEAST, OH – (July 15, 2020)— The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association (OECA) has awarded $603,830 to 16 regional organizations for projects and programs within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, which includes Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties. Read more here.

  • Three Things: Online & Outdoor Attractions | May 2020

    April 30, 2020

    As Ohio slowly re-opens, we are happy to provide this list of online and in-person activities and programs to help you ease into normalcy. And remember, going outside is a great way to practice self-care. Just continue to practice social distancing while exploring. Read more.

  • Northeast Ohio parks urge public's cooperation to remain open during COVID-19

    April 03, 2020

    Several Northeast Ohio park organizations are jointly requesting the public’s assistance in keeping parks operating safely during a visitor surge due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. As an essential service under Ohio’s stay-at-home order, parks are playing a vital role in supporting the community’s mental and physical health.

    For a safe visit, Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association and Summit Metro Parks urge park visitors to:
    • Think First: Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
    • Wash Hands: Wash your hands before coming to the park, carry hand sanitizer and avoid touching picnic tables, railings and benches.
    • Keep Your Distance: Maintain 6 feet between yourself and others and give warning before passing on the trail.
    • Come Prepared: Bring your own drinking water, carry out your trash and be prepared for restroom closures.
    • Respect Closures: Playgrounds, exercise stations, shelters and other amenities are closed for public safety. Also, please bypass busy areas for quieter ones.
    • Stay in Touch: Parks are implementing dynamic closures and are updating their websites with the latest information.

    View the original press release here.

  • Ohio & Erie Canalway Association Awards $446,680 in 2019 Grants to Fund Northeast Ohio Program

    March 18, 2020

    The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association (OECA) has awarded $446,680 to 19 regional organizations for projects and programs within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, which includes Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

    The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association funded the projects through its Strategic Initiative Program, a competitive grant program that funds organizations and political subdivisions that enhance the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area—which extends 110 miles from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, OH. Read more.

  • U.S. House of Representatives passes S.47, The Natural Resources Management Act of 2019

    February 12, 2020

    On February 26, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S.47, The Natural Resources Management Act of 2019, which included a funding cap increase from $17 million to $20 million for the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The bill, which was passed by the U.S. Senate earlier this month, will now head to the President to be signed. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Tim Ryan and Congressman David Joyce for leading these efforts in the house, and our entire Ohio delegation including Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Congressman Bob Gibbs, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, and Congressman Anthony Gonzalez for their tremendous support for the Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail! Read more in the press releases below.

  • National Park Service Seeks Public Input for New Boston Mill Visitor Center Exhibits

    February 12, 2020

    Cuyahoga Valley National Park is developing exhibits for the park’s new central visitor center, set to open later this year. The public is invited to attend one of three open houses to preview and provide input on the exhibits. The park is working to create a welcoming experience that helps visitors of various backgrounds and abilities find what interests them and easily plan their own park experience. Feedback from the public is a critical step at this point in the design.

    Details on Open House schedule and location are here

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things to Explore this April

    February 12, 2020

    April finds us itching to get outdoors and celebrate all that the beauty of spring has to offer. And our amazing partners along the Towpath are ready for you! So much to learn, explore, and celebrate this month; we hope to see you out-and-about! Read More

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things to Explore this June

    February 12, 2020

    We love summer in Northeast Ohio! Concerts, festivals, and outdoor fun offer so much to do. So much, that we had some trouble picking just three things to feature! Enjoy! Read More

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things - Attractions to Explore This July

    February 12, 2020

    Don’t let that summer heat keep you indoors. There is so much to enjoy along the Towpath this month! Read more.

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things - August Attractions

    February 12, 2020

    Summer is winding down, but the opportunities for outdoor fun are still going strong. Explore all the trail has to offer during these dog days of summer. Read More.

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things - Attractions to Explore this September

    February 12, 2020

    Fall is among us and the beauty of the region abounds! How lucky are we that we get to enjoy it with so many amazing outdoor events? Read more.

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things to Explore This October

    February 12, 2020

    Bikes, brew, boo, and the beauty of our fall foliage...October has us giddy with so much to enjoy along the trails. Read more.

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things to Explore this November

    February 12, 2020

    Old man winter is sneaking in, but don’t let that keep you cooped up inside. November brings with it the chance to get out and breathe in some fresh, crisp winter air...and maybe throw in a toboggan ride to welcome the winter season. Read more.

  • Three Things: Trail Attractions to Explore this December

    February 12, 2020

    Crisp air, snowmen, holidays, and hot cocoa...winter brings so many happy times! Not a winter person? Let these awesome events take your mind off the cold. Good news? Once winter officially arrives, the sun stays out longer with each passing day! Read More.

  • ALERT: Towpath Trail Closure - North Akron

    October 28, 2019

    The Towpath Trail is closed between Memorial Parkway Trailhead and the Mustill Store Trailhead for Akron Waterways Renewed! work. For more information, visit here.

  • Tales from the Trails: Three Things - Trail Attractions to Explore this February

    April 02, 2019

    With the arctic vortex behind us, we thought you might need some ideas to help get you out of the house. It’s OK, the sub-zero temps are gone and it’s safe to venture outdoors again. In fact, we are thrilled to highlight three amazing attractions along the towpath trail that will get you out the door and moving! Read more here.

  • Survey for Visitors to the Ohio & Erie Canalway

    March 04, 2019

    We're excited to present the following survey for visitors to the Ohio & Erie Canalway. We really appreciate your input and advice, and once you complete the survey, you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card!

  • Newsletter Sign-Up

    March 04, 2019

    If you'd like to receive our regular newsletter with details about happenings along the Ohio & Erie Canalway, please sign up with your email address here.

  • Tales from the Trails: Canalway Sampler - Girls Night Out

    March 04, 2019

    If you think the only way to enjoy the Ohio and Erie Canalway is by tying up your hiking boots or strapping on a bike helmet, we have great news. It is that and so much more! With a bunch of great partner organizations, shops, and restaurants along the Towpath, there are endless ways to take in the beauty of the Ohio & Erie Canalway without busting out your paddles and life vests. Join us as we introduce you to the many ways to enjoy the Towpath throughout Summit County and beyond. Read more.