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.
