How to Bike the Towpath

CUYAHOGA, AKRON — The Towpath, selected as the 'Best of Ohio Bike Trail' by Ohio Magazine readers in 2015, is a place to be for bike riders. Here, you can ride through five preserves in the National Heritage Area on a trail traditionally used by mules. Although the landscape and surfaces alter slightly, the transition between parks is nearly smooth.

Getting started with biking the Towpath is a simple process. Just follow the tips below:

• Trailheads: Around 49 trailheads provide parking, access to the Towpath and excellent trip gateways. Trailheads are located north of Harvard Avenue and south of Canal Lands Park.
• Choose a distance: From there, use the map plan!
• One-Way Trip: Frequent riders suggest a one-way excursion.
• Round trip: For experienced riders, we suggest the Cleve.—Tusc.—Cleve route. Get the more rigorous journey done first!
• Towpath campsites: Single-night Towpath campsites are offered for pass-through passengers.
• Overnight parking: Only available at select CVNP Trailhead.

Trailheads and facilities for bicycle riders at the Towpath

The Towpath Trail is accessible via trailheads. Along the Towpath's 87 miles, there are 48 trailheads. All but one (Portage Path Trailhead in Summit County) have parking, allowing for easy trail access.

Parking is free, and the number of spaces available varies by location, ranging from a few to over 100.

To see where the trailheads are, go to the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail map page and see the area's highlights. You may also look at the amenities at each location and identify nearby attractions to make your trip more enjoyable.

Do not forget there are rules for parking at Trailheads:

• County Park Districts do not permit overnight parking. By the time the park closes, all automobiles must be out.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park allows overnight parking at major trailheads, and the national park is the only location where the Towpath is open 24-hours. Bicyclists should be aware that the Towpath is not lit at night. Helmet lights are therefore essential.

Note that parking areas at the following national parks are open for 24 hours:

Rockside Station, Canal Visitor Center, Frazee House, Station Road Bridge, Red Lock, Boston Store, Lock 29, Hunt Farm, Indigo Lake, Ira Trailhead, Botzum. However, Deep Lock Quarry is open from 6 AM to 11 PM.

If you are using the areas above for overnight parking, please notify the CVNP Communication Center at 800-433-1986 ext. 0.