The Incredible Towpath Trail Spans The Entire City Of Cleveland
Hiking is incredible in the Greater Cleveland area. Not only is our landscape a treasure trove of biodiversity, but our local, state, and national park systems have done a spectacular job of preserving natural areas in the region. There’s only one path, however, that will boast a jaw-dropping 101 miles of trails once completed. That would be like walking from Cleveland to Columbus – an incredible 1-day 22-hour journey, Google Maps estimates. Along this trail is beauty, nature, and history galore… you must explore at least a mile of this historical trail.
Once upon a time, goods and passengers alike traveled along the Ohio & Erie Canal.
From 1827 to 1913, the canal served as an incredible means of transportation. It only ceased operations when a flood destroyed a large majority of it. What we know as the Towpath Trail today was once where mules pulled barges along the canal. A teenage James Garfield once worked as a mule driver on the route that many people hike today.
Though the canal is no longer in use, its story continues as more than two million people visit the Towpath Trail annually.
You will experience nature in some of the region's finest parks, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cleveland Metroparks, and Summit Metro Parks.
As you hike this enchanted trail, you’ll find yourself traveling back in time. You will encounter remnants of Ohio’s canal days whether you hike for one mile or all 80. Are you ready to experience this dreamy hike? Lace up your hiking boots and don’t forget a camera – we’d love to see photos of your adventure! Share them with us on our Ohio Nature Lovers Facebook group or on Instagram using #onlyincleveland for a chance to see your photos featured!
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
