Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail Park

Erie Ave. in Canal Fulton, Massillon, and Navarre

Status Alert: Utility Line Work near John Glenn and Towpath Court Trailheads

Users may encounter utility crews working on transmission lines and tree trimming along those lines that cross the trail at John Glenn Grove and near Towpath Court trailheads. Please follow all signage and instructions from the crew.

Open Daily: All parks are open 24 hours a day, unless otherwise posted.

General Information: 330.477.3552

On-Duty Ranger: 330.353.2377

Rentals and Reservations: 330-409-8096

Enjoy 26 miles of the iconic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Stark Parks! Begin your hiking or biking adventure at any one of the 14 trailheads. The shady, flat terrain parallels the Tuscarawas River through deciduous forests and rural and urban landscapes.

Stop for a picnic at Lock 4, Lake Ave., John Glenn Grove, or Craig Pittman trailheads. Fish at Lake Lucerne, along the canal at Lock 4, at Wooster St., or in the nearby Tuscarawas River.

Ride your horse along the parallel Olde Muskingum Trail for 5.7 miles to Forty Corners to Cherry St. in Canal Fulton. Equestrians are not permitted on the Massillon portion of the trail. Horseback riders may use the Southern Section of the Towpath Trail between John Glenn Grove and the Tuscarawas county line.  Bikers and hikers can connect with the Sippo Valley Trail in Massillon at Tremont Ave. and head west to Dalton.  The Sippo Valley Trail travels under Tremont Ave. and then uses a sidewalk to cross over the Tuscarawas River.  Make an immediate left on the SW corner of Tremont Ave. and 5th St. where the trail will pick up next to the railroad tracks and river before heading west.

The Towpath Trail and bordering park lands follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal through what once were three thriving canal villages, now the cities of Canal Fulton and Massillon and the Village of Navarre. This Stark County section is part of the 110-mile Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area which extends north all the way to Cleveland and south to New Philadelphia.

In many areas the old canal bed is still visible. In the Canal Fulton area, the canal has been preserved, allowing for rides on a replica canal boat, the St. Helena III, during the spring and summer.

Canal Fulton & Massillon (Northern Section)
point to point map with mileage_NorthLake Lucerne Trailhead
7975 Erie Ave. NW
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614

  • This trailhead offers a small parking lot.
    This portion has been adopted by the Northwest High School National Honor Society.  The club sponsors cleanup projects during the year.

St. Helena Heritage Park
125 Tuscarawas St NW
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614

  • On Cherry St. (Rt. 93) in the city of Canal Fulton.
  • This City of Canal Fulton park includes a Canalway Visitors Center, canal boat rides, covered picnic shelter, restrooms, parking, and access to the Towpath Trail.

Lock 4 Trailhead
6575 Erie Ave. NW
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614

  • From Rt. 21 heading north, take a right onto Lake Ave. in Massillon and a left onto Erie Street. Lock 4 trailhead is located on the west (left) side of the road before you reach downtown Canal Fulton.
  • Lock 4 features an historic canal lock (the fourth lock south of Summit County). Lock 4 also features a mill raceway, picnic tables and grills, a handicap-accessible fishing dock, and portable toilets. Parking is available inside the park and along Erie Avenue.

Butterbridge Trailhead
5513 Butterbridge Rd. NW
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614

Crystal Springs Trailhead

4503 Erie Ave. NW
Massillon, Ohio 44647

  • South of Erie Ave. and West of High Mill Ave NW.
  • This trailhead marks the location of the once-bustling town of Crystal Springs that grew up along the Ohio & Erie Canal. The town’s proximity to the canal allowed farmers and industries to ship crops and coal to larger cities.  The area was once a hub of activity with docks for canal boats, mills, warehouses, a saloon, and a co-op grocery.

Forty Corners Trailhead
9197 Forty Corners St. NW
Massillon, Ohio 44646

Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead & Rivers Edge Campsite
3455 Erie Ave. NW
Massillon, OH 44646

  • North of Massillon and south of Traphagen Rd. in Jackson Twp.
  • This trailhead features a primitive campsite with space for several tents right next to the Tuscarawas River, a picnic table, fire ring, and a portable toilet. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served based for Towpath Trail hikers and cyclists. Drive-up camping is not permitted.  Check in with the Park Ranger upon arrival at 330-353-2377
  • This portion has been adopted by Massillon Animal Hospital.  They sponsor cleanup projects during the year.

Towpath Court Trailhead
1523 Towpath Ave. NW
Massillon, OH 44646

Lake Avenue Trailhead
135 Lake Ave. NW
Massillon, OH 44647

  • From I-77 go west on Rt. 30 and north on Rt. 21.
  • Includes Ernie’s Bike Shop with bike rentals and repair, a canoe livery, and The Blue Heron Deli.

Massillon Recreation Center
505 Erie St. N
Massillon, Ohio 44646

  • Cross Cherry Rd, head West, then cross Rt. 21 to access the trail.

John Glenn Grove Trailhead
8000 Warmington Road SW
Massillon, Ohio 44646

  • From I-77 go west on Rt. 30 and south on Rt. 21/62. At Warmington Rd., turn right and go .5 mile to trailhead.
  • This trailhead features parking and a bronze bust of former U.S. Senator and Astronaut John Glenn reaching for the stars.

Navarre (Southern Section)
point to point map with mileage_southWooster St. (Waterworks Park) Trailhead
338 Wooster St. NW
Navarre, Ohio 44662

Craig Pittman Trailhead
8218 Hudson Dr. SW
Navarre, Ohio 44662

Canal Bend Trailhead
6997 Dolphin St SW
Bolivar, Ohio 44612

  • Northeast Corner of Rt. 212 and Riverland Ave, just east of the Tuscarawas River.

Activities

  • Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Camping (Primitive)
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching and Orienteering
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Running and parkrun
  • Winter Activities

Amenities

  • Fishing Dock
  • Picnic Tables

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