Annually, more than 2.5 million Americans find their way to the iconic 85 mile Towpath Trail running through the heart of the Ohio & Erie Canalway. Whether birding, biking, hiking, running, riding on horseback, taking a canal boat ride, or traveling alongside it by scenic rail — folks find that old-school “travel” along the Towpath Trail adds an undeniable energy to the quality of life in the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas in Northeastern Ohio.
Begin your journey on the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail in Bolivar Ohio. The Aqueduct Bridge connects the Stark County trail with the Tuscarawas County trail along the intersection of State Route 212 and Shepler Church Road SW in Bolivar. Once in Tuscarawas County, the road route takes you to Fort Laurens State Memorial – it’s first trailhead! There you will find public restrooms and the start of the limestone trail.
As you cross the bridge over I-77, you will see on your journey numerous remnants of the Canal’s lock system on your way to the next trailhead, Canal Lands Park, in Zoar just off Dover-Zoar Road.
As you continue down the trail, you will eventually reach State Route 800 in Zoarville and can continue through to Camp Tuscazoar’s trails.
Tuscarawas County’s portion accounts for roughly six miles of trail.
A part of the Beach City Wildlife Area, Dundee Falls features beautiful waterfalls, nature trails and rock climbing.
The idea for a trail and park system in the Village of Tuscarawas and Warwick Township started as a project of the Warwick Lions Club in 2010. As the project vision expanded, it was determined that the project would progress much quicker as a separate group outside of the club.
The Village of Tuscarawas/Warwick Township Trail and Parks Group held their first meeting in January 2011 as a informal community group with the sole purpose to raise funds for the planning, development, and maintaining of trails and parks in our area.
The official name of “Zeisberger Trail and Parks” was determined in March 2011.
The Panhandle Passage Trail is currently a multi-use 1.1 mile trail that connects the City of Uhrichsville with the Village of Dennison, providing residents with easy access by foot or bicycle to McCluskey Park in Dennison and the water park in Uhrichsville.
The Norma Johnson Center located outside of Dover, Ohio is a nature area open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Norma Johnson Center’s 303 acres offer a place of solitude in which to observe wildlife, enjoy birding, view wildflowers or just take a brisk walk. Hike on their marked trails while observing first-hand how nature can be improved by care and management.
Take advantage of over 6 miles of trails and their fishing ponds for your enjoyment. The Norma Johnson Center is a great place for a family picnic, group outing or summer meeting of your favorite community group.
Camp Tuscazoar was founded more than 100 years ago by Scout leaders who recognized the beauty and history of this area. Today, under the guidance of the Camp Tuscazoar Foundation, the camp remains a popular outdoor location, drawing large numbers of weekend campers, hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders each year.
The camp covers more than 800 acres and is used by a wide variety of groups for short-term camping, day camps, youth retreats, ecology projects, and other activities. Campsites, cabins, adirondacks, RV sites, an amphitheater and a dining hall are available for daily or weekly rental.
The Buckhorn Creek Trail is an 8 mile trail running from Newcomerstown to Stone Creek parallel to County Road 21 and I-77 on the site of an old C&M Railroad bed. The development of this trail was one of the early action projects in the Tuscarawas Trail and Green Space Plan. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, has partnered with the county commissioner, area land owners, local governments, corporate partners, and volunteers to develop this greenspace.
Access to this trail can be done near the intersection of Bethel Hill Road and Stonecreek Road, at the intersection of Wold Road and Stonecreek Road or where Stonecreek Road becomes College Street in Newcomerstown.
Located north of Tuscarawas County Ohio, the Bear Creek Resort Ranch KOA offers 26 miles of marked ATV and dirk bike trails over 180 acres. They also provide camping, cabin rentals, horseback riding, miniature golf and more!
Atwood Lake Park at a glance:
- 1,540 acres of water surface
- 25 horsepower limit
- 2,500 acres of land
- 28 miles of shoreline
- Conservation (Normal) Pool Elevation: 928 ft. above sea level
- 3 public launch ramps
Atwood Lake Park is located within both Tuscarawas and Carroll County. It’s one of the state’s top lakes for sailing and pleasure boating. Atwood Lake Park features a wide, sandy beach, vending area, changing rooms with shower, a playground and various picnic areas.
They have over 500 camp lots, a swimming beach with a concessions stand, vacation and patio cabins, an Activity Center and Nature Center, special events and more!
Atwood Lake Park is also home to the Alive Christian Music Festival and the Atwood Fall Festival!
Zoar Village was founded in 1817 by a group of German Separatists seeking religious freedom. In 1819, to survive and pay for their land, they formed the Society of Separatists of Zoar, a Christian Communal Society. Due to pressures from the outside world, it disbanded in 1898. Today, visitors can revisit the 19th Century at this German-style village. The historic district abounds with restored private homes, shops, and ten buildings open to tour by the Zoar Community Association through an agreement with the Ohio Historical Connection. Specialty group tours, bus tours, luncheons and dinners in historic buildings available.
The Zoar Wetland is located in northern Tuscarawas County near the historic Village of Zoar. It is a natural wetland ecosystem with a 30-acre shallow marsh and 50 acres of woodland. Our volunteers maintain two miles of trails and all other interpretive features.
Zoar’s first schoolhouse, the Zoar School Inn was built in 1836. This historic building offers four rooms, each with a private bath. Whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces are in three of the rooms. All rooms come with wireless internet access and flat screen televisions. Please call and make your reservation today!
Located in Historic Zoar Village, in the old Zoar Treasurer’s House, this bed & breakfast features one guest room with a queen bed and private bath. A full breakfast is included along with other accommodations.
The Cobbler Shop Bed & Breakfast and Cobbler Shop Antiques is a beautifully restored 19th century home, decorated with antiques dating back to 1828. Located within the heart of Ohio’s Historic Zoar Village, it is the perfect destination for your weekend getaway. Offers five rooms, each with private baths.
The Zoar Village Golf Course was designed by Geoffrey Cornish and opened in 1975. This course plays to a length of 6,700 yards from the tips and has a par of 72. The course rating is 70.9 and the slope is 121.
Golf Digest gave this course a rating of 4 Stars!
Located north of Tuscarawas County Ohio, the Bear Creek Resort Ranch KOA offers 26 miles of marked ATV and dirk bike trails over 180 acres. They also provide camping, cabin rentals, horseback riding, miniature golf and more!
North of Tuscarawas County Ohio, the Bear Creek Resort Ranch KOA has 100 campsites (full, partial and primitive) in addition to horseback riding, ATV trails, swimming and fishing.
Rosalie’s Restaurant is the place for breakfast and lunch. Please call for up-to-date hours information.
Campesino’s Grill offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican cuisines and drinks. Please call for more up-to-date information.
Built in 1902, the Garver House Bed & Breakfast boasts original hardwood floors, seven stained glass windows, a grand staircase, a formal dining room, and comfortable sitting rooms. Three charming bedrooms offer central air, private baths, cable television, and wireless internet access. A full country breakfast is included for guests, and refreshments are available every evening.
Gameday Grill is open every day (seven days a week) at 6:00am! It is a fun, family oriented sports bar and grill. Please call for up-to-date hours information.
The Lynn Drive-In is the oldest drive-in movie theatre in Ohio and one of the oldest in the nation, active since 1937. Equipped with two digital projectors, the Lynn is open seven days a week during their peak summer schedule.
Locally owned and operated, this Penso’s Pizza location is one of three in Tuscarawas County. Their tasty crust is doughy without being chewy and their sauce is one-of-a-kind!
The No. 1 Chinese Restaurant in Strasburg really is No. 1! With affordable prices and large portion sizes, don’t miss out!