With Historic Elements And Bridges, The Little-Known CanalWay Center Loop In Cleveland Is Unexpectedly Magical
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 09, 2022
×
Nikki Rhoades
Author
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.
Time in nature is endlessly rewarding. From fostering familiarity with local flora and fauna to immersing your senses in serenity, there’s much to discover in the parks of Greater Cleveland. One of the most amazing parks in the city, CanalWay Center, also serves up an unforgettable dose of history. You see, this fascinating park is situated along a portion of the 309-mile Ohio and Erie Canal. This canal was constructed in the 1820s and 1830s, effectively turning Cleveland into a bustling trade hub. CanalWay Center is one of the only historic parks in Cleveland where you can take a leisurely stroll through nature and history alike. Pack up some trail mix and get ready to hit the trails, because this easy hike will leave you delighted.
CanalWay Center is a charming part of the Cleveland Metroparks, and it's one spot many locals still have yet to explore! This park dives into the cultural history of Greater Cleveland, and the on-site visitor center has something for everyone, including a cool canal boat play area.
This lovely reservation encapsulates a portion of the northernmost stretch of the remaining canal. Many portions of the old canal are now drained, but here, they're still flowing with rich, blue waters.
For many visitors, encountering native Ohio wildlife is the highlight of each visit. Turtles, waterfowl, amphibians, deer, and other cute critters call this spot home.
Advertisement
...And there are all sorts of historic elements awaiting visitors, too.
The canal, at peak operation, connected portions of Northeast Ohio with the southern stretches of the state. At one point, the canal even connected the Cuyahoga River with the Ohio River!
The canal's effectiveness was dampened by the construction of railroads, but it still served as a water source for local communities until roughly 1913.
The portions of the canal that still have water running through them are truly a look back in time. At one point, this quaint waterway made Ohio's economy prosperous.
Advertisement
While the 1.5-mile trail will get you face-to-face with this historic transportation route, there's lots more to see in the park, including a boardwalk and a visitor center.
If you're feeling adventurous, the 7.2-mile All-Purpose Trail that spans through the reservation will show you all sorts of natural and cultural splendor.
The park is also full of unique architectural elements and pieces of art, ensuring every visit is unforgettable.
Ready to pay a visit to this stunning spot? AllTrails has an interactive map and visitor reviews that will help you customize your visit to your needs and preferences.
Of course, even with these lovely elements, nature remains the focus of this stunning park.
You can visit CanalWay Center at 4524 E 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44125.
When it comes to historic parks in Cleveland, this gorgeous spot is one of the best. Have you ever visited CanalWay Center in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
